Economic Geology
Leila Amini; Mohammad Maanijou
Abstract
One of the common processes that lead to the formation and enrichment of precious metal deposits is boiling. The existence of a spatial relation between fluid boiling and deposition of precious metals is a valuable tool in exploration of epithermal deposits. Therefore, the investigating of the process ...
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One of the common processes that lead to the formation and enrichment of precious metal deposits is boiling. The existence of a spatial relation between fluid boiling and deposition of precious metals is a valuable tool in exploration of epithermal deposits. Therefore, the investigating of the process occurrence in epithermal deposits will be able to predict the continuation of exploration trend. Chah-Morad epithermal gold deposit is located in 75 km northwest of Bazman in the Sistan and Baluchistan Province and in the Makran-Chagai Magmatic Arc southeast of Iran. The mineralization in the Chah-Morad deposit occurred in 3 stages and in quartz veins that exist between the altered argillic alteration zone and dacite and rhyodacite sub-volcanic rocks. Textural mineralogical and fluid inclusions studies indicate the occurrence of the boiling process in this deposit. The most important kinds of evidence for the occurrence of this process are: a) the presence of adularia, b) platy calcite texture, c) breccia, crustiform-colloform textures, d) different liquid-vapor ratios of fluid inclusions, e) the increase in the salinity of fluid inclusions with the decrease in homogenization temperatures, f) the coexistence of fluid inclusions with different salinities and g) co-existing liquid single-phase fluid inclusions with vapor single-phase fluid inclusions. Therefore, the existance of boiling is confirmed in the Chah-Morad deposit.
Economic Geology
Seyed Mehran Heidari; Sara Safavy; Afshin Akbarpour; Azra Hassanlou; Bahram Mohaghegh
Abstract
Saveh-Razan copper (± gold) area, with WNW direction in the northwest of Urmia-Dokhtar magmatic belt, with the highest reaction to right-sided shear zones and structural trend change during the Oligomyocene, leads to the placement of semi-deep Oligomyocene diorite massifs in shallow rock depths. ...
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Saveh-Razan copper (± gold) area, with WNW direction in the northwest of Urmia-Dokhtar magmatic belt, with the highest reaction to right-sided shear zones and structural trend change during the Oligomyocene, leads to the placement of semi-deep Oligomyocene diorite massifs in shallow rock depths. It is an Eocene volcano. By creating different types of mass-related hydrothermal alteration (propylitic, intermediate-advanced argillaceous, and phyllite) along the fractures, the system concentrates the mineralizations in quartz-sulfide veins, hydrothermal incisions, and concentrated sulfide-bearing filaments. Common features of metallurgy in this area are fluid homogenization temperature between 250 to 350 ° C and salinity range of 6-28% by weight of salt, containing CO2 gas and liquid phase of liquid and the presence of sulfides such as pyrite, chalcopyrite, burnite, chalcocite and sulfosalts in related reserves. There is also more gold than silver. Therefore, these features are most similar to the mass-related intermediate-type epitermal deposits that form in calcoalkalkene magmatic arcs.
Economic Geology
Hadi Mohammadian; vartan simmonds; kamal Siahcheshm
Abstract
The Sarikhanloo area is located within the Qaradagh metallogenic zone in northwest Meshgin Shahr. Igneous rocks cropped out in this area include successions of Paleocene-Eocene pyroclastic rocks (tuff and andesitic-dacitic lavas with intercalations of ignimbrite) and basaltic andesite lava flows. Igneous ...
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The Sarikhanloo area is located within the Qaradagh metallogenic zone in northwest Meshgin Shahr. Igneous rocks cropped out in this area include successions of Paleocene-Eocene pyroclastic rocks (tuff and andesitic-dacitic lavas with intercalations of ignimbrite) and basaltic andesite lava flows. Igneous rocks show high-K calc-alkaline to shoshonitic nature and are mainly metaluminous, formed in a post-collisional uplift tectonic setting. Hydrothermal activities in this area brought about formation of vast silicic veins and caps, along with silicic, propylitic, phyllic (non-pervasive) and intermediate argillic alterations around the veins, as well as intermediate to advanced argillic alteration halos at the margins of silicic caps. Ore minerals in the silicic veins includes pyrite, arsenopyrite and Fe-oxides, accompanied by minor malachite, formed during four mineralization stages. Fluid inclusion studies indicate that the homogenization temperature of fluid inclusions ranges from 175 to 355 °C, considering the low pressure of fluid inclusions (≤ 0-40 bars), can signify the fluid temperature at the time of entrapment. The estimated salinity values are between 0.2 and 3 wt% NaCleq.
Economic Geology
Fatemeh Naderlou; Mir Ali asghar Mokhtari; Hossein Kouhestani; Ghasem Nabatian
Abstract
North Chargar Cu-Au mineralization located within the Tarom-Hashtjin sub-zone. This area composed of andesite and quartz-andesite lavas alternated with tuffaceouce rocks. The volcanic rocks have calc-alkaline nature and were formed in an active continental margin. Mineralization present as ore-bearing ...
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North Chargar Cu-Au mineralization located within the Tarom-Hashtjin sub-zone. This area composed of andesite and quartz-andesite lavas alternated with tuffaceouce rocks. The volcanic rocks have calc-alkaline nature and were formed in an active continental margin. Mineralization present as ore-bearing quartz vein-veinlets within a silicified zone. Based on mineralogical studies, chalcopyrite and pyrite are the main ore minerals, and malachite, covellite, chalcocite and goethite were formed by supergene processes. Quartz, barite and chlorite present as gangue minerals. Hydrothermal alterations include silicification, chloritization, sericitization and argillic. Ore and gangue minerals show disseminated, vein-veinlet, brecciated, cockade, comb, replacement, relict and open space filling textures. Based on field and microscopic studies, Cu-Au mineralization in the north Chargar can be divided into four stages: 1- the first stage is silicification of volcano-sedimentary host rock along with disseminated pyrite mineralization, 2- the second stage present as chalcopyrite and pyrite-bearing quartz vein-veinlets and hydrothermal breccia cement, 3- the third stage includes barite vein-veinlets crosscutting the previous stages of mineralization, 4- the last stage is related to supergene processes. Geological features, mineralogy and ore structure-textures in the north Chargar Cu-Au occurrence indicate most similarity with base metal epithermal (intermediate sulfidation) deposit type.
Economic Geology
Elnaz Zahmatkesh; Seyed Mehran Heidari
Abstract
Zavarian gold occurrence formed within andesitic volcanic units in northwestern Iran. The volcanic complex is in fact a part of magmatism related to Urumieh-Dokhtar magmatic belt crosscutting northwestern rim of Central-Iran zone. This system is a part of the volcanic-sedimentary sequence of the Qom ...
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Zavarian gold occurrence formed within andesitic volcanic units in northwestern Iran. The volcanic complex is in fact a part of magmatism related to Urumieh-Dokhtar magmatic belt crosscutting northwestern rim of Central-Iran zone. This system is a part of the volcanic-sedimentary sequence of the Qom Basin that is formed as an intercontinental stratovolcane in a tension environment. Gold has the highest correlation with Mo, Bi, As, Sb, Ag, Cd and Cu which indicates relationship mineralization with magmatic fluids and role of bi-sulfide complexes in gold transport. Hydrothermal alteration in this area is most in the vicinity and within intrusions, and along fractures with NE-SE trending and have more intense around siliceous zones. The activity of hydrothermal system starts by alterations related to the subvolcanic intrusive, and creates the first mineralization phase by oxid-silicic alteration along the fractures. This mineralization phase continued by hydrothermal breccia with tourmaline and copper sulfide, and finally finished with high sulfide mineralization and deposition of gold mineralization in the cavities and fractures. Therefore, Characteristics of this mineralization indicate that it is most similar to epithermal related to subvolcanic deposits.
Negin Fazli; Majid Ghaderi; David Lentz; Jianwei Li
Abstract
The North Narbaghi deposit is located approximately 26 km northeast of the city of Saveh in the central part of Urumieh-Dokhtar magmatic arc of Iran. In this area, the Oligo-Miocene intrusive rocks cut the Eocene volcano-sedimentary rocks intruding into the surrounding rocks causing extensive alteration ...
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The North Narbaghi deposit is located approximately 26 km northeast of the city of Saveh in the central part of Urumieh-Dokhtar magmatic arc of Iran. In this area, the Oligo-Miocene intrusive rocks cut the Eocene volcano-sedimentary rocks intruding into the surrounding rocks causing extensive alteration zones such as phyllic, argillic, propylitic and tourmalinization. The intrusive rocks include diorite, monzodiorite, megadiorite with calc-alkaline nature which formed as a result of subduction of the Neo-Tethyan oceanic crust beneath the Central Iranian block. The epithermal Ag-Cu mineralization at North Narbaghi, with vein-veinlet and breccia geometries is mainly hosted in andesite, lithic tuff, diorite and monzodiorite. At the North Narbaghi deposit, ore minerals can be divided into four groups: sulfides (chalcopyrite, pyrite, sphalerite, bornite), sulfosalts (tetrahedrite, tennantite), carbonates (azurite, malachite) and oxides (hematite, goethite). The alteration shows a relative concentration pattern at the North Narbaghi deposit; the argillic, sericitic and calcite alteration types are in close connection with the Ag-Cu mineralization and the propylitic and tourmalinization alteration types occur at the margin of mineralization. The main characteristics of mineralization such as geodynamic environment, host rocks, mineralogy, metal content, geometry, alteration and comparing these features with the characteristics of epithermal deposits, show that the North Narbaghi deposit can be classified as a typical intermediate-sulfidation (IS) epithermal mineralization.
Economic Geology
Behzad Hamamipour; H. A. Tajeddin; Leila Barahmand
Abstract
The Sebandoon gold deposit is located 40 km north of the Bardaskan in the northern part of the Central Iran. The rock units exposed in the area consist of upper Cretaceous volcano-sedimentary sequences of trachyte-trachyandesite, andesibasalt,tuff and carbonaceous shale which intruded by post Eocene ...
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The Sebandoon gold deposit is located 40 km north of the Bardaskan in the northern part of the Central Iran. The rock units exposed in the area consist of upper Cretaceous volcano-sedimentary sequences of trachyte-trachyandesite, andesibasalt,tuff and carbonaceous shale which intruded by post Eocene syenite-quartz monzonite subvolcanic intrusions and diabasic dikes. The main gold reservoir in the Sebandoon deposit has occurred in cone-shaped and mostly in the trachyte-trachyandesite lava with dimensions of 90×150 m in the surface which continue up to the depth of 70 m. The hydrothermal alterations occurred in the deposit area include silicic, sulphidic, partly argillic (supergen) and propylitic which two former contains most of the high grade gold ores. The main ore structures and textures in the deposit are vein-veinlets (stockwork) and breccia which consists of quartz, sulphide minerals and rare adularia. Primary ore mineral assemblages of the deposit are simple and consist of pyrite, sphalerite, chalcopyrite, bornite, galena, arsenopyrite and gold. Covellite, chalcocite and iron hydroxides are secondary minerals in the deposit. Gold grains with less of than 60 microns in size has been found as inclusion in pyrite and chalcopyrite, in sulfides rims and intergrowth with quartz. Fluid inclusion studies on ore-bearing quartz reveal that majority of primary inclusions are liquid-rich two-phase (LV). The studies indicate homogenization temperatures between 165 and 254°C and salinity between 0.9 to 7.8 wt% NaCl eq. Comparison of the main characteristics of the Sebandoon deposit with epithermal gold deposits reveals that the geology, alteration, ore mineralogy, geochemical characteristics and fluid inclusions of the Sebandoon gold deposit is similar to low to intermediate-sulphidation type epithermal deposits.
Kamran Motevali; Mehrdad Behzadi; Mohammad Yazdi
Abstract
Eocene magmatism with intermediate-acid tuffs and volcanic rocks, the host to the Nodoushan deposit in Yazd province, intruded by Oligocene early diorite and later granite plutonic rocks. The former involved in iron skarn (containing epidote and euhedral grossularite) to the north and northern part of ...
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Eocene magmatism with intermediate-acid tuffs and volcanic rocks, the host to the Nodoushan deposit in Yazd province, intruded by Oligocene early diorite and later granite plutonic rocks. The former involved in iron skarn (containing epidote and euhedral grossularite) to the north and northern part of the deposit, the latter contributed to fault-controlled Zn-Pb deposit. The structural features controlled both the mineralization and consequent alterations which ranged from silicification (central) to argillic (northern). Propylitic alteration and dolomitization considered the minor ones, the iron contamination of which could be provided by earlier iron mineralization. Sulfide minerals dominantly pyrite, sphalerite and galena followed by chalcopyrite and late stage copper minerals such as covellite, digenite, bornite, chalcocite. Oxide minerals developed to the depth of 40m as a result of faults. Sphalerite which is of high-Fe type was characterized by extensive chalcopyrite disease, the iron content of which provided by earlier iron concentration. The concentration of chalcopyrite exsolution along sphalerite margins as well as galena veinlets is due to the thermal shock of later stage hydrothermal fluids that deposited galena and chalcopyrite. Negligible fossil replacements indicate both mineralization and alteration. It was concluded that the Zn-dominant mineralization was deposited under the structural controlling faults which reflects part of its earlier iron mineralization.
M Norouzi; M. Lotfi; M. H. Emami; H. Jamali; A. Abedini
Abstract
Mesgarabad area is located in ~10 km southeast of Tehran, the Central- Alborz structural zone (CASZ) of Iran. The rock units exposed in the area consist of Eocene volcanics, volcano-sedimentary and sedimentary rocks intruded by post upper Eocene granodiorite to quartz monzo-diorite. These subvolcanic ...
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Mesgarabad area is located in ~10 km southeast of Tehran, the Central- Alborz structural zone (CASZ) of Iran. The rock units exposed in the area consist of Eocene volcanics, volcano-sedimentary and sedimentary rocks intruded by post upper Eocene granodiorite to quartz monzo-diorite. These subvolcanic intrusive bodies show porphyroid to microgranular textures and have calc-alkaline magmatic nature. These bodies produced hydrothermal fluids causing extensive alteration zones developed along the Se-Darreh-e-Bozorg strike-slip fault. The effects of hydrothermal fluids on the entire Eocene rock units and subvolcanic intrusive bodies are remarkable. The main alterations are silicification, sericitization, chloritization, epidotizaton, actinolitization, argillization, carbonatization, and alunitization-jarositization, which provided suitable physico-chemical conditions for ore-mineralization. The penetration of subvolcanic intrusive bodies into the Eocene volcanics, volcano-sedimentary and sedimentary rocks brought about skarn mineralization and epithermal barite veins. Microscopic studies and advanced analysis showed that the principal mineral phases in the epithermal zones are magnetite, pyrite, chalcopyrite, bornite, chalcocite, barite, Cu+Sn+Fe alloy, hematite, psilomelane, jacobsite, martite, geothite, and lepidochrosite. The skarnification processes occurred at two distinct stages, (1) progressive and (2) retrogressive. The pyrometasomatic anhydrous minerals such as andradite-grossularite formed during progressive stage and the hydrous minerals like epidote, chlorite, tremolite- actinolite, calcite, quartz, pyrite, chalcopyrite and chalcocite were developed during retrogressive stage. Fluid inclusion studies on primary aqueous inclusions trapped in barite crystals revealed fluid that mixing of two fluids having different physico-chemical conditions played an important role for ore deposition.
S. M. Heidari; M. Ghaderi; H. Kouhestani
Abstract
Arabshah gold deposit formed through hydrothermal activity with an age of ~11 Ma (based on zircon U-Pb dating by LA-ICP-MS), in northwestern Iran. This hydrothermal activity is a part of the Urumieh-Dokhtar magmatic arc (UDMA), leading to mineralization in this area, similar to Zarshouran, Aghdarreh ...
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Arabshah gold deposit formed through hydrothermal activity with an age of ~11 Ma (based on zircon U-Pb dating by LA-ICP-MS), in northwestern Iran. This hydrothermal activity is a part of the Urumieh-Dokhtar magmatic arc (UDMA), leading to mineralization in this area, similar to Zarshouran, Aghdarreh and Sarigunay gold deposits. Host rocks are a series of lower Paleozoic sedimentary sequences, cut by calc-alkaline to alkaline (high potassium) dacitic domes. Gold mineralization is mainly observed as vein-veinlets, open space filling, disseminated and brecciation in the deposit. The mineralization in terms of hydrothermal alteration (decalcification, minor argillic, sulfidization, dolomitization and silicification) and mineralization development process is associated with brecciation and deposition of base metal sulfides, iron, arsenic and antimony, similar to deposits associated with geothermal systems (low sulfidation epithermal) in volcanic arcs, but the host rock here is sedimentary. Sulfide minerals in the ore include pyrite, arsenopyrite, orpiment and realgar, stibnite, galena, sphalerite and minor amounts of chalcopyrite. Gold mineralization occurred in the form of released grains of oxidized pyrite, the tiny (invisible) in the sulfide phases such as arsenian pyrite for solid solution. The Arabshah deposit shows characteristic alteration assemblages and ore minerals (As, Sb, Hg, base metals) of epithermal low sulfidation deposits. It has been formed in relation to the mid-upper Miocene, high-level magmatic-hydrothermal activity within an extensional regime at the last stages of the UDMA activity in northwestern Iran.
S Aghajani Marsa; M Emami; M Lotfi; k Gholizadeh; M Ghasemi Siani
Abstract
The mineralized veins at Nikuyeh are located south of the Tarom-Hashtjin metallogenic province in Alborz-Azarbayejan belt (West Alborz). Rhyodacite and andesite/andesitic basalt volcanic rocks are hosting the vein mineralization in the Nikuyeh ore district. Hydrothermal alteration in host rocks consists ...
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The mineralized veins at Nikuyeh are located south of the Tarom-Hashtjin metallogenic province in Alborz-Azarbayejan belt (West Alborz). Rhyodacite and andesite/andesitic basalt volcanic rocks are hosting the vein mineralization in the Nikuyeh ore district. Hydrothermal alteration in host rocks consists of propylitic, sericitic, argillic and silicic. Mineralization in Nikuyeh occurs in both hypogene and supergene forms in three stages: early stage includes pyrite, magnetite, chalcopyrite and bornite; middle stage includes galena, sphalerite and minor chalcopyrite, and late stage includes malachite, cerussite, covellite, hematite and goethite. Fluid inclusion studies on quartz and calcite show homogenization temperatures ranging between 185°C to 312°C and 133°C to 251°C, respectively. The salinities range from 0.5 to 5.5 wt% NaCl eq. in quartz and 0.3 to 5.4 wt% NaCl eq. in calcite. Boiling is supported by the occurrence of coexisting vapor-rich and liquid-rich inclusions, hydrothermal breccias, microcrystalline quartz, chalcedony and bladed calcite. Boiling and cooling are considered as the main mechanisms for ore deposition. Ore mineralogy, alteration assemblages and fluid inclusion data allow mineralization in Nikuyeh ore district to be classified as low sulfidation epithermal type.
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.R Hosseinzadeh; S Maghfouri; M Moayyed; M Lotfehnia; B Hajalilou
Abstract
The studied area is located in Tarom metallogenic zone (NW of Iran). This area illustrate widespread hydrothermal alteration and disseminated and vein-veinlet type copper, lead and zinc mineralization.Injection of qm Intrusive body into Eocene volcano clastic complex (Karaj Formation) along linear Faults ...
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The studied area is located in Tarom metallogenic zone (NW of Iran). This area illustrate widespread hydrothermal alteration and disseminated and vein-veinlet type copper, lead and zinc mineralization.Injection of qm Intrusive body into Eocene volcano clastic complex (Karaj Formation) along linear Faults caused intense hydrothermal alterations such as phyllic, argillic, propylitic and silicification. The major minerals of this rock are plagioclase, biotite, pyroxene, hornblende, alkali-feldespar, quartz with Lesser amount apatite, zircon, opaq minerals, rutile and sphene. Based on microscopic and geochemical assessments this rock is quartz- monzonite, tonalite, quartz- monzodiorite, and has calk-alkaline to shoshonitic and meta-aluminous character. This Pluton belongs to a volcanic arcs regime. The hydrothermal activities of penetrate intrusion causes the creation of two system vein and veinlet: ore bearing quartz vein- veinlet’s and non-ore bearing carbonate vein- veinlets. The mineralization in loubin- zardeh occured in quartz vein- veinlet along faults created via the intrusion of the intrusive. The main mineralizations of area are oxide (illmenite), sulfide (pyrite, Chalcopyrite, galena, sphalerite), sulfate (barite) and the supergene minerals are oxides and hydroxide, (hematite, goetite), sulfide (covelite), sulfate (anglesite) and carbonate (malachite and azourite). The most important characteristics of mineralization at the Lubin- Zardeh area such as tectonic setting, host rocks, mineralogy, metal content as well as wall rock alterations, and to compare these characteristics with the basic features of Epithermal deposits, the polymetal vein- veinlet mineralization in Lubin- Zardeh placed in the Epithermal category.
M.R Omidvar Eshkalak; A.A Mokhtari
Abstract
The studied area is located in the southeastern end of the Sahand- Bazman Magmatic Belt in the north of Bazman volcano. This area composed of Miocene volcanic rocks including andesitic to dacitic lavas along with tuffaceous sandstone, ignimbrite, agglomerate, tuff and siltstone that underwent propyilitic, ...
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The studied area is located in the southeastern end of the Sahand- Bazman Magmatic Belt in the north of Bazman volcano. This area composed of Miocene volcanic rocks including andesitic to dacitic lavas along with tuffaceous sandstone, ignimbrite, agglomerate, tuff and siltstone that underwent propyilitic, argillic, sericitic, carbonatic and silicified alterations. Predominant form of the mineralization is silica veins and hydrothermal breccia, which crop out within the alteration zones. The textures within the silica veins include coliform, vuggy, stratiform, banded and hydrothermal breccias. The results of sample analysis demonstrate that hydrothermal breccias have the highest grades of Au (up to 27.6 ppm), and the silica veins with banded texture and fine grained sulfide bearing silica veins are other important Au- bearing mineralization in the next orders. The geochemical investigations demonstrate good positive correlation between Au and Ag, Sb, As, Pb, Zn, Mo, Bi and Hg in the Au- bearing silica veins. The fluid inclusion studies on silica veins with banded texture indicate that the salinity of fluids is 1.22-7.77 W% NaCl, and homogenization temperature is 190-296◦C. Based on the field evidences along with mineralogy, textures and structures of silica veins, geochemical and fluid inclusion investigations, the Au mineralization in the north of Bazman can be classified as low sulfidation epithermal gold deposits.
Z Miriyan; M Lotfi; A.A Shabani; M.A.A Mokhtari; E Haj Molla Ali
Abstract
The Kharengun area is located in the Yazd province, Central Iran, 130 km east of Yazd city and 65 km northeast of Bafq city. Mineralization in Kharengun area occurred within calcic and dolomitic units of the Rizou Formation (equivalent to Soltaniyeh Formation) of upper Precambrian- lower Cambrian age. ...
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The Kharengun area is located in the Yazd province, Central Iran, 130 km east of Yazd city and 65 km northeast of Bafq city. Mineralization in Kharengun area occurred within calcic and dolomitic units of the Rizou Formation (equivalent to Soltaniyeh Formation) of upper Precambrian- lower Cambrian age. The ore minerals of this deposit includes smithsonite and hemimorphite, that is stratabound and formed epigenetically along layers and laminations of carbonate host rocks. The maximum grade of zinc in samples taken from the study area exceeds 36% and geochemical studies indicate significant absence of Pb along with Zn in this area. Therefore, the Kharengun mineralization is a monomineral Zn zone.The fluid inclusion microthermometry investments explain the role of meteoric waters in generation of this deposit. The homogenization temperatures and salinity of the inclusions show the similarity between these fluids and the solutions responsiblefor the development of epithermal deposits.The Zn mineralization present in this zone belongs to the nonsulfide supergene deposit class, and a mixture of wallrock replacement and direct replacement subclasses.
M.R Hezareh; I Rasa
Abstract
In the western part of the Sistan & BaluchestanProvince (continuation of the Jebal- e BarezRange) in southeast Iran, the epithermal type (i. e. gold and associated elements) model is one of the anticipated metallogenic model. The studied area is one of the important targets of regional geochemical ...
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In the western part of the Sistan & BaluchestanProvince (continuation of the Jebal- e BarezRange) in southeast Iran, the epithermal type (i. e. gold and associated elements) model is one of the anticipated metallogenic model. The studied area is one of the important targets of regional geochemical exploration. In this regard, the mineral and geochemical geological map of 1/20000 was prepared in an area of 81 km2. After processing of the data and identifying the ore zones, 30 trenches drilled perpendicular to the veins and one sample was taken in every 5 meters. The results show that a tectonomagmatic event and large scale fracturing with strike of N30E led the hydrothermal solutions and caused an extensive alteration. This alteration caused a regional propylitization in andesites and development of a large argillic-silicious alteration in associated lavas and pyroclastics followed by formation of the thin silicious veins in strike of N30E with chalcedony, colloform, cockade and vesicular structures, having the quartz adularia paragenesis and are assumed to be the sources of gold genesis and the main phase of gold formation.
H Hadizadeh; A.A Calagari; N Nezafati; H Mollaei
Abstract
The Neian area in northwest of the Lut block host a polymetallic (Pb-Zn-Cu-Au-Ag) vein system which was developed within a series of volcanic rocks ranging in composition from dacite through rhyo-dacite and andesite to trachy-andesite. These rocks were formed by two distinct stages of lava eruption. ...
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The Neian area in northwest of the Lut block host a polymetallic (Pb-Zn-Cu-Au-Ag) vein system which was developed within a series of volcanic rocks ranging in composition from dacite through rhyo-dacite and andesite to trachy-andesite. These rocks were formed by two distinct stages of lava eruption. The rocks hosting mineralization possess calc-alkaline and shoshonitic nature and were formed in an orogenic environment. The concurrent and opposite function of two major faults in two sides of the mining area caused the generation of tensional conditions in the middle of the block and led to the development of a series of minor faults with dip-slip and strike-slip components within the block. These fracture zones acted as suitable conduits for fluid infiltration and development of ore-bearing siliceous veins. The factors such as extensive fractures and existence of pyroclastic rocks with high permeability caused the development of widespread alteration zones within the host rocks. Three distinct types of alterations were developed in the Neian deposit: (1) silicified (quartz, chalcedony, adularia, calcite, illite, and sericite); (2) argillic (illite, smectite, quartz, kaolinite, adularia, chlorite, sericite, and zeolite); and (3) propylitic (chlorite, calcite, albite, epidote, quartz and smectite) which are accompanied by five stages of mineralization. These alterations were formed by the chloride-bearing solutions with pH ranging from neutral to very alkaline. Mineralization at Neian is in the form of vein, veinlet, and dissemination within the host rocks and is also associated with hydrothermal breccias. The most important ore minerals at Neian are pyrite, sphalerite, galena, chalcopyrite, marcasite, pyrrhotite, melnikovite, and hematite. The most important gangue minerals also include quartz (chalcedony), cristobalite, calcite, dolomite, siderite, barite, fluorite, and adularia. The evidences like (a) the association of mineralization with siliceous-carbonate veinlets, (b) the presence of adularia, illite, bladed calcite, and hydrothermal breccias, and (c) the presence of alteration minerals such as quartz, adularia, illite, albite, chlorite, interlayered illite-smectite, calcite, and pyrite in the Neian hydrothermal system indicate that these minerals were formed by chloride solutions with almost neutral to very alkaline pH in a low-sulfidation epithermal environment.
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.
M Abdi; M.H Karimpour; M.H Zarinkoob
Abstract
The main purpose of this study is processing of raw data by factor analysis method and having interpretation and integration them by geological, alteration and mineralization data. The distinctiveness of third factor of factor analysis for Au, Mo and W and the coincidence of third factor anomalies by ...
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The main purpose of this study is processing of raw data by factor analysis method and having interpretation and integration them by geological, alteration and mineralization data. The distinctiveness of third factor of factor analysis for Au, Mo and W and the coincidence of third factor anomalies by gold, high primary sulfide bearing area, secondary iron oxide and sericitic and silicic alterationrevealed that the third factor of factor analysis is the agent of mineralization in the study area. The suitable tectonic setting, shallow depth intrusiveswithintermediate composition, calc-alkalineand oxidant magmatism, anomaly of gold and disseminated mineralization in thehost rock and sulfide veinlet accompanied byabundant secondary iron oxide providedproperconditions for porphyry and epithermal type gold mineralization in the study area.
H Kouhestani; M.H Ghaderi; M.H Emami; S Meffre; V Kamenetsky; J McPhie; Kh Zaw
Abstract
The Chah Zard Ag-Au deposit, a typical breccia-hosted low- to intermediate-sulfidation epithermal system, is located within late Miocene andesitic to rhyolitic volcanic complex in the central part of the Urumieh-Dokhtar magmatic belt. The orebodies are emplaced in breccia bodies dominantly hosted by ...
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The Chah Zard Ag-Au deposit, a typical breccia-hosted low- to intermediate-sulfidation epithermal system, is located within late Miocene andesitic to rhyolitic volcanic complex in the central part of the Urumieh-Dokhtar magmatic belt. The orebodies are emplaced in breccia bodies dominantly hosted by rhyolite porphyries. Systematic whole-rock geochemical investigations on the volcanic rocks show that both intermediate and felsic rocks are characterized by significant Large Ion Lithophile Elements (LILE) and Light Rare Earth Elements (LREE) enrichment coupled with High Field Strength Elements (HFSE) depletion. These geochemical data indicate subduction-related magmatic arc affinity for the volcanic rocks, and suggest that hornblende fractionation appears to be an important controlling factor on the evolution of mineralized subvolcanic rocks. Although the rhyolite porphyry has relatively high 87Sr/86Sr ratios, the volcanic rocks have similar Sr and Nd isotopic compositions, displaying 87Sr/86Sr range of 0.704910-0.705967 and εNd(i) values of +2.33 to +2.70. These data suggest that the rhyolitic magmas probably represent the final diffetentiates of parental andesitic magmas with minor crustal contamination. The andesitic magmas generated from partial melting of a mixture of an incompatible element depleted anhydrous asthenospheric mantle source and a hydrous LILE and LREE enriched lithospheric mantle source in response to slab-break-off and upwelling of asthenospheric mantle. The rhyolite porphyry is inferred to have supplied heat that drove the convective hydrothermal system at Chah Zard deposit, but also provided some of the fluid sources responsible for the development of the Chah Zard epithermal system.
Majid Ghaderi; H. Kouhestani; M. H. Emami; K. Zaw
Abstract
The breccia-hosted epithermal Ag-Au deposit of Chah Zard is located within an andesitic to rhyolitic volcanic complex in the central part of the Urumieh-Dokhtar magmatic belt. At this location, magmatic and hydrothermal activity was associated with local extensional tectonics, formed in the Dehshir-Baft ...
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The breccia-hosted epithermal Ag-Au deposit of Chah Zard is located within an andesitic to rhyolitic volcanic complex in the central part of the Urumieh-Dokhtar magmatic belt. At this location, magmatic and hydrothermal activity was associated with local extensional tectonics, formed in the Dehshir-Baft strike-slip fault system. The host rocks of the volcanic complex consist of Eocene sedimentary and volcanic rocks covered by Miocene sedimentary rocks. LA-ICP-MS U–Pb zircon geochronology yields ages between 6.36±0.14 and 6.19±0.24 Ma, and a mean age of 6.23±0.16 Ma for magmatic activity at Chah Zard. Breccias and veins were formed during and after the waning stages of strong explosive eruption of magmatic-hydrothermal and phreatomagmatic brecciation events due to shallow emplacement of the rhyolite porphyry. Detailed systematic mapping leads to the recognition of three distinct breccia bodies: the volcaniclastic breccia with a dominantly clastic matrix, the gray polymict breccia with a greater proportion of hydrothermal cements, and the mono-polymict breccia with argillic groundmass matrix. The polymictic breccias generated bulk-mineable ore, whereas the volcaniclastic breccia is relatively impermeable and largely barren. Variable hydrothermal alteration occurs in outcrops, covering about 9 km2 at Chah Zard. Hydrothermal alteration assemblages are zoned around the breccias and veins, consisting of secondary quartz, illite, pyrite, adularia, chlorite, various carbonate minerals, and minor K-feldspar. Iron oxide-hydroxide, jarosite, gypsum, kaolinite, halloysite and rare alunite are the supergene alteration minerals replacing primary minerals, and filling the fractures and vugs. Precious metals occur with sulfide and sulfosalt minerals as disseminations in the veins and breccia cement. There is a progression from pyrite-dominated (stage 1) to pyrite-base metal sulfide and sulfosalt-dominated (stages 2 and 3) to base metal sulfide-dominated (stage 4) breccias and veins. Deposition of gangue minerals progressed from illite-quartz to quartz-adularia, carbonate and finally gypsum-dominated assemblages. Free gold occurs in stages 2 and 4, principally as intergrown with pyrite, quartz, chalcopyrite, galena, sphalerite, and Ag-rich tennantite-tetrahedrite; and also as inclusions in pyrite. The U-Pb zircon age of 6.19±0.24 Ma for emplacement of the rhyolitic magmas represents the maximum age of mineralization at Chah Zard. It may indicate that there was a previously unrecognized mineralization event in Urumieh-Dokhtar at this time.
E. Haghighi; S. Alirezaei; E. Ashrafpour
Abstract
The Cheshmeh Hafez deposit in Torud-Chahshirin Range, north-central Iran, consists of a polymetal vein mineralization in Cenozoic volcanic host rocks of dominantly basaltic andesite and dacite compositions. The main ore vein, 1800 m long and <1 – 5 m wide, occurs discontinuously in a north-south ...
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The Cheshmeh Hafez deposit in Torud-Chahshirin Range, north-central Iran, consists of a polymetal vein mineralization in Cenozoic volcanic host rocks of dominantly basaltic andesite and dacite compositions. The main ore vein, 1800 m long and <1 – 5 m wide, occurs discontinuously in a north-south direction, and includes chalcedony, fine- to coarse-grained quartz, and jasperoid, associated with galena and subordinate chalcopyrite, sphalerite, bornite, pyrite, tetrahedrite, specular hematite and siderite. Crustiform bands, consisting of grey chalcedony, jasperoid, milky quartz, and various ore minerals are common, and breccias and comb textures are locally developed, in the vein. Supergene processes led to the replacement of galena by cerussite, and of hypogene copper minerals (chalcopyrite and bornite) by covellite and malachite. The main ore vein is accompanied by several smaller quartz and calcite veins in NE-SW and E-W directions, respectively, where the calcite veins are barren. Alteration related to mineralization is restricted to thin halos bordering the vein, and consists of quartz, chlorite, calcite, kaolinite and sericite (illite). Fluid inclusions in quartz associated with ore minerals are studied. Most inclusions are two-phase, liquid-rich, at room temperatures; few are vapor-dominant, and few consist solely of liquid. Primary fluid inclusions display low to moderate homogenization temperatures (135-285) and salinities (1-13 wt% NaCl equivalents). The δ34S values for the ore fluids in equilibrium with the sulfide minerals fall in the range -1.6 to +4.1‰ and suggest a magmatic source for sulfur. The ore and gangue mineralogy, and the alteration assemblages, suggest that the ore fluids were reduced and near-neutral in nature. This, combined with the metal contents, Ag/Au ratio between 16 to 25, iron- poor sphalerite, the crustiform and colloform textures, and the Th and salinity values, imply that mineralization at Cheshmeh Hafez is of epithermal, intermediate- sulfidation, character. The alteration assemblage at Cheshmeh Hafez is indicative of a sub-type of intermediate- sulfidation epithermal deposits with a tendency towards low-sulfidation type
M. H. Ahmadi; G.H Shamanian; H. Azmi
Abstract
The Motrabad vein system is located 30 Km southwest of Bajestan in the northern part of the Lut Block. The vein host rocks consist of intermediate to silicic volcanic rocks. The mineralization occurs as irregular veins, veinlets and hydrothermal breccias. Based on field geology and textural evidences ...
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The Motrabad vein system is located 30 Km southwest of Bajestan in the northern part of the Lut Block. The vein host rocks consist of intermediate to silicic volcanic rocks. The mineralization occurs as irregular veins, veinlets and hydrothermal breccias. Based on field geology and textural evidences four types of quartz veins (A, B, C and D) were identified. Hydrothermal alteration is developed around the veins and tends to be more intense in the vicinity of the veins. Hydrothermal alteration consists of silicic, sericitic, propylitic and argilic assemblages. The plot of the Ishikawa alteration index (AI) Vs. chlorite-carbonate-pyrite index (CCPI), known as alteration box plot, display the main alteration trends. The hydrothermal alteration assemblage of quartz, adularia, chlorite, illite, calcite, and pyrite that envelopes the Motrabad vein system formed from the upwelling of near-neutral to weakly alkaline chloride waters. The mineralogic, alteration and geochemical characteristics of the studied area and their comparison with epithermal ore deposits represent an epithermal system of the low-sulfidation type.
E. Ashrafpour; S. Alirezaei; K.M. Ansdell
Abstract
Arghash gold district is located in the eastern Sabzevar zone. The basement of this zone consists of Precambrian metamorphosed rocks and Paleozoic-Mesozoic epicontinental sediments. The basement is covered by Upper Cretaceous ophiolitic mélange and Tertiary magmatic and sedimentary rocks. Arghash ...
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Arghash gold district is located in the eastern Sabzevar zone. The basement of this zone consists of Precambrian metamorphosed rocks and Paleozoic-Mesozoic epicontinental sediments. The basement is covered by Upper Cretaceous ophiolitic mélange and Tertiary magmatic and sedimentary rocks. Arghash district includes five gold-bearing vein systems, Au-I–Au-V, and one Sb vein, occurring in Tertiary intermediate to silicic volcanic rocks, tuffs, granite, and diorite. Intensive alteration, dominated by clay minerals, is confined to 1 to 5 m from the veins. The intensive argillic alteration is bordered by irregular zones of moderate to weak argillic and propylitic alterations.
Mineralization is mostly confined to veins. Pyrite is the main sulfide mineral and includes four generations: 1) disseminated euhedral to anhedral, fine- to coarse-grained pyrite (Py-I), locally associated with minor chalcopyrite, marcasite, tetrahedrite-tennantite, and arsenopyrite; native gold grains occur in quartz associated with the pyrite; 2) framboidal pyrite (Py-II) which contains up to 960 ppm Au; 3) arsenian pyrite overgrowths (Py-III) which contain up to 1980 ppm Au; and 4) fracture-filling, anhedral, barren, late stage pyrite (Py-IV). Gold occurs as nanoparticles as well as unstable solid solutions in the framboidal and arsenian pyrite.
Homogenization temperature (Th) and salinity were measured on fluid inclusions in several quartz and calcite samples. Th varies from 186º to 357ºC, and 169º to 313ºC, and salinity from 0.2 to 5.3 and 0.7 to 1.9 wt. percent NaCl equiv. for quartz and calcite, respectively. The low salinity character of the ore forming fluid is consistent with the ore mineralogy and metal contents. The variation in salinity and Th could be explained by a combination of boiling and mixing (dilution) of a hotter and more saline fluid with a cooler and less saline fluid. These processes led to the deposition of gold in the veins. The ore mineralogy, textures, alteration, homogenization temperatures, and salinities, are typical of low-sulfidation epithermal precious metal deposits.
S. Ebrahimi; Y. Pan; S. Alirezaei; M. Mehrpartou
Abstract
The Sharafabad auriferous epithermal vein system is located in the Alborz-Azarbaijan magmatic assemblage in northwestern Iran. The veins are hosted by Eocene andesitic volcanic and pyroclastic rocks and tuffs. Wall rock alteration includes an inner silicic zone often bordered by argillic and propylitic ...
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The Sharafabad auriferous epithermal vein system is located in the Alborz-Azarbaijan magmatic assemblage in northwestern Iran. The veins are hosted by Eocene andesitic volcanic and pyroclastic rocks and tuffs. Wall rock alteration includes an inner silicic zone often bordered by argillic and propylitic zones. Mineralization is mainly restricted to silica and silica-carbonate veins and veinlets in faults and fault zones. A total of 18 ore-bearing veins have been identified. The veins vary from 10 -1000 meters in length and 0.5-10 meters in width, respectively. Pyrite is the main sulfide, commonly associated with subordinate chalcopyrite, sphalerite, and galena. Gold occurs as scattered microscopic grains in quartz and pyrite, and along the grain boundaries of the sphalerite, galena and chalcopyrite. Silica occurs as gray quartz, white quartz, clear quartz, opal, chalcedony, and minor amethyst. On the basis of crosscutting relationships and mineral paragenesis, four stages can be distinguished: (I) pre-mineralization, (II) mineralization, (III) post-mineralization and (IV) supergene. The gold and the base metals sulfides occurred in the mineralization stage. Fluid inclusion data have been obtained from the ore-stage gray quartz and sphalerite, carbonates, and the late clear quartz and amethyst. The fluid inclusions from the gray quartz indicate homogenization temperatures of 170-270 ºC and salinities of 1 to 8.7 wt% NaCl equiv. The fluid inclusions in the sphalerite indicated homogenization temperatures of 215-265 ºC, and salinities of 10.8-15.3 wt% NaCl equiv. The carbonates formed at lower temperatures, between 160-250 ºC, from fluids of low salinities, at 1.5-3.8 wt% NaCl equiv. Amethyst from final stages of vein formation, not associated with sulfides and gold was deposited at 173-203 ºC from fluids containing 3.5 to 9.5 wt% NaCl equiv. The coexistence of vapor-dominant and liquid-dominant inclusions in quartz and sphalerite suggests that boiling occurred during the evolution of the ore fluids. The occurrence of boiling is supported by hydrothermal breccias, bladed calcite, and adularia. Fluid inclusion data suggest that ore was deposited at an average depth of about 400 m below the paleosurface. Considering the intermediate argillic alteration, association of gold with base metal sulfides, and the moderate salinities, the Sharafabad district can be classified as an intermediate-sulfidation epithermal system.
