N. Sarbaz; A. Mahboubi; R. Moussavi-Harami; M. Khanehbad
Abstract
The Koppeh- Dagh Basin in the northeast Iran formed after closure of the Paleotethys in the south of Turan plate. Kashafrud Formation in the Navia Section (west of Bojnourd) with a thickness of 749 m is composed of silici-clastic rocks (conglomerate, sandstone and shale). In order to interpret provenance ...
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The Koppeh- Dagh Basin in the northeast Iran formed after closure of the Paleotethys in the south of Turan plate. Kashafrud Formation in the Navia Section (west of Bojnourd) with a thickness of 749 m is composed of silici-clastic rocks (conglomerate, sandstone and shale). In order to interpret provenance of this formation in the study section, 12 shale samples have been geochemically analyzed. The samples are rich in quartz and clay minerals, with respect to (UCC) depletion in Na2O, CaO, MgO, Cu, Nb and Sr and enrichment in Ni, Co, V, Y and U. Plotting TiO2 versus Al2O3, Zr versus TiO2, as well as ternary diagram (SiO2/20), (k2O+ Na2O), (MgO+ TiO2+ FeO) and diagram Al2O3, (Cao+ Na2O+ K2O), (FeO + MgO) suggest that the original source of this formation was probably from intermediate igneous rocks. Calculated PIA and CIA indicate high chemical weathering and semi- humid climatic condition in the source area. Prepared discrimation diagram using the major oxides (SiO2 versus K2O/Na2O and ternary diagrams SiO2/20, Na2O+ K2O, TiO2+ MgO+ Fe2O3), shows that the shales of this formation were plotted in the passive continental margin. Paleogeographic reconstruction for this formation, during the Middle Jurassic shows that sedimentation of this formation is mainly controlled by intracontinental subsiding basin and the source of these sediments was from the southeast of the Kopph-Dagh Basin.
H. Moradi; H. Mohseni; M. Moeini; R. Behbahani
Abstract
Sediment transport occurs through various processes, whereby their origin is of great importance. Surface sediments of the Semnan province and NE Isfahan province (Khour and Biabanak) were sampled to examine the possibility of transportation by wind. Hence, 43 samples collected from surficial sediments ...
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Sediment transport occurs through various processes, whereby their origin is of great importance. Surface sediments of the Semnan province and NE Isfahan province (Khour and Biabanak) were sampled to examine the possibility of transportation by wind. Hence, 43 samples collected from surficial sediments of the Semnan and Isfahan provinces were analyzed using ICP method in the geochemistry lab of the Geological Survey of Iran. After testing outlier data were excluded from any further processing. To ensure confidence of any possible relation between elements, multiple statistical approach including principal component analysis (Pearson correlation), correlation analysis, cluster analysis, factor analysis and varimax boxes were applied. The results show that the elements including Zn, V, Ti, Sn, Sc, P, Ni, Mn, Cu, Cr, Co, Cd, Ba, represent reasonable correlation for samples of the Semnan province. Coeval existing of Co, Mn and Ni may reflect their geogenic source, particularly from intermediate to basic volcanic rocks exposed around the area. In Khour and Biabanak area, V, Ti, Sn, Sc, Pb, P, Ni, Mn, Cu, Cr, Co, Cd, Zn are closely related, which probably points to their origin from altered ultramafic rocks of the Proterozoic-early Paleozoic exposed around the area. There are positive factors in levels 1, 3 and 4 may be affected by various geological formations exposed around the studied areas. However, combined role of human or agricultural activity are more plausible for level 3 in factor analysis.
Sedimentology
A. Rahimi; M. H. Adabi; A. Nabati; M. R. Majidifard; A. M. Jamali
Abstract
Carbonate sequences of the Shotori Formations (Middle Triassic) with a thickness of 308 m, were deposited in the Kalmard region of the Tabas city in Central Iran basin. The lower contact of the formation gradually and conformably overlies the Sorkhshale Formation and upper contact is faulted. The Shotori ...
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Carbonate sequences of the Shotori Formations (Middle Triassic) with a thickness of 308 m, were deposited in the Kalmard region of the Tabas city in Central Iran basin. The lower contact of the formation gradually and conformably overlies the Sorkhshale Formation and upper contact is faulted. The Shotori Formation is mainly composed of thick to medium bedded fine-coarsely crystalline dolomites with a thickness of 250 m with interbeds of thin bedded limestone and sandstone. The Shotori Formation is mainly composed of fine-coarsely crystalline dolomite. Based on petrographic (size and fabric), and elemental studies (Ca, Mg, Na, Sr, Fe, Mn), five dolomite types were recognized. Variation in dolomite types is mainly related to early to late diagenetic processes, changing the composition of dolomitizing fluids. Geochemical studies also indicate that medium to coarse grain dolomites formed in meteoric diagenesis under reducing conditions. Mechanism of dolomitization for dolomite type 1 is sabkha model, for dolomite types 2 and 3 is mixing zone and is burial model for dolomite types 4 and 5.
Sedimentology
S. A. Moallemi; M. A. Salehi; A. Zohdi
Abstract
In this study, the sandstones of the Razak Formation at the Finu and Hanudun outcrops and at Sarkhun Field north of Bandar-Abbas have been investigated by petrography and geochemistry analyses to discriminate provenance for determination of tectonic setting, parent rock and palaeoweathering and for comparison ...
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In this study, the sandstones of the Razak Formation at the Finu and Hanudun outcrops and at Sarkhun Field north of Bandar-Abbas have been investigated by petrography and geochemistry analyses to discriminate provenance for determination of tectonic setting, parent rock and palaeoweathering and for comparison with the Ahwaz Sandstone of Asmari Formation. The Razak Formation mainly consists of marl, sandstone, conglomerate and sandy limestone. The results of geochemical investigation of major and trace elements indicated that the sedimentation of the Razak Formation took place in an active continental margin. Provenance analysis shows that the siliciclastic sediments of the Razak Formation were largely derived from mafic and intermediate igneous, low- to high-grade metamorphic and sedimentary rocks. Chemical weathering indices suggested that their source area underwent a moderate degree of chemical weathering in an arid climate. It seems that the sediments of the Razak Formation are results of erosion from a mixture of ophiolitic-igneous rocks belonging to the Neo-Tethys oceanic crust, metamorphic rocks and other sedimentary strata deposited in Zagros sedimentary basin during foreland basin evolution. Wedge thickness of the Razak Formation changes from the hinterland thrust basin towards the Zagros trough and ridge basin and finally disappears in the coastal Fars region. The presence of polymictic conglomerate and coarse-grained sandstone with abundant rock fragments could be considered as additional evidence for the source of Razak Formation from the Zagros imbricated zone.
A. Abedini; A. Oroji; A. A. Calagari
Abstract
Thekaolinizedzonesof the Goorgoor area (north of Takab, West-Azarbaidjan province) are alteration products of andesitic rocks of Miocene age in northwest of Iran. Based on the mineralogical studies, kaolinite, quartz, jarosite, montmorillonite, albite, muscovite-illite, anatase, chlorite, orthoclase, ...
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Thekaolinizedzonesof the Goorgoor area (north of Takab, West-Azarbaidjan province) are alteration products of andesitic rocks of Miocene age in northwest of Iran. Based on the mineralogical studies, kaolinite, quartz, jarosite, montmorillonite, albite, muscovite-illite, anatase, chlorite, orthoclase, calcite, goethite and hematite are mineral phases in these zones. The silicic veins existing within these zones include metallic minerals such as pyrite, chalcopyrite, galena, sphalerite, bornonite, and stibnite. The mass change calculations of rare earth elements (REEs), with assumption of Sc as a monitor immobile element, reveal that development of kaolinization processes were accompanied by enrichment-depletion of La-Nd and depletion of Sm-Lu. Geochemical analyses show that the degree of differentiation of Al from Fe and destruction of zircon by hydrothermal fluids are the most important controlling factors for variation of Eu (0.84-1.06) and Ce (0.83-0.93) anomalies in these zones, respectively. Positive and strong correlations of (La/Lu)N and (LREEs/HREEs)N values with components such as P, S, LOI, and Sr establish the effective role of hypogene solutions in progression of kaolinization processes. The combination of the obtained results from mineralogical and geochemical investigations suggest that changes in chemistry of altering solutions (e.g., pH and Eh) and diversity in type of fixing minerals are two key factors affecting differentiation and distribution of REEs in the kaolinizedzones at Goorgoor.
S.J Moghaddasi
Abstract
Jeirud phosphate deposit is located about 45 km north of Tehran, in the central part of the Alborz geological-structural zone. This deposit is occurred in Jeirud Formation, which is one of the major hosts of phosphate deposits in Iran. Jeirud phosphate deposit is composed of several phosphatic sandstone ...
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Jeirud phosphate deposit is located about 45 km north of Tehran, in the central part of the Alborz geological-structural zone. This deposit is occurred in Jeirud Formation, which is one of the major hosts of phosphate deposits in Iran. Jeirud phosphate deposit is composed of several phosphatic sandstone (phosphorite) layers occurring in the laminated black shale unit of Jeirud Formation. Based on the petrographic studies, phosphatic layers of Jeirud formation have simple mineralogy. Phosphate mineralization mainly consists of apatite and quartz with subordinate calcite, dolomite, pyrite, iron oxides and clay minerals. Jeirud phosphate samples show similar REE patterns, total REE contents and element ratios, suggesting contribution of common processes in their formation. Average total REE contents of the Jeirud phosphate samples are much more than those in the average oceanic water. Normalized REE patterns of Jeirud phosphate samples show differentiation and enrichment in LREEs in comparison to HREEs. Ce anomaly was not distinguished in the deposit. Investigating chondrite normalized REE patterns of the Jeirud phosphates indicate their deposition under reducing conditions. Post Archean Average Shale (PAAS) normalized patterns of the Jeirud phosphates show a nearly convex pattern with moderate positive Eu anomaly, revealing an anoxic or (sulfate reducing) diagenetic environment for phosphate formation.
M Shahraki; M.H Mahmudy Gharaie; R Moussavi-Harami; A Ahmadi
Abstract
In this research the catchment of the Sarbaz river, SE Iran, has been studied to determine sediment provenance and its possible pollution potential. 30 sediment samples collected from the riverbed were analyzed for major and trace elements, using combined XRF and AAS methods. Based on major and trace ...
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In this research the catchment of the Sarbaz river, SE Iran, has been studied to determine sediment provenance and its possible pollution potential. 30 sediment samples collected from the riverbed were analyzed for major and trace elements, using combined XRF and AAS methods. Based on major and trace element data and identification charts the sediments are identified to be of litharenite composition. Quartz-rich sedimentary and intermediate igneous origin and island arc tectonic setting is proposed for the sediments, mainly inferred from discrimination diagrams. Regarding the hazardous potential of metals and metalloids, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Hg, Ni, Pb, Se, V and Zn were studied from 30 locations. Pb, Cd and As concentrations measured respectively in 7, 10 and 20 locations are more than concentrations of the same elements in the world riverbeds. In this research, the polluted sediments were evaluated using the geo-accumulation index (Igeo). Based on this index, Cd, Pb, Zn and Cu show some degrees of pollution, while other elements are evaluated to be less pollutant. Statistic analysis show strong correlation between studied elements. Volcanic activity in north of the Makran zone can readily justify the common origin of the contaminants in the catchment of the Sarbaz river. Chromium is most probably originated from the nearby Makran ophiolites. It is concluded that geological factors have mainly been the controlling factors for the sediment pollution in the Sarbaz catchment.
P Gholami Zadeh; M.H Adabi; M Hosseini-Barzi; A Sadeghi; M.R Ghassemi
Abstract
Petrography and geochemistry of the Neyriz Miocene sediments at RoshanKuh and Kuh-e Asaki sections were carried out to determine their provenance, tectonic setting and paleoclimate conditions in the proximal part of Zagros Basin. The Miocene sediments are limited to the Zagros Main Fault at the northeast ...
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Petrography and geochemistry of the Neyriz Miocene sediments at RoshanKuh and Kuh-e Asaki sections were carried out to determine their provenance, tectonic setting and paleoclimate conditions in the proximal part of Zagros Basin. The Miocene sediments are limited to the Zagros Main Fault at the northeast and the Neyrizophiolite zone at the southwest in the Neyriz region. They contain about 700 m red and green sandstone, conglomerate and marl which overlay the Jahrum Formation with a disconformity and covered by Bakhtiari conglomerate with an angular unconformity.Petrography of thin sections indicates that the rock fragments are the most constituent, and then quartz and feldspar respectively. The low compositional and textural maturity of the studied samples (angular grains and poorly sorted sandstones) shows the proximity to the source area. Petrography of the rock fragments and the bulk chemical composition of samples display that their provenance is multiple and the sediments were derived from Sanandaj-Sirjan Zone (Cretaceous limestone- metamorphic rocks- Eocene volcanic) and Zagros Zone (ophiolite sequence- radiolarites- Eocene limestone). Also, point-count data plotted on the QFL and QmFLt triangles indicate the recycled orogen and magmatic arc provenance. Based on geochemical data tectonic setting of Neyriz Miocene sediments is continental island arc and active continental margin. The averages of Cullers' index, CIW΄ (for calculation of the chemical weathering), ICV Index (to determine the maturity source), and SiO2versus Al2O3 + K2O + Na2O diagram for these sediments show a poor weathering and dry climatic condition during their deposition which is supported by the high percentage of calcareous cement and frequency of the rock fragments. The results of this study suggest a sedimentlogical framework for the proximal part of Zagros Basin and the Miocene syn-depositional processes.
B Hosseini; A.R Ahmadi
Abstract
Deformed granitoid rocks from North Saman represent part of magmatic activity in Sanandaj-Sirjan during the Mesozoic. The granitoid rocks intruded as separate intrusions into metamorphosed rocks which have protolith ages of the Palaeozoic and Mezosoic. The intruded granitoid rocks have been deformed ...
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Deformed granitoid rocks from North Saman represent part of magmatic activity in Sanandaj-Sirjan during the Mesozoic. The granitoid rocks intruded as separate intrusions into metamorphosed rocks which have protolith ages of the Palaeozoic and Mezosoic. The intruded granitoid rocks have been deformed as a result of subsequent tectonic activities. Zircon U-Pb ages of crystals extracted from the granitoid rocks gave ages of 182 ± 4 Ma and indicate that the granitoid rocks crystallized in the Toarcian stage of the lower Jurassic. The major and trace element goechemistry suggests a subduction-related, active continental margin setting for the granitoid bodies. The occurrences of numerous Jurassic granitoids reveal the importance of magmatic activities of this period in the Sanandaj-Sirjan zone.
R Hajialioghli; H Fakharinezhad; M Moazzen
Abstract
The study area (Siyah-Cheshmeh), is located to the south Maku in the Khoy-Maku ophiolite zone. The various outcropped metamorphic rocks include serpentinites, metabasites (green schist, amphibolite) and meta-pelitic rocks (slate, mica-schist) with interlayers of marble and quartzite. The amphibolites ...
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The study area (Siyah-Cheshmeh), is located to the south Maku in the Khoy-Maku ophiolite zone. The various outcropped metamorphic rocks include serpentinites, metabasites (green schist, amphibolite) and meta-pelitic rocks (slate, mica-schist) with interlayers of marble and quartzite. The amphibolites can be classified as actinolite-amphibolite, epidote-actinolite- amphibolite, biotite-amphibolite, amphibolite and garnet-amphibolite. They have fine- to coarse-grained granoblastic texture. On the basis of whole rock chemistry, the protolith composition of the amphibolites has been determined as basalts with tholeiitic and less commonly, calc-alkaline affinities, developed in an island arc setting. The negative anomaly of Nb as well as small enrichments in LILE and LREE support arc related and tholeiitic signatures for the protolith. Considering the unknown age of the studied amphibolites, it is difficult to propose an appropriate tectonic model for formation of the investigated rocks. If the amphibolites are related to the Khoy-Maku ophiolitic complex, then they would be the result of subduction of the northern branch of the Neotethys ocean basin, development of an island arc and eventually metamorphism of the rocks due to closure and collision. Since the age is not clear, it is not possible to conclude unequivocally if the rocks are results of the Neotethys subduction system or they are related to an older, possibly a Precambrian subduction system. Dating the rocks will help to propose a suitable model for their formation.
H Zamanian; Sh Rahmani; M.R Jannessary; R Zareii Sahamiieh; B Borna
Abstract
Lohneh gold and copper deposits lay in the north west of Iran, 100 kilometers north of Zanjan province. Lohneh mining area is a part of the Tarommetallogenic zone in the Alborz-Azerbaijan region. The presence of numerous minerals, slag melting of mining activities (such as cows and exploratory pits, ...
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Lohneh gold and copper deposits lay in the north west of Iran, 100 kilometers north of Zanjan province. Lohneh mining area is a part of the Tarommetallogenic zone in the Alborz-Azerbaijan region. The presence of numerous minerals, slag melting of mining activities (such as cows and exploratory pits, tunnels) in the Armenian fortress (by Armenian miners) shows that the mineral reserve Lohneh have been considered by old miners. There are 9 gold bearing quartz veins .Two main quartz vein with a length of 500 meters and a width of one meter (visible on the Earth). Rock outcrops in the area consist of the Eocene-Oligocene volcanic rocks (tuffs, tuff breccia, trachyandesite) and intrusive rocks (granodiorite, quartz monzonite, monzonite). On the basis of geochemistry study, intrusive rocks is resemble the I-Type granitoids and from a magmatic stand point, the rocks of the area are calc–alkaline, and tectonically they belong to the continental margin and subduction zones. Tuff breccia rocks cut by quartz monzonite and has been altered. The major alteration of the areas consists of silicious, sericitic, and argillic alteration. The main gold minerals have occurred in tuff breccia rocks and a small amount of gold mineral in quartz monzonite. Gold mineralization in the Lohneh area is in the form of open space, vein-veinlet and hydrothermal breccia. According to chemical analysis of gold mineralized samples gold grade is in the range of at least 0.002 to 10ppm. The average gold grade is 4.35ppm. Mineralogy of Lohneh deposit has a metallic minerals (oxide, sulfide) and non-metallic (silicate and carbonate) which is composed of two phases hypogene and supergene. Metallic minerals are including gold particles (free in siliceous gangue and visible under a microscope and SEM study), silver (in the free form in siliceous and involved in galena and tetrahedrite network), pyrite, chalcopyrite, bornite, galena, sphalerite, and tetrahedrite. Non-metallic minerals or gangue consist of quartz, hydrothermal alkali feldspar (adularia), sericite, clay minerals, calcite, and small amount of barite. According to geochemical studies (table correlation of elements, graph clustering and component plot in rotated space) gold with Ag(0.78), cu(0.81), As(0.7), Pb(0.64), Zn(0.6), S(0.4), Bi(0.45), U(0.3), Mo(0.25) is a significant correlation. This correlation geochemistry is corresponded with mineralography evidence (mineral paragenesis sequence) and SEM studies. Fluid inclusion study was performed on primary, large size and rich liquid fluid inclusions on quartz mineral (concurrent with the formation of gold and sulfide minerals).Fluid inclusion data shows in the temperature range from 125 to 290 °C and salinity between 1 and 6.5 wt% NaCl and depths less than 1000 m. Fluid inclusion evidence shows cooling effect, boiling and formation of solutions with high salinity and density of the ore forming fluids in Lohneh deposits. Adularia mineral, calcite, bladed and comb quartz and hydrothermal breccia are evidence of boiling effect in the Lohneh deposits.Evidence of the presence of epithermal textures (banded, comb, blade, and hydrothermal breccia), sericitic alteration, and sulfide minerals such as galena, sphalerite, chalcopyrite, tetrahedrite, and fluid inclusions evidence (temperature, salinity, density, vapor-rich inclusions) indicates intermediate sulphidation epithermal gold deposits in Lohneh area.
M Afarin; M Boomeri; A Mahboubi; M Gorgij; M.A Hamzeh
Abstract
In this study, geochemical and sedimentological assessment was carried out on mudstone and sandstone deposits of Eastern coasts of Chabahar. Fifty samples were taken from five sectione of Tiss, Ramin, Lipar, Gorankesh and Garindar estuary and subjected to grain size analysis and chemical analysis ...
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In this study, geochemical and sedimentological assessment was carried out on mudstone and sandstone deposits of Eastern coasts of Chabahar. Fifty samples were taken from five sectione of Tiss, Ramin, Lipar, Gorankesh and Garindar estuary and subjected to grain size analysis and chemical analysis using XRF and ICP AES methods. Positive sorting and skewness (with the frequency of fine grain particles) of samples indicate deposition in a low energy environment. Plotting geochemical data of major elements from Late Miocene- Pleistocene age 10 mudstone and sandstone samples in east coasts of Chabahar in Makran zone, on siliciclastic rocks classification diagrams, showed that the sandstones are wacky and Mudstones are shale. The mean calculated chemical indexes of alteration (CIA) and weathering (CIW) for siliciclastic sediments, confirm low level weathering of source rocks of this sediments. The average index of combinational variety (ICV) for the studied sediments was 1.57, which indicates that these deposits have a moderate chemical maturity and are derived from the first cycle of sediments. Distribution pattern of rare earth elements on spider diagrams shows the enrichment of light rare earth elements (LRRE) relative to heavy rare earth elements (HRRE) in the rocks. High ratios of LILE/HFSE and LRRE/HRRE in the rock samples and similarity of their chemical composition with subduction zone facies, indicates that siliciclastics of Chabahar coasts have formed in a subduction zone. The diagrams of tectonic setting associated with patterns of multivariate charts also shows that the studied rocks have been developed in an active continental margin.
S.J Yousefi; A Aftabi; A Moradian
Abstract
Gossan occurs considerably around the Chahar Gonbad copper-gold mine. The mineralogy of gossan includes: hematite (Fe2O3), goethite (FeO(OH)), and limonite (Fe2O3.H2O) with colloform texture, as wewll as quartz, calcite and clay minerals. Enrichment factors include: Ag=1.08, As=1.19, Bi=70.12, Mn=4.11, ...
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Gossan occurs considerably around the Chahar Gonbad copper-gold mine. The mineralogy of gossan includes: hematite (Fe2O3), goethite (FeO(OH)), and limonite (Fe2O3.H2O) with colloform texture, as wewll as quartz, calcite and clay minerals. Enrichment factors include: Ag=1.08, As=1.19, Bi=70.12, Mn=4.11, Mo=2.37, Pb=1.51, Sb=1.7 and Fe=1.71 in comparison to the mineralized rocks. However, Cu=0.03, S=0.03 and Se=0.04 are strongly depleted; Zn= 0.94 is slightly depleted. Based on correlation coefficients, four droups can be distinguished. The first group includes Bi, Cu and Sb which have a good correlation with Fe and Mn. The reason for this correlation is probably the adsorption of Bi, Cu and Sb by iron and manganese hydroxides - oxides in gossans. The second group comprises of Pb and Ag which have a good correlation with Bi, Cu, and Sb, without any relationship with Fe and Mn. The third group elements are As, Mo and Zn which have no correlation with Fe and Mn, as they form insoluble complexes. The fourth group includes sulfur and selenium which formed by sulfide weathering, gossan formation and sulfate minerals. The correlation of Bi with Cu is caused by weathering of sulfide minerals and formation of gossan. Bi, Cu and Au enrichments in the gossan are 3123.94, 12.62 and 400 times the clarck values. All the elements in the gossans, in particular Bi could be considered as the possible exploration guides around Chahar Gonbad area.
Gh Sohrabi; M.R Hosseinzadeh; A.A Calagari; B Hadjalilu
Abstract
The study area is located in north of East-Azarabaidjan (northwest of Iran). The most important intrusive bodies in the area include the Gharehdagh and Shivardagh batholiths and porphyry stocks of Sungun and Haftcheshmeh. The petrological and petrographical studies show that the composition of intrusives ...
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The study area is located in north of East-Azarabaidjan (northwest of Iran). The most important intrusive bodies in the area include the Gharehdagh and Shivardagh batholiths and porphyry stocks of Sungun and Haftcheshmeh. The petrological and petrographical studies show that the composition of intrusives varies from gabbro through diorite, monzonite, and granodiorite to granite. All bodies are I-type and mostly metaluminous and calc-alkaline with medium to high potassium belonging to volcanic arcs. The most important alterations in ore-bearing areas include silicic, potassic, propylitic, phyllic, and argillic. Mo mineralization occurred mostly in quartz veins and veinlets within the potassic zone in porphyry systems and veins and also in endoskarn associated with garnet skarns. The amount of Mo increases in differentiated and biotite-bearing acidic bodies that have high values of Si, K, Rb, and REEs. The intrusive bodies enriched with K, Rb, and Ba and depleted in Zr, Ta, Y, Yb, and Nb elements indicate metasomatism of the upper mantle by subducting oceanic crust and subsequent generation of magma and its passes through relatively thick crust. The bodies bearing Mo mineralization are located mainly in the center of batholiths and have quartz monzonitic and granodioritic compositions.
N Zaheri; A.R Zzarasvandi; M Karevani; M Karevani; H Pourkaseb; F Rastmanesh
Abstract
The Aligudarz region is located in middle part of the Sanandaj-Sirjan Zone. During and before the Jurassic time, a variety of Cu, Fe, Zn-Pb and Ba mineralization are formed in this area due to tectono-magmatic activities. This diversity of mineralizations with volcano-plutonic activities caused some ...
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The Aligudarz region is located in middle part of the Sanandaj-Sirjan Zone. During and before the Jurassic time, a variety of Cu, Fe, Zn-Pb and Ba mineralization are formed in this area due to tectono-magmatic activities. This diversity of mineralizations with volcano-plutonic activities caused some complexities and ambiguities in geology-metallogeny evolution of the region. In this way, the aim of this study was investigation of geological evolution and its relation with mineralization and tectono-magmatic evolution of the Aligudarz region. The field and petrographic observations show that mineralization composition consist of barite with sulfide minerals (chalcopyrite, pyrite and covellite) and Fe-oxides in the Farsesh deposit withPermian carbonate host rock in the Farsesh area; sphalerite, galena and chalcopyrite in the Jurassic phylite, slate and meta-sandstone host rocks (Gol-e Zard deposit) and Cu mineralization associated with andesite rocks. In order to approach these aims, sampling for petrographical and geochemical studies with ICP-MS was done from each ore body separately. In addition, the granitoid rocks of the region were considered. In the Gol-e Zard Zn-Pb deposit, REE pattern represent enrichment of LREEs and La/Lu>1. The metamorphic host-rocks show positive Ce and negative Eu anomalies, whereas sphalerite, galena, chalcopyrite and quartz show negative Eu and Ce anomalies. Lack of Eu anomalies indicates high Oxygen fugacity during the precipitation of these minerals. Therefore, according to similarity of REE pattern in host-rock and ores of the Gol-e Zard deposit, it seems REEs extracted from host rock and then added to mineralizing fluid. The chondrite normalized pattern of REEs in barite ores and its host rocks in the Farsesh deposit show LREE enrichment. The positive Eu and negative Ce anomalies indicate that hydrothermal fluids are the main fluids, which caused precipitation of barite inthe host rock. REE pattern of andesite rocks show the same magmatic source for these rocks. LREE enrichment in andesite samples, lack of Eu and Ce anomalies indicate that clinopyroxene and plagioclase were crystallized in the same time and Ce+3 extracted with other REEs from depositional environment. The chondrite normalized pattern of granite rocks in the region show LREE enrichment, negative Eu anomaly and lack of Ce anomaly, which can indicate that diffraction process was controlled by plagioclase crystallization during the granitoid generation. The chondrite normalized spider diagram show the same trend of depletion of HFSE and HRRE and enrichment of LREE and LILE for all of the samples, which represent occurrence of magmatism in the study area and indicate all of these mineralizations are related to the subduction zone. These studies indicate that there is geodynamically a genetic relation between mineralizing fluids and volcano-plutonic activities of the region during or before the Jurassic system.
M.A Rajabzadeh; S Esmaeili
Abstract
The Jian copper deposit is hosted by the Permo-Triassic SurianVolcano-Sedimentary Complex on the eastern edge of the Sanandaj-SirjanMetamorphic Zone at a distance of 195 Km NE of Shiraz, southwestern Iran. The complex consists mainly of metabasalt, chlorite-quartz schist, chlorite-muscovite schist, ...
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The Jian copper deposit is hosted by the Permo-Triassic SurianVolcano-Sedimentary Complex on the eastern edge of the Sanandaj-SirjanMetamorphic Zone at a distance of 195 Km NE of Shiraz, southwestern Iran. The complex consists mainly of metabasalt, chlorite-quartz schist, chlorite-muscovite schist, mica schist and graphite schist. Pyrite is the most important sulfide and chalcopyrite is the major Cu-bearing mineral occurred as massive ores in lens to nearly tabular shapes and also as disseminations in veins and veinlets hosted by chlorite-quartz schist. On the basis of geochemical data the mobile elements (Na, k, Ba, Sr) and rare earth elements (REE) show an intense influence of mineralizing fluid on the host rocks. Co/Ni=8.02, Y/Ho (29.09-32.5) and Se/S*106
S Shahbazi; M Ghaderi; N Rashidnejad-Omran
Abstract
The Bashkand iron deposit is located in 16 km southwest of Soltanieh, in Central Iran Structural Zone. The rock units in the area include alternations of metamorphosed sedimentary rocks of the Kahar Formation, Khorramdarreh granite and an andesitic dike. The major alteration types are argillic, potassic, ...
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The Bashkand iron deposit is located in 16 km southwest of Soltanieh, in Central Iran Structural Zone. The rock units in the area include alternations of metamorphosed sedimentary rocks of the Kahar Formation, Khorramdarreh granite and an andesitic dike. The major alteration types are argillic, potassic, chloritic, sericitic and quartz-carbonatic in composition. N30-50W trend and S30-50W dip mineralization conforms primary bedding, foliation of phyllites as well as parallel faults. Mineralogical paragenesis includes: 1) Grossularite, pyroxene, idocrase; 2) Andradite, pyroxene, forsterite, phlogopite, magnetite; 3) Tremolite, serpentine, epidote, talc, biotite, magnetite, specularite and sulfides, and they have been cut by quartz-carbonate veins. The presence of magnetite synchronous with quartz and feldspar in the intrusive body, unconformity in behavior pattern of Fe2O3 with SiO2 and Al2O3, and its conformity with other major oxides as well as Cu and Zn, similarity of REE pattern in the ore, the intrusive body and skarnized host rocks as well as no similarity with the less altered host rocks, are the signs of sourcing ore from the intrusive-deriven fluids. Mixing of these fluids with meteoric water together with increasing in oxygen fugacity in the retrograde metasomatism stage led to ore mineralization.
M.A Arian; J Faslebahar
Abstract
Geochemistry, mineralogy and mechanism of the mud volcanoes located in the southwestof the Caspian Sea (Azerbaijan country) have already been studiedwith aim of finding out theirorigin, but mud volcanoes of The Gomishanhaven’t been studied from thesepoints of view yet. In this research, mudof mud ...
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Geochemistry, mineralogy and mechanism of the mud volcanoes located in the southwestof the Caspian Sea (Azerbaijan country) have already been studiedwith aim of finding out theirorigin, but mud volcanoes of The Gomishanhaven’t been studied from thesepoints of view yet. In this research, mudof mud volcanoes and sea floor sediments forthe first time weresampled and studied to discover their origin. The results of mineralogical and geochemical studies, which carried out byXRD, XRF, ICP methodsshow that main minerals of the Qarnyaryq, Naftlycheh and Incheborun mud volcanoes and of sea floor sediments are quarts,calcite and albite and sub ordinaryminerals are mainly halite and clay minerals such assaponite,natrolite and muscovite.Therefore,it can be resulted that the three mud volcanoes have a common origin. The obtained results compared with present data from Dashgil mud volcano(Azerbaijan) and chemical characteristics of the Caspian Sea water.This comparison revealed that the elements of Na,K, Ca, and Al in these three mud volcanoes are richerand Cl element is poorerthan the Dashgil mud volcanoand the Caspian Sea.
M Rasooli Bairami; B Shafiei Bafti; J Omrani; F Heydarian
Abstract
The occurrence of uranium anomalies associated with secondary Cu mineralization (malachite) at some parts of the Razgah metaluminous -peralkaline stock situated at the northeast of Sarab caused it to be a priority of Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) to inspect the intrusion for likely uranium ...
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The occurrence of uranium anomalies associated with secondary Cu mineralization (malachite) at some parts of the Razgah metaluminous -peralkaline stock situated at the northeast of Sarab caused it to be a priority of Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) to inspect the intrusion for likely uranium mineralization. Hence the current study, which is supervised by AEOI, was carried out to investigate the U mineralization potential of the stock by applying the mineralogical, petrological and geochemical studies. A fractionation trend is inferred from variations in rock compositions stretching from nepheline-bearing monzodiorite to nepheline monzosyenite, pseudoleucite monzosyenite and nepheline syenite. Consideration of geochemical features of fresh rocks of the stock and its associated dikes with emphasis on geochemical behavior of U and REEs during magmatic fractionation revealed that apatite has played a prominent role in controlling concentrations of REEs, U, and Th, in addition to zircon, which played a considerable role in accommodating HREEs, U, Th and HFSEs (Ti, Ta, Nb, Hf, Zr) in more differentiated rocks.Nepheline syenite rocks of peralkaline composition,s which are considered to be the most differentiated have low contents of HFSEs, U (up to 21 ppm), Th (up to 56 ppm) and REEs compared to average nepheline syenites but are relatively more enriched in these elements than less differentiated rocks of the stock. Most of the rocks possess negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu*≤1) and differentiated nepheline syenites have strong negative Eu anomalies. Abundance of ilmenite and magnetite and lack of amphibole in rocks suggests the parental magma had a reducing nature and meagre contents of volatile components, which along with metaluminous character and prepondarence of apatite in rocks have rendered the magma incapable of enriching U. Minor amounts of hydrothermal fluids released from some parts of the stock led to leaching of U from hosting minerals (apatite and zircon) and resulted in weak hypogene mineralization of U and Cu. Later supergene leaching process affected the weak primary mineralization and upgraded U tenors concurrent with formation of secondary Cu carbonate minerals. Due to thin and limited extention of these enrichment sites, they are not economically viable for uranium extraction; consequently, this area does not suggest for semi-detailed and detailed exploration program for uranium by AEOI.
Z Kalantarzadeh; M.H Adabi; H Rahimpour Bonab
Abstract
After Early Cimmerian orogenic stage, due to marine transgression, the Nayband Formation Norian_Rethian (Upper Triassic) in age deposited in the Central Iran Zone. Because of transforming of aragonite and high Mg calcite into low Mg calcite during diagenesis, recognition of original carbonate ...
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After Early Cimmerian orogenic stage, due to marine transgression, the Nayband Formation Norian_Rethian (Upper Triassic) in age deposited in the Central Iran Zone. Because of transforming of aragonite and high Mg calcite into low Mg calcite during diagenesis, recognition of original carbonate mineralogy based on petrographic studies is difficult. In this research, original carbonate mineralogy and type of carbonates (tropical, temperate and polar) of the Nayband Formation in Darbidkhoon, Tarz, Gitry and Kuhbanan stratigraghic sections have been studied using geochemical evidences. The trace elements (Na, Sr, Fe, Mn) and isotopes (and) data of the Nayband Formation carbonates is located inside or close to the aragonitic tropical Fahlian Formation (Lower Cretaceous), the Ilam Formation (Upper Cretaceous), the Kangane Formation (Lower Triassic) and the Mozduran Formation (Upper Jurassic) limestones, because of aragonitic original carbonate mineralogy. The results of elemental and isotopic analysis correlate with the petrographic evidences and paleogeographic map of the Upper Triassic.
N Etemad-Saeed; M Hosseini-Barzi; M.H Adabi; A Sadeghi
Abstract
The Kahar Formation at its type locality in the KaharMountain, 75 km NW of Tehran, consists of about 1000 m of siliciclastic rocks (mainly mudrocks). This study focuses on the mineralogical and geochemical composition of these mudrocks to identify possible source areas and their tectonic setting. The ...
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The Kahar Formation at its type locality in the KaharMountain, 75 km NW of Tehran, consists of about 1000 m of siliciclastic rocks (mainly mudrocks). This study focuses on the mineralogical and geochemical composition of these mudrocks to identify possible source areas and their tectonic setting. The optical microscopy and XRD studies suggest that the mudrocks are rich in quartz and feldspar (especially plagioclase) and have low phyllosilicates (mostly illite and chlorite). SEM-EDX petrographic investigation of mudrocks reveals that platy illite and chlorite may have formed during the diagenesis (illitization and chloritization). Classification of studied mudrocks based on the maturity index, indicate that they are tectic and phyllo-tectic types, deposited in basins related to an (continental) island arc tectonic setting. The Chemical Index of Alteration (average 70) and A–CN–K parameters indicate that a moderate chemical weathering has taken place in the source region of the Kahar mudrocks. In addition, the chemical composition of mudrocks suggests that the amount of sediment recycling is very low in the Kahar deposits. The geochemical discrimination diagrams, immobile trace element ratios and Rare Earth Elements of mudrocks suggest that the Kahar mudrocks were derived mainly from the felsic sources and deposited in the basins related to an island arc tectonic setting. The resulting model for the tectonic setting of the Kahar basin during the Late Neoproterozoic can be best explained by recently models that considered Iran as part of Peri-Gondwanan terranes, similar to the Avalonia and Cadomia arc terranes, occupying the northern margins of Gondwana.
A Abedini; S Alipour; M Khosravi
Abstract
TheDarzi-Vali bauxite deposit is located in ~20 km east of Bukan, south of West-Azarbaidjan province (NW Iran). This deposit developed as stratiform layers and lenses within carbonate rocks of the Ruteh Formation (middle Permian). The mineralogical studies indicated that the surface waters with oxidizing-acidic ...
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TheDarzi-Vali bauxite deposit is located in ~20 km east of Bukan, south of West-Azarbaidjan province (NW Iran). This deposit developed as stratiform layers and lenses within carbonate rocks of the Ruteh Formation (middle Permian). The mineralogical studies indicated that the surface waters with oxidizing-acidic nature and the underground waters with reducing-basic nature played an important role during the development and evolution of this deposit. Based on field evidences and geochemical studies, the basaltic rocks are the most probable parent rock of this deposit. Calculations of enrichment factor revealed that the elements of Si, Ca, Mg, Na, K, Mn, Co, Rb and Hf were leached during development of this deposit and the elements of Al, Ti, V, Th, Ga, Zr, Nb, U, and Cr were enriched. This is while the elements of Fe, P, Ni, Ba, and Y have borne leaching-fixation processes. The obtained data indicated that the factors such as adsorption, scavenging, residual concentrations, buffering of weathering solutions by carbonate bedrock, mineralogical control, differences in intense of alteration, organic matter, and fluctuation of underground water tables have played pronounced roles in distribution of major, minor, and trace elements in this deposit. This study also revealed that the Fe-poor and Fe-rich ores of this deposit have appropriate properties for being used in refractory and cement industries, respectively.
S.M Heidari; M Ghaderi; H Kouhestani; M Hosseini
Abstract
The Touzlar epithermal gold deposit formed within the high-K calc-alkaline (shoshonitic) andesitic volcanic units in northwestern Iran. The volcanic complex is in fact a part of magmatism related to the Urumieh-Dokhtar Magmatic Belt crosscutting northeastern rim of the Sanandaj-Sirjan Metamorphic-Magmatic ...
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The Touzlar epithermal gold deposit formed within the high-K calc-alkaline (shoshonitic) andesitic volcanic units in northwestern Iran. The volcanic complex is in fact a part of magmatism related to the Urumieh-Dokhtar Magmatic Belt crosscutting northeastern rim of the Sanandaj-Sirjan Metamorphic-Magmatic Zone. This magmatic system is composed of pyroclastics and lava flow sequences. The volcanic and subvolcanic rocks of the complex constitute a part of the volcano-sedimentary sequence of the Qom Formation, which formed in an extensional regime of basement uplifting and intra-continental basin. Zircon LA-ICP-MS U-Pb dating shows age between 18.4±1.0 and 18.7±0.55 Ma (Lower Miocene) for the volcanism. The hydrothermal alteration types (propylitic, argillic, phyllic, sericitic, advanced argillic and silicification) and evolving mineralization in relation to brecciation and deposition of copper sulfides and sulfosalts imply that the mineralization at Touzlar is similar to that of high sulfidation deposits in volcanic settings. The gold mineralization textures in the Touzlar deposit appear as disseminated, open space filling, veins and veinlets. The main sulfide minerals are pyrite, chalcopyrite, bornite, as well as small amounts of enargite, chalcocite, covellite, digenite, tetrahedrite, galena and sphalerite. The gold in this mineralization occurs as freed from oxidized pyrite grains, also in quartz in hydrothermal breccias as well as solid solution in other minerals such as sulfides and sulfosalts. The main difference in the formation of Touzlar with high sulfidation deposits is in its setting. The formation setting for this mineralization confirms its genesis at low depth and pressure. The deposit formed at the shallow submarine environment of the Qom basin in relation to extensional tectonic regime, while high sulfidation epithermal deposits usually form in subaerial environments related to tensional settings. Structural, host rock type, alteration, paragenesis and Au-Ag (Cu) ore mineralization characteristics of the deposit suggest that Touzlar is most similar to subvolcanic intrusion-related epithermal (high sulfidation) gold deposits formed in intra-arc extensional settings.
A Ghorbani; M.H Adabi; S Sohrabi
Abstract
The Sirri E (Esfand) and D (Dena) Oil Fields are located in the south of the Persian Gulf. The Upper Sarvak (Mishrif Member) Formation, late Cretaceous (Cenomanian-Turonian) in age, is underlain by the argillaceous limestone of Khatiyah and by the late Turonian unconformity overlain by the Laffan Shale ...
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The Sirri E (Esfand) and D (Dena) Oil Fields are located in the south of the Persian Gulf. The Upper Sarvak (Mishrif Member) Formation, late Cretaceous (Cenomanian-Turonian) in age, is underlain by the argillaceous limestone of Khatiyah and by the late Turonian unconformity overlain by the Laffan Shale in mentioned two oil fields. On the basis of petrographic and geochemical evidences (elemental analysis such as Mg, Ca, Sr, Mn) and oxygen and carbon isotope values, aragonite was original carbonate mineralogy for the carbonates of the Upper Sarvak (Mishrif Member) Formation in (Well A) in the Sirri E Field. The geochemical studies and δ18O and δ13C illustrate that these carbonates were affected by meteoric diagenesis in hot and arid climate and in semi-closed to open diagenetic system with thin soil layer. Temperature calculation based on the oxygen isotope value of the least-altered sample and δw around of -1 SMOW for Cretaceous, show that the seawater temperature was around 34˚C during the deposition of the Upper Sarvak (Mishrif Member) Formation. With regards to the highly altered samples and light oxygen values the temperature should be probably related to the shallow burial diagenesis. Petrographic studies of thin sections of the well A in the Sirri E Field and the well B in the Sirri D Field show the effect of diagenetic processes such as micritization, dissolution, cementation, neomorphism, pressure solution, physical compaction, fracture and dolomitization on the reservoir quality of the Upper Sarvak (Mishrif Member) Formation. The most important diagenetic factor that increased the reservoir quality is dissolution, which occurred in the meteoric diagenesis. However, the most important diagenetic factor that decreased the reservoir quality is the expansion of various kinds of cement especially large blocky cement, which occurred in the burial diagenesis.
F Kangarani Farahani; A.A Calagari; A Abedini
Abstract
Kambelu lateritic deposit is located in ~80 km west of Damghan, Semnan province. This deposit was developed as stratiform lenses along the contact of carbonates of Elika Formation (Triassic) and shale-sandstone of Shemshak Formation (Jurassic). Petrographical studies testify to the presence of collomorphic, ...
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Kambelu lateritic deposit is located in ~80 km west of Damghan, Semnan province. This deposit was developed as stratiform lenses along the contact of carbonates of Elika Formation (Triassic) and shale-sandstone of Shemshak Formation (Jurassic). Petrographical studies testify to the presence of collomorphic, colloformic, pseudo-porphyritic, and nodular textures within the ores of this deposit. Mineralogical data show that the ores contain diaspore, goethite, anatase, kaolinite, hematite, boehmite, and zircon. Considering the mineralogical composition and textural characteristics, this deposit was formed in an almost reduced near-surface environment. Geochemical indices like Eu/Eu* along with ratios such as Ti/Zr, Nb/Y, and Al/Ti suggest that Kambelu deposit is a product of alteration and weathering of rocks of trachy-andesitic to basaltic composition. Comparison of the variation trend of elements like Si, Al, and Fe within a selective profile reveals that the variation in chemistry (i.e., pH) of solutions responsible for lateritization and drainage intensity are the two principal factors for formation of the ores. Geochemical considerations show that distribution of trace elements in this deposit is a function of factors such as adsorption, scavenging by metallic oxides and hydroxides, fixation in neomorphic phases, and presence in resistant mineral phases. Inharmonic distribution of REEs in the studied profile indicates an allogenic origin for this deposit. The obtained data indicate that clays, anatase, zircon, xenotime, gorceixite, and churchite are the potential hosts for REEs in this deposit.
