Document Type : Original Research Paper

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, Department of Geology, Faculty of Science, University of Zanjan, Zanjan, Iran

2 Professor, Department of Geology, Faculty of Science, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran

3 Assistant Professor, Department of Geology, Faculty of Science, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran

4 Ph.D., Geological Survey of Iran, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Au-Cu-Mo mineralization of Aniq-Qarachilar area is located in Arasbaran ore zone within the Qaradagh batholith. Mineralization in this area mainly includes Au-Cu-Mo bearing quartz veins within the granodiorite that cropped out in three areas include: Qarachilar (2 major veins), Zarlidareh (8 veins) and Qaradareh (some narrow and short veins). Alterations around the quartz veins include sericitic and silisification that has limited development. Quartz veins have compact, boxwork and brecciated texture. Sheeted veins of quartz present in some areas especially in the Qarachilar area. Sulfide mineral content of these veins commonly less than 10 percent and includes pyrite, As- bearing pyrite, chalcopyrite, molybdenite, bornite, stibnite, sphalerite and galena. Secondary minerals include coveline, malachite, azurite and iron hydroxides. Geochemical studies and grades of elements indicate that Au, Ag, Cu and Mo have high content in quartz veins. The average grade for Au in two quartz veins in the Qarachilar area is 5.76 and 3.9 ppm. The average grade for Au in the quartz veins in the Zarlidareh area is 4.7, 3.12, 2.6, 0.45, 1.09, 1.34, 1.15 and 0.58 ppm. The highest Au grade is about 359 ppm that belongs to a quartz vein with boxwork texture in the Zarlidareh area (ZV1). Moreover, W and Bi have high concentration in some veins. There is a good correlation between Au and Ag, Mo, W and Bi. Au grades in the Qaradareh quartz veins is low, but Mo grades vary between 0.15- 1.15%. Mineralization as silisic sheeted veins within the granodioritic intrusion, low concentration of sulfide minerals within the quartz veins, limited alteration aureole, Au mineralization together with Mo mineralization and high concentrations of Bi and W and relatively good correlation of Au with Ag, Bi, W and Mo indicate that Au mineralization in the Aniq-Qarachilar area can be classified as an intrusion related gold systems.  

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