Mineralogy, geochemistry and genetic processes of supergene non-sulphide ore of the Ab-Bagh Sedimentary-Exhalative (SEDEX-type) Zn-Pb deposit, Sanandaj-Sirjan zone

Movahednia, M.; Rastad, E.; Rajabi, A.; Choulet, F.

doi:10.22071/gsj.2017.46610

Document Type : Original Research Paper

Authors

¹ Ph.D. Student, Department of Economic Geology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran

² Associate Professor, Department of Economic Geology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran

³ Assistant Professor, Department of Geology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Birjand, Birjand, Iran

⁴ Assistant Professor, Chrono-Envionnement Lab., Université de Franche-Comté/CNRS, Besançon, France

https://doi.org/10.22071/gsj.2017.46610

Abstract

The Ab-Bagh Zn-Pb deposit is located in the central part of the Sanandaj-Sirjan zone (SSZ) and at the southeastern part of the Malayer-Esfahan metallogenic belt. This deposit is hosted by Upper Jurassic-Lower Cretaceous sedimentary sequence. Zinc and lead mineralization occurred within two horizons. The ore horizon 1 is hosted by Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous black shale and siltstone. The ore body displays a wedge-like shape and is located close to syn-sedimentary fault. The ore horizon 2 occurs in lower Cretaceous carbonates and includes a massive ore facies that is concordant with host rock layering. It is also underlain by a stockwork facies. Weathering processes led to a supergene ore stage at Ab-Bagh deposit in parts toward the surface. Based on geology, mineralogy and geochemistry, two types of non-sulfide ore were distinguished: the white ore and the red ore. The white ore is a wall-rock replacement mineralization that contains high Zn, low Fe and a very low concentration of Pb. To the opposite, the red ore formed after the direct replacement of sulfide protore and it typically contains low Zn, high Fe and medium Pb± As concentrations. Supergene ore consists of smithsonite and hydrozincite. Minor cerussite, Zn-rich clays, greenockite, covellite and Fe-Mn oxides were also identified. The supergene part of the Ab-Bagh deposit formed as a consequence of long time weathering of a SEDEX-type sulfide protore. Oxidation of sulfide minerals (mainly pyrite and sphalerite), carbonate buffering reactions and precipitation of secondary Zn-bearing minerals are the main geochemical process involved. The REE patterns of the white non-sulfide ore are similar to that recorded in the host rocks but REE patterns of red ore, is similar to sulfide ore. The comparison with other major non-sulfide Iranian deposits suggests that Ab-Bagh deposit is very similar to Kolahdarvazeh and Mehdiabad deposits; it also shows lots of similarities with other worldwide examples (e.g. Moroccan non-sulfide ore deposits).

Keywords

20.1001.1.10237429.1396.26.103.23.9

Main Subjects

Economic Geology

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Scientific Quarterly Journal of Geosciences

Mineralogy, geochemistry and genetic processes of supergene non-sulphide ore of the Ab-Bagh Sedimentary-Exhalative (SEDEX-type) Zn-Pb deposit, Sanandaj-Sirjan zone

References

References

Volume 26, Issue 103 - Serial Number 103
Vol.26, No 103, spring 2017
June 2017
Pages 249-264

Mineralogy, geochemistry and genetic processes of supergene non-sulphide ore of the Ab-Bagh Sedimentary-Exhalative (SEDEX-type) Zn-Pb deposit, Sanandaj-Sirjan zone

References

References

Volume 26, Issue 103 - Serial Number 103Vol.26, No 103, spring 2017June 2017Pages 249-264

Volume 26, Issue 103 - Serial Number 103
Vol.26, No 103, spring 2017
June 2017
Pages 249-264