Volume 24, Issue 94 , March 2015, Pages 1-1
Volume 24, Issue 94 , March 2015, Pages 2-2
Original Research Paper
M Honarmand; N Rashidnejad Omran; M.H Emami; Gh Nabatian
Abstract
The Marfion Granitoid Complex is a part of Cenozoic plutonism, which located in the central part of the Urumieh–Dokhtar Magmatic Belt. This complex consists of four main intrusives, including the Mozvash micro-dioritic to micro-monzodioritic intrusive, which scattered as separate outcrops ...
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The Marfion Granitoid Complex is a part of Cenozoic plutonism, which located in the central part of the Urumieh–Dokhtar Magmatic Belt. This complex consists of four main intrusives, including the Mozvash micro-dioritic to micro-monzodioritic intrusive, which scattered as separate outcrops through the western part of the area, the Marfioun spherical tonalitic intrusive which is the most widespread pluton throughout the area, the Poudalg N-S elongated tonalitic intrusive, and the Ghalhar quartz-dioritic intrusive. The mafic microgranular enclaves with geochemical properties similar to their host granitoid are abundant in the Marfion and also in some parts of Poudalg and Ghalhar intrusives. According to geochemical data, the Marfion granitoid complex is metalominous, I-type and show the low to medium potassium calc-alkaline affinity. Using U-Pb zircon dating method, the obtained magma crystallization ages are about 50 Ma for the Mozvash intrusive and 18 Ma for the Marfion, Poudalg and Ghalhar intrusives. The geochemical evidences suggest that the Eocene Mozvash microdioritic magma is the result of the lower crust’s partial melting and and its mixture with the mantle’s melts in an active continental margin. The Miocene intrusives were derived from partial melting of a common lower crustal mafic source caused by the mantle melts in a post- collisional setting. The Mozvash micro-diorite intrusive shows less fractionated REE pattern than the Miocene intrusives. The geochemical evidences suggest a same petrogenetic model for tonalite and quartz-diorite magmas. The Marfion, Ghalhar and poudalg intrusives and their enclaves show relatively high Al2O3 and Na2O/K2O ratio and LREEs, which suggest partial melting of metabasaltic rocks. The geochemical investigations indicate that the quartz-diorites and tonalites are derived from the process of amphibole dehydration melting reacted in the lower crust.
N. Askari; M. H. Emami; M. Kheirkhah
Abstract
The post Eocene rhyolitic rocks of the Kahak area are located in SE of the Qom quadrangle map in scale of 1:250,000 and in the Kahak sheet in scale of 1:100,000. This area is situated at the marginal part of SW Central Iran, in the Urmia- Dokhtar magmatic belt. The rhyolitic rocks outcrop as endogenous ...
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The post Eocene rhyolitic rocks of the Kahak area are located in SE of the Qom quadrangle map in scale of 1:250,000 and in the Kahak sheet in scale of 1:100,000. This area is situated at the marginal part of SW Central Iran, in the Urmia- Dokhtar magmatic belt. The rhyolitic rocks outcrop as endogenous domes and due to the presence of these rhyolitic masses along the Meyem strike-slip fault, it can be resulted that this fault has probably played an effective role in emplacement of magma ascending. The rhyolitic rocks are calc-alkaline and on the base of chemical composition of them and the chemistry of the present garnet and mica, the rhyolitic magma is S-type and peraluminus, which, belongs to the collision geotectonic environment and suggesting the role of continental crust in generation of these rocks. Since garnet is phenocrystal and seen individually in rhyolitic rocks and it could not be crystallized in most of the basic magmas, therefore the rhyolitic rocks could not derived from the fractional crystallization of basic magma.
Original Research Paper
S Peyravi; R Zahiri; K Moradi Harsini; H Shayesteh Azimian
Abstract
The Eocene-Oligocene zeolitic tuff sequences in the Aftarregion is located at northwestern side of the Aftar village in 32 km northwestwards of the SemnanCity. The studies of mineralogy and geology performed based on the results of the X-Ray data (XRD), chemical analysis (XRF), and the thin sections ...
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The Eocene-Oligocene zeolitic tuff sequences in the Aftarregion is located at northwestern side of the Aftar village in 32 km northwestwards of the SemnanCity. The studies of mineralogy and geology performed based on the results of the X-Ray data (XRD), chemical analysis (XRF), and the thin sections of taken samples showed 3 important units related to the process of the Aftar zeolites formation including green to brown marl, green tuffs, and Zeolite layer. Most of the known zeolite minerals in the area are clinoptilolite and heulandite and paragenesis minerals in tuffy and marly layers arecalcite, orthoclase, plagioclase, quartz, clay minerals, biotite and volcanic glass.Based on the geological and mineralogical evidences the formation of zeolite derived from the acidic magma of the volcanic eruptions in a shallow sea environment with high pH.The evidences show that increasing the pH in the tuff sedimentation environment, accommodated suitable conditions for conversion of the volcanic glass into the zeolites.
Original Research Paper
R. Samadi; M. V. Valizadeh; H. Mirnejad; A. A. Baharifar; S. J. Sheikh Zakariaee
Original Research Paper
M Khalatbari Jafari; M Ghani
Abstract
In northwest Sabzevar the exposed extrusive sequence and supraophiolite series have interbedded pelagic limestone containing Late Cretaceous microfaunas. The extrusive sequence comprise of hyaloclastic breccia, tuff and sheet flow in lower part, aphyric and vesiculated pillow lava in middle part ...
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In northwest Sabzevar the exposed extrusive sequence and supraophiolite series have interbedded pelagic limestone containing Late Cretaceous microfaunas. The extrusive sequence comprise of hyaloclastic breccia, tuff and sheet flow in lower part, aphyric and vesiculated pillow lava in middle part and volcanic sedimentary rocks upwards. The supraophiolite series contain alternations of volcanogenic sediments, turbidites and lavas. The study of chemical analyses of the lavas of the upper part of extrusive sequence and the lavas of supraophiolite series indicate similar geochemical affinity. These lavas have calc alkaline character and show clear depletions of Nb and definite depletions of Zr and Ti in the patterns of spider diagrams. In tectonomagmatic diagrams, they plot in the realm of subduction zone suggesting their formation above the subducted slab. Slight changes of HREE in the patterns of spider diagram can be attributed to partial melting of depleted mantle wedge which influenced by subduction components (fluids- melt) released from subducted slab causing enrichments of LREE. In comparison, the sheet flow and pillow lave of the lower and middle parts of extrusive sequence have OIB character without depletion of Nb, Zr and Ti. The patterns of their spider diagrams show enrichment of LREE indicating low partial melting of garnet-bearing enriched mantle. It seems a period of extension or arc rifting or slab roll-back have occurred before the arc is well developed. These process formed back-arc basin located close to arc. In this stage, arc magmatism stopped and caused the mantle plumes rising. It seems that the extrusive sequence exposed in northwest Sabzevar formed in transitional zone between arc to back-arc in Late Cretaceous.
Original Research Paper
Z Azimzadeh; A Jahangiri; E Saccani; Y Dilek
Abstract
The Misho gabbroic massif with an east- west trend, 30 Km length and 7 Km wıdth is penetrated in the Infra-Cambrian Kahar formation. The micro-gabbroic dykes have cut this intrusive massif. Gabbros have homogenous compositions and major phases are plagioclase and pyroxene and minor minerals are ...
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The Misho gabbroic massif with an east- west trend, 30 Km length and 7 Km wıdth is penetrated in the Infra-Cambrian Kahar formation. The micro-gabbroic dykes have cut this intrusive massif. Gabbros have homogenous compositions and major phases are plagioclase and pyroxene and minor minerals are olivine, amphibole, biotite, K-feldespar and opaque minerals. Their texture is granular. The results of EMP analysis of clinopyroxenes show that they have diopside to augite compositions. In different diagrams, gabbros mostly show tholiitic composition with MORB affinities in tectonic setting. Pyroxenes generally have high SiO2 (50.02-52.69 wt %), high Mg number [Mg/ (Mg+Fe2+)] (78.59-82.42wt %), variable Al2O3 (1.8–5.09 wt %), low TiO2 (0.53-1.33 wt %), low Na2O (0.21-0.47 wt %) contents and low Al [6]/Al [4] ratios (0-0.39), suggesting relatively low pressure crystallization conditions of the magma. The temperature calculated for the clinopyroxenes in gabbros is 1027-1306oC and pressure is less than 8 Kbars. The investigations of variation trends of clinopyroxene compositions don’t show any zoning in clinopyroxenes and clinopyroxenes are in chemical equilibrium with other minerals in the rocks. The obtained textural and mineral chemical data, suggest that the clinopyroxenes may have crystallized from a tholiitic magma derived from a depleted lithospheric mantle. This is confirmed by the whole-rock chemistry. The gabbroic massif intrusion in a tectonic setting of extensional rifting followed by the opening of Paleotethyan oceanic crust in early Carboniferous in NW Iran.
Original Research Paper
S Maghfouri; E Rastad; F Mousivand; Y Lin
Abstract
Copper mineralization in Nudeh Cu deposit and Frezy, Garab, Kalateh lala (Nieran) and Chun occurrences, located in southwest of Sabzevar hosted by a Upper Cretaceous volcano-sedimentary sequence formed in a rift environment. The main is host rock of the Nudeh Cu sulfide deposit includes alkali olivine ...
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Copper mineralization in Nudeh Cu deposit and Frezy, Garab, Kalateh lala (Nieran) and Chun occurrences, located in southwest of Sabzevar hosted by a Upper Cretaceous volcano-sedimentary sequence formed in a rift environment. The main is host rock of the Nudeh Cu sulfide deposit includes alkali olivine basalt flow and subordinate tuffaceous silty sandstone. Host rock of the Ferizy and Garab occurrences is andesite flow. The rock forming mineral of Kalateh lala (Nieran) and Chun occurrences is tuffaceous silty sandstone. Sulfide mineralization in the Nudeh deposit and occurrences within an Upper Cretaceous volcano-sedimentary sequence occurs as sheet-like &tabular shape within three ore horizons. Based on nature of sulfide mineralization, mineralogy and textures of sulfide minerals, the Nudeh deposit can be divided into three different ore facies. Based on their situation towards the vent of mineralizing fluid, these facies include: A) Vein-veinlets facies (Stringer zone) includes sulfide veins and silica that form as a scissors of host rocks under the massive ore facies. Vein-veinlets and replacement textures formed main features of this facies. B) Massive ore facies that forms the thicker part of generally massive higher grade ores in west of the deposit and includes sulfide mineralization with heterogeneous nature and stratabound, limited in the alkali olivine basalt flow. C) Bedded ore facies which is thinner than the massive ore facies and is characterized by layered and banded apparent and low grade ore. The rock forming mineral of this facies is tuffaceous silty sandstone. This facies occurs as laminated and banded sulfides contemporaneous with the host rocks layering at eastern part of the deposit. Mineralogy of Nudeh deposit includes chalcopyrite, pyrite, bornite, sphalerite, boulangerite and magnetite wall rock alterations are dominated by silicification, chloritization, sericitization and epidotization. The most important characteristics of mineralization at the Nudeh deposit such as tectonic setting, host rocks, mineralogy, metal content as well as wall rock alterations, show similarities with volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) deposits. Accordingly, Nudeh Cu deposit is regarded as a Besshi - or pelitic mafic VMS deposit.
Original Research Paper
M Aghazadeh; Z Badrzadeh
Abstract
In the northwestern Iran mica-and amphibole-rich lamprophyres crop out mainly as dyke and they cut Pre-Pliocene strata. They exposed in the Arasbaran, EslamyPeninsula, and Mishu range. According to the mineralogy and mineral chemistry, amphibole-rich lamprophyres have kaersutite type amphiboles and diopside ...
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In the northwestern Iran mica-and amphibole-rich lamprophyres crop out mainly as dyke and they cut Pre-Pliocene strata. They exposed in the Arasbaran, EslamyPeninsula, and Mishu range. According to the mineralogy and mineral chemistry, amphibole-rich lamprophyres have kaersutite type amphiboles and diopside phenocrysts in the matrix of same mafic minerals, feldspars, and altered glass. These lamprophyres in some thin sections have olivine and phlogopite. Mica-rich lamprophyres include phlogopite and diopside phenocrysts in the matrix of same mafic minerals, abundant glass and secondary minerals. According to the mineralogy, mineral chemistry, and geochemistry, amphibole-rich lamprophyres are alkaline and show camptonite-sannaite composition but mica-rich lamrophyres are calc-alkaline and represent minette composition. Alkaline lamprophyres represent characteristics of OIB type magma while calc-alkaline lamprophyres show characteristics of magmas originated in the subduction dominant tectonic setting. Sorkheh amphibole-bearing lamprophyres show both alkaline and calc-alkaline type lamprophyres. Regarding to geochemical features both calc-alkaline and alkaline lamprophyres originated from heterogeneous mantle with different proportions of spinel, garnet and hydrous minerals (e.g. phlogopite and amphibole). Calc-alkaline lamprophyres originated from a mantle enriched in phlogopite and alkaline lamprophyres originated from lithospheric mantle that metasomatised by deep mantle and enriched in amphibole. Both mentioned mantles associated in the petrogenesis of the Sorkheh amphibole- bearing lamprophyres. The lamprophyres were emplaced in the post collisional tectonic setting.
Original Research Paper
P Ahmadi Moghadam; H Ahmadipour
Abstract
A part of the Hezar volcanic complex (Urmia-Dokhtar Volcanic Belt), Eocene in age, has been cropped out in the CheheltanMountain at southwest of the Bardsir town, in the Kerman province. This part consists of alternation of lava flows, pyroclastics and epiclastics that are cut by several gabbroic and ...
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A part of the Hezar volcanic complex (Urmia-Dokhtar Volcanic Belt), Eocene in age, has been cropped out in the CheheltanMountain at southwest of the Bardsir town, in the Kerman province. This part consists of alternation of lava flows, pyroclastics and epiclastics that are cut by several gabbroic and dioritic intrusions and dykes. The lava flows can be divided into andesites and basalts and the pyroclastics consist of volcanic breccias, agglomerates, ignimbrites and fine-grained tuffs. The epiclastics consist of several layers of volcanic sandstones and conglomerates that cover a vast area. Alternation of lava flows, pyroclastics and epiclastics show that the volcanic activities in the area have been done periodically from stratovolcanoes and when intensive volcanic eruptions were ceased epiclastics were deposited. It seems that lava flows and pyroclastics have been formed by volcanian and in some cases, plinian eruptions, and continuous basin subsidence during volcanic eruptions have led to the formation of thick layers of pyroclastics and epiclastics. The field evidences such as lacking of unconformities and paleosols show that there is no great interval between volcanic eruptions. The geochemical characteristics indicate that the lava flows probably have the same origin. It seems that fractional crystallization was the main process in the evolution of parental magmas, while crustal contamination played a minor role, so that the andesitic lava flows were produced by fractional crystallization of the basalts and the magmas had no very long stops en rout to the surface.
Original Research Paper
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.
Original Research Paper
T Nabaei; A Khakzad; M Hoseini; S.R Mehrnia
Abstract
The study area is a portion of Urmia-Bazman Magmatic Belt in the Central Iran Structural Zone that located in the south of Boein-Zahra city (Qazvin province). In this area, volcanic and pyroclastic rocks incised by a plutonic body and around and within this pluton, a large extensive alteration occurred. ...
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The study area is a portion of Urmia-Bazman Magmatic Belt in the Central Iran Structural Zone that located in the south of Boein-Zahra city (Qazvin province). In this area, volcanic and pyroclastic rocks incised by a plutonic body and around and within this pluton, a large extensive alteration occurred. In this study, Landsat 7 data (ETM+) employed and general alteration trend in the area was mapped by conventional methods of Color Composite (RGB), Band Rationing and specially Principal Components Analysis (PCA). All of the three methods are found to be effective for obtaining generalized information about the alteration of the image area. Principal Components Analysis (PCA) and especially Selective Principal Components Analysis (Crosta technique) found to be the best effective method in delineating the borders of clay and iron oxide altered areas. In the high altered wall rocks, mineralogical analysis results (XRD method) indicated two forms of vertical and horizontal zoning. In this case, in vertical zoning in order from down to up, advanced argillic, alunitic and silicified zones and in horizontal zoning from fault surface toward wallrocks, advanced argillic and propylitic zones were distinguished. The mineralogical composition of zones and form of zoning indicates that this type of alteration is "acid sulfate". The study of fluid inclusion of quartz crystals in silicic veins, indicated that liquid and vapor phases (LV) are present and study of them resulted in calculation of salinity percentages between 16.8 to 19.2 (NaCl wt%) and homogenization temperatures between 204oC to 280oC.
Original Research Paper
A Aslani; H Alimohammadian; J Ghalamghash; H Nazari
Abstract
The studied locality covers an area of 120 km2, located at south and southwest of the Hamedan city. The porphyritic granite is the dominant volume of this intrusive body. This granitoid is divided into the granites (monzogranites, syenogranites and alkali feldspar granites) and granodiorites from petrographic ...
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The studied locality covers an area of 120 km2, located at south and southwest of the Hamedan city. The porphyritic granite is the dominant volume of this intrusive body. This granitoid is divided into the granites (monzogranites, syenogranites and alkali feldspar granites) and granodiorites from petrographic point of view. The major part of the study area have magmatic-sub-magmatic fabric and few of the samples show high temperature solid state deformation with presence of chess-board quartz, bending and kink band of biotite and mineral size decreasing from microstructural point of view. The total numbers of 450 oriented core samples were collected from 107 stations, to study the anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility. The total average susceptibility for all samples were 114-314 µSI and the mean susceptibility (Km) of granodiorites was 457.5 µSI, and it ranges from 282-633 µSI, which is higher in compare to granites. This difference is due to the presence of magnetite grains in granodiorites, which has been proved by heavy mineral analysis. The magnetite comprises 0.01-0.025 % of total volume in these rocks. The Km normally varies from 14-514 µSI and indicates the paramagnetic type of granites. The P values vary from 0.72-7.4 %. The T values in most of the samples is positive (T>0) and show planer nature of most of the intrusive body. The high degree of dipping of magnetic foliation and lineation at the central part of the intrusive body, which decreases with increasing distance from center of the intrusive body, may indicate the location of feeding. This characterization can be seen at two other places addition to the center. On the basis of magnetic parameter and other factors such as dominant transpression tectonic regime in this area, one can say that the ascending magma was due existing of stretching environment with NW-SE trend, and this can be proved by direction of magnetic lineations at the same direction. The differences in the direction of NE-SW, which some of the studied sites show, may be due to rotation of magnetic body during injection and emplacement in response to prevailing tectonic forces in studied area and viscosity of magma.
Original Research Paper
A.R Shaker Ardakani; S Dargahi; H Amirpour
Abstract
The Ghaleh-Ganj dioritic- quartzdioritic massifs, Post early Eocene in age, located on the west side of the Makran Accretionary Prism and the Jazmurian Depression and the east side of the Jiroft fault, are part of the intrusives in the Ganj Complex, which itself is a part of the Jazmurian Ophiolitic ...
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The Ghaleh-Ganj dioritic- quartzdioritic massifs, Post early Eocene in age, located on the west side of the Makran Accretionary Prism and the Jazmurian Depression and the east side of the Jiroft fault, are part of the intrusives in the Ganj Complex, which itself is a part of the Jazmurian Ophiolitic Belt or the Inner Makran. The diorite- quartzdiorites are intruded into the Lower- Middle Eocene Bidak sedimentary units, which show spheroidal weathering and onion- skin erosion. The presence of feldspar, biotite and secondary minerals (such as clay minerals, secondary biotite and Fe oxides) in the study massifs played an important role in the occurrence of these features. Mineralogically the intrusives consist of plagioclase, clinopyroxene, amphibole, Biotite and opaques. Based on mineral chemistry studies, the plagioclases, oligoclase to labradorite in composition, show evidences of disequilibrium textures (e.g. sieve texture and oscillatory zoning). The clinopyroxenes are augite in composition and belonging to a tholeiitic magmatic series. Referring to linear relation between Ti and AlIV in clinopyroxenes, they seem to be formed in a pressure less than 5 kbs at a depth of less than 15 kilometers. Amphiboles are magnesiohornblende with tendency to actinolite in composition. Based on Zr/TiO2 versus Nb/Y and SiO2 versus Nb/Y diagrams, the intrusives plot in the fields of diorite- quartzdiorite and sub-alkaline, respectively. Their low Nb/Y ratio (0.14-0.16) also point out to their sub-alkaline (tholeiitic) nature. The intrusives are metaluminous and I-type, which referring to HFS and REE element contents, they belong to one group. The absence of a distinct Eu anomaly suggests the insignificance of plagioclase fractionation or oxidation state of the magma. The trace element discrimination diagrams together with chondrite-normalized rare earth element patterns show that the Ghaleh Ganj diorite- quartzdiorites formed in the Maturity Stage of a supra-subduction zone.
Original Research Paper
Gh Ghadami; A Moradiane Shahre Babaki; S.M Mortazavi
Abstract
More than 20 tonalitic to granodioritic plutonic domes, Oligo-Miocene in age, have intruded into the older volcanic rocks, in southeast of Urumieh- Dokhtar Magmatic Belt, northwest of Shahr-e-Babak. These rocks have granoporphyritic texture and consist of Phenocrysts of plagioclase, amphiboles and biotites. ...
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More than 20 tonalitic to granodioritic plutonic domes, Oligo-Miocene in age, have intruded into the older volcanic rocks, in southeast of Urumieh- Dokhtar Magmatic Belt, northwest of Shahr-e-Babak. These rocks have granoporphyritic texture and consist of Phenocrysts of plagioclase, amphiboles and biotites. The geochemical data show calc-alkaline affinities of these rocks , which formed in volcanic arc (I type) of an active continental margin. These data also show LILE and LREE enriched normalized multi-element patterns, and depleted of HFSE (Nb, Ta and Ti). Primitive mantle-normalized REE patterns display a dramatic decrease from LREE to HREE without any Eu anomaly. They have higher SiO2, Al2O3 and Sr content and Sr/Y and La/Yb ratios and lower MgO, Y and Yb contents than the normal calc-alkaline rocks, which reveal their adakitic characteristics. The high content of Sr, LREE enrichments, absente of Eu anomaly, HREE depletion, Y and Yb depletion pattern suggest the existence of garnet, amphibole and absence of plagioclase in the source rocks. Our data suggest that the plutons produced by partial melting of amphibole-eclogite or garnet-amphibolite, due to the subduction of Neotethys oceanic slab under the Central Iran continent.
Original Research Paper
Sh Haghnazar; S Malakotian; Kh Alahyarii
Abstract
The pillow basalts, Cretaceous in age, outcrop in the northern part of Alborz in the East of Guilan province (north of Iran). The pillow lavas are mainly olivine basalts. From geochemical point of view, these rocks are transitional or mildly alkalic series and negative anomaly of Nb-Ta, Zr, Ba; positive ...
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The pillow basalts, Cretaceous in age, outcrop in the northern part of Alborz in the East of Guilan province (north of Iran). The pillow lavas are mainly olivine basalts. From geochemical point of view, these rocks are transitional or mildly alkalic series and negative anomaly of Nb-Ta, Zr, Ba; positive anomaly of Kand Pb; low ratios of Ce/Pb, Nb/U and high ratios of Th/Nb and Ba/Zr are geochemical evidences of crustal contamination. In tectonic setting diagrams, the pillow lavas plots in intra-continental rift Basalts terrain and is comparable with the Transitional Ethiopian Rift Basalts. The geochemical studies show that the pillow basalts are derived from the spinel-lherzolite mantle source and originated from less than 60km depth with less than %15 partial melting.
Original Research Paper
M Nasrabady; F Rossetti; H Moin Vaziri; S.M.H R; M M
Abstract
Some syntectonic tonalitic and trondhjemitic intrusion bodies have been injected into the Soltan Abad (NE Sabzevar) metamorphic complex. The geochemical investigations of these intrusion bodies demonstrated their very obvious adakitic characteristics (very high ratio of Sr/Y and very low contents of ...
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Some syntectonic tonalitic and trondhjemitic intrusion bodies have been injected into the Soltan Abad (NE Sabzevar) metamorphic complex. The geochemical investigations of these intrusion bodies demonstrated their very obvious adakitic characteristics (very high ratio of Sr/Y and very low contents of Y and Yb). According to the field and microscopic evidences and the geochemical characteristics of the whole intrusion bodies, the creation of such adakitic properties originates from the influence of both partial melting and magmatic differentiation processes. The probable scenario is the partial melting of subducted oceanic lithosphere in a hot subduction zone and the generation of adakitic intermediate melt, then amphibole fractionation and enhancing of adakitic indicators of final acidic melt. The resultant residual of partial melting is garnet-hornblenditic blocks that observed adjacent to some intrusion bodies. The primary adakitic intermediate melt accurs as amphibole-rich diorite in the study area. The differentiated cumulate phase and final fractionated melt constitute the hornblenditic dykes and hololococratic tonalitic-trondhjemitic bodies, respectively. The creation of hot thermal regime and partial melting of subducting oceanic lithosphere have been affected by the factors such as subduction velocity variations, mid oceanic ridge subduction or the slab break-off of the subducting oceanic plate and upwelling of the hot asthenosphere.
Original Research Paper
S.H Moeinzadeh
Abstract
In calculation the region’s faulting there are various factors that can be considered. Photolineament factor is a function of length, number and cross of faults per unit area and considered as Suitable method for the quantification of structural data. Naturally most alterations are relevant with ...
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In calculation the region’s faulting there are various factors that can be considered. Photolineament factor is a function of length, number and cross of faults per unit area and considered as Suitable method for the quantification of structural data. Naturally most alterations are relevant with faults and fractures which facilitate the penetration of hydrothermal liquids. Comparing the situation of areas with the highest concentration of lineaments in volcanic regions in calderas of Mosahim and Bidkhan and studying alteration faces in central of calderas indicates the association of supergene alteration with regional lineaments, while phyllic alteration that mostly has endogenous origin has a weaker relation with lineaments. Argillic alteration can have endogenous or exogenous source. In Mosahim caldera the origin of clay minerals is mostly sinking water and kaolin is its major mineral. According to the results of XRD experiments, minerals such as Pyrophylit and Dikyt cannot be seen in most parts of Mosahim caldera. So most of the alterations of Mosahim volcano are argillic with exogenous origin; while in Bidkhan caldera in spite of the majority of argillic alteration and phyllic alteration with mostly endogenous origin has a notable covering. Drawing the matching matrix alteration and upper bound of photolinieament factor in Mosahim and Bidkhan show the respectively matching coefficients of 37.8% and 29% for argillic alteration and coefficients of 1.1 % and 10.7 % for phyllic alteration in the above mentioned region. Positive relationship between argillic alteration and photolinieament factor and weaker association of phyllic alteration with this factor in the center of Mosahim and Bidkhan calderas along with closer relative of overall alteration regime (mostly exogenous) of the Mosahim region with photolinieament factor indicate severe faults effect in the supergene than hypogene processes in these areas.
Original Research Paper
P Didar; N Nezafati; M.H Emami; A Solgi
Abstract
In the south of Mashhad city, situated in the Khorasan-eRazaviProvince, NE Iran, there are a number of granitic intrusive bodies intersected by several pegmatite veins. These granitic bodies are of orogenic (collisional), peraluminous, S- type and host the pegmatites in an area of 40km2. This paper presents ...
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In the south of Mashhad city, situated in the Khorasan-eRazaviProvince, NE Iran, there are a number of granitic intrusive bodies intersected by several pegmatite veins. These granitic bodies are of orogenic (collisional), peraluminous, S- type and host the pegmatites in an area of 40km2. This paper presents the geological, geochemical, and mineralogical investigations on the pegmatite veins in order mainly to examine their economic value for lithium and lithium bearing minerals. For this purpose, the pegmatite veins of the area were first mapped and sampled. In this regard, more than 100 samples from the pegmatites and associated granites were taken and investigated using polarized microscopy, SEM, XRD, and ICP. According to the field observations and laboratory examinations, seven individual pegmatite facies were recognized, all of which of LCT (Li, Cs, Ta) type (based on Cerny-2005-classification). The studied pegmatites contain three main types of mica including muscovite, lepidolite, and biotite and host from 430 to 1150 ppm lithium. Beside lithium bearing mica, presence of some other minerals such as garnet (almandine-spessartite), tourmaline (schorl-dravite series and schorl-elbaite series), and apatite are of interest, especially because of their potential for hosting REEs. The average of A/CNK index for the pegmatites is 1.3 to 1.6, while the average of Mg/Li is 3.9 to 24.1. The average of lithium for the facies of "quartz + tourmaline ± muscovite" is 19.3ppm, while the average of Li for the facies of "quartz+ potassium feldspar + plagioclase + muscovite + lepidolite + biotite + tourmaline" is 177.2 ppm. The low Mg/Li ratio, the high content of lithium, and the mineralization of lepidolite introduce the pegmatites of Mashhad as a significant potential for lithium, what that is being introduced for the first time from these pegmatites.
Original Research Paper
H Dadashzadeh Ahari; P Afzal; N Rashidnejad Omran
Abstract
Separation of high grade from low grade veins and veinlets is very important operation in vein type deposits, especially in gold deposits because low value variations are very significant in their mineral exploration. In this paper, Concentration-Volume (C-V) fractal model was utilized for separation ...
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Separation of high grade from low grade veins and veinlets is very important operation in vein type deposits, especially in gold deposits because low value variations are very significant in their mineral exploration. In this paper, Concentration-Volume (C-V) fractal model was utilized for separation and classification of gold veins in the Qolqoleh deposit, which is located in the Kordestan province, NW of the Sanandaj-Sirjan metamorphic structural zone. Based on the obtained results from the model, different populations consisting of wall rocks, low grade, moderately grade, high grade and enriched zones were separated in the deposit. Rock types of the deposit were correlated with resulted mineralized zones by log ratio matrix. The most parts of the deposit have Au values lower than 3.98 ppm including low and moderately grade veins. However, mineralized veins hosted in chlorite-schists and this can be one of the exploration keys for gold prospecting in other parts of the Sanandaj-Sirjan zone.
Original Research Paper
M Ghorbani; M.R Hosseinzadeh
Abstract
The mafic-ultramafic complex of Misho is exposed in in the northwestern part of Iran, in the East Azerbaidjan province (southwest of Marand). This complex intruded in the older rock units including the Kahar formation and resulted in developing of contact metamorphic rocks. Compositionally, the mafic ...
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The mafic-ultramafic complex of Misho is exposed in in the northwestern part of Iran, in the East Azerbaidjan province (southwest of Marand). This complex intruded in the older rock units including the Kahar formation and resulted in developing of contact metamorphic rocks. Compositionally, the mafic portion is gabbronorite, troctolite and olivine-gabbronorite; and the ultramafics are harzburgite to lherzolite. The EPMA analyses of main minerals in mafic rocks (gabbro) show that plagioclases are anorthite to bytownite, Olivines are mainly chrysolite, orthopyroxenes have enstatitic composition, clinopyroxenes are diopsidic and amphiboles are tschermakite, to tschermakitic hornblende. Geothermobarometery of gabbros based on varions methods (Al2O3 and TiO2 in amphibole, plagioclase - amphibole and orthopyroxene – clinopyroxene) yield 700- 900ºC in pressure of 7-8 kbar.
Original Research Paper
A Askari; M.H Karimpour; S.A Mazaheri; A Malekzadeh
Abstract
The Hired gold prospect area is located in the Southern Khorasan province and 140 Km south of the Birjand city. The Acidic to mafic intrusive bodies with gabbro to granite composition have intruded into the Tertiary volcano-sedimentary sequences. Based on magnetic susceptibility, the intrusives are divided ...
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The Hired gold prospect area is located in the Southern Khorasan province and 140 Km south of the Birjand city. The Acidic to mafic intrusive bodies with gabbro to granite composition have intruded into the Tertiary volcano-sedimentary sequences. Based on magnetic susceptibility, the intrusives are divided into two categories: magnetite (oxidized) and ilmenite (reduced) series. The important alterations recognized on land surface and bore holes consist of: 1) quartz-tourmaline-sericite alteration, 2) carbonation alteration, 3) skarnization, and 4) propylitic alteration. Au and accompany elements mineralization (W, Sn, Bi, As, Sb, Pb, Zn, Ag) have formed as replacement, disseminate, vein-veinlet, massive, breccias, and skarn related to reduced granitic-granodioritic intrusive bodies and with different distance as compared with the bodies. Geological, mineralization, petrographical, mineralogical and alteration studies of the Hired gold deposit and comparison with the characteristics of different types of gold mineralization in the world indicate that this deposit has the most similarity with reduced intrusion-related gold systems (RIRGS). Since In this system, the most of gold reserve is accompanied with sulfide minerals and they form in roof of the reduced granitoid stocks and adjacent hornfels rocks, The IP- RS geophysical methods on reduced granitoid intrusive body and near regions was executed with the aim of recognition of hidden parts. Combination of geophysics data (IP, RS) with geological, alteration, and mineralization studies shows well development mineralization in the east of intrusive body and the country rocks. In this relation, 6 anomalous regions has been defined with Chargeability up to 30 mv/v that on the whole, they can be divided into two groups: 1) anomaly with high induced polarization and low specific resistivity resulting from presence of much metallic sulfurs as disseminate, veinlet, and massive accompanied with high sericitic alteration, 2) anomaly with high induced polarization and medium-high specific resistivity resulting from presence of much metallic sulfurs as disseminate and very high carbonation-silicic alteration.
Original Research Paper
H Alizadeh; M Aryan; M Lotfi; M Ghorashi; M Ghorbani
Abstract
The Dehaj-Sardoiyeh Belt, which is a part of the Urmia-Dokhtar Volcanic-Plutonic Zone, consists of several economic porphyry copper deposits. This area is located on the right lateral shear zone surrounded by the Rafsanjan fault in the north and the Shahr-e Babak fault in the south. In this research, ...
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The Dehaj-Sardoiyeh Belt, which is a part of the Urmia-Dokhtar Volcanic-Plutonic Zone, consists of several economic porphyry copper deposits. This area is located on the right lateral shear zone surrounded by the Rafsanjan fault in the north and the Shahr-e Babak fault in the south. In this research, spatial relationship among sixteen porphyry copper deposits, faults and fractures was studied. The results show a strong relationship between the Photo lineament factor and location of the porphyry copper deposits. The direction of lineament factor (d/D) was found to be highly correlated with the location of porphyry deposits. The results can be used in exploring preliminary porphyry deposits with regard to the geometry and mechanisms of the faults and fractures.
Original Research Paper
R Ahmadi Rohany; M.H Karimpour; B Rahimi; A Malakzadeh Shafaroudi
Abstract
The studied area is located in east of BajestanTownship, KhorasanRazaviProvince and this region is a part of the Lut Block. Granite is the most important rock in this area with covering approximately 70km2. Processing of satellite data in this area was done by using of SPOT, ASTER and Landsat ETM+ data. ...
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The studied area is located in east of BajestanTownship, KhorasanRazaviProvince and this region is a part of the Lut Block. Granite is the most important rock in this area with covering approximately 70km2. Processing of satellite data in this area was done by using of SPOT, ASTER and Landsat ETM+ data. SPOT images processing and using PCA methods (standard and selective) on the ETM+ data show this intrusive body doesn't have an equal chemical composition. The central part of the intrusive body has distinctive from margin and it seems that the central part have more mafic mineral. For enhancing linear structure, high pass, directional, threshold and sobel filters were applied separately and compositional on the SPOT data. By using these filters linear structures became completely obvious and were vectorized digitally. The most of them show northwestern-southeastern trend. ASTER data processing by spectral angle mapper (SAM), band ratio and band composition methods enhanced epidote, sericite, hematite, argilic and silicified alterations. Processing and Interpretation of airborne geophysical data (potassium, thorium, uranium and total magnetic intensity), which collected by airplane show the amounts of these triple elements (K,U,Th) are high and in vice versa Total Magnetic Intensity data (TMI) is low in this granite. Separating geological boundaries and enhancing major faults are other results from processing of geophysics data. Merging all of the data consist of: satellite and geophysics data processing and field research indicate alteration zones have relation to linear structures in this area. This research specifies the most probability of mineralization presence in this area so that Fe and Cu mineralization conform to epidotic-chloritic and argilic alterations. Introducing favorable area can help us to concentrate exploration activities and next researches in this area and prevent wasting money and time.
Original Research Paper
A Zahedi1; M Boomeri; M.A Mackizadeh
Abstract
The garnets from the KhutSkarn in the west of Yazd have been formed as a result of hydrothermal activity ofOligo-Miocene calc-alkaline plutons. The chemical composition of garnets in the Khutskarn are divided into two solid solution of grossularitic-andraditic and almost pure andradite different types. ...
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The garnets from the KhutSkarn in the west of Yazd have been formed as a result of hydrothermal activity ofOligo-Miocene calc-alkaline plutons. The chemical composition of garnets in the Khutskarn are divided into two solid solution of grossularitic-andraditic and almost pure andradite different types. The Fe-rich garnets are isotropic (Adr>96), whereasgrossularitic-andraditic garnets are anisotropic and show compositional zoning and sectorial twinning(Ad74.3Gr24.8-Ad32.1Gr66.6). The compositional zoning of anisotropic garnets may result from hydrothermal overgrowths on contact metamorphic minerals, variations in P, T, XCO2, concentrations of Fe3+ and Al, or kinetic factors. The Laser Ablation ICP-MS results show isotropic garnets exhibit LREE-enriched and HREE-depleted patterns, with a positive Eu anomaly. These garnets grow rapidly under relatively high W/R ratios from the magmatic-derived fluids during infiltration metasomatism process, whereas anisotropic garnets have much lower enrichment in LREE and show a weak negative Eu anomaly. These garnets formed by prolonged interaction of pore fluids with the host rocks during the diffusive metasomatism process.
Original Research Paper
S Kianpouryan; M Farahmandian; M Karimi; A Bahroudi
Abstract
Considering the existence of many copper deposits in Iran and the importance of their exploration, mineral potential mapping with high accuracy is an important tool. The process of mineral potential mapping is a cumbersome process which can be performed using different methods. The Hybrid Neuro-Fuzzy ...
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Considering the existence of many copper deposits in Iran and the importance of their exploration, mineral potential mapping with high accuracy is an important tool. The process of mineral potential mapping is a cumbersome process which can be performed using different methods. The Hybrid Neuro-Fuzzy approach is one of the powerful ones for mineral potential mapping in which both conceptual and empirical components of earth science information are employed, so using both components simultaneously increase the confidence interval. In this paper we were used Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) for mineral potential mapping in Chahar-Gonbad area 1:100000 sheet, Kerman province. The database consists of geology, geochemistry, airborne radiometric, regional faults, ETM+ data, and 22 deposit and occurrence locations. At first, the factor maps were provided in GIS environment in which each cell in the grid data represents a 100 m square on the ground, and then the outputs of this layer were used for training the network. As this technique requires some data for training the network, the occurrence locations were used for training and checking points. Since, the training points were not enough for this procedure, we assigned buffer from 100 to 1000 m for occurrence locations. The results showed that when the buffer is 500 m, the best classification which ANFIS identify about 80% of the known deposits and occurrence locations in high favorability zones.
Original Research Paper
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.
Original Research Paper
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.
Original Research Paper
S Ghaderi; E Rastad; N Rashidnejad-Omran; M Mohajjel
Abstract
Tungsten (Cu-Au-Zn) deposits and occurrences in Iran can be divided into two separate categories based on their genesis, tectonic setting, mineral paragenesis and related processes inherent in their formation. The first category contains deposits, which are located in metamorphosed Late Triassic-Middle ...
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Tungsten (Cu-Au-Zn) deposits and occurrences in Iran can be divided into two separate categories based on their genesis, tectonic setting, mineral paragenesis and related processes inherent in their formation. The first category contains deposits, which are located in metamorphosed Late Triassic-Middle Jurassic volcano-sedimentary sequences, and their distribution is indicated by layering. These deposits are located in a specific stratigraphic position and are concentrated in contact of volcanic units with carbonate rocks. The geodynamic setting of this category probably is intracontinental rifting. The second category contains deposits located in metamorphosed sedimentary rocks of the Shemshak group and Jurassic granitoids. These deposits have vein-veinlet geometry and their formation is controlled by faults, fractures and shear zones. The geodynamic setting of this category probably is active continental margins. The mineral paragenesis of the first group generally contains scheelite and Cu-Fe-Zn sulfides, whereas the paragenesis of the second group is wolframite, scheelite, chalcopyrite, arsenopyrite, with gold and specifically bismuth.
Original Research Paper
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.
Original Research Paper
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.
Original Research Paper
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.
Original Research Paper
A Hosseinkhani; F Molasalehi
Abstract
Ahangaran is an active Pb-Ag mine of Iran that is located in Malayer town, Hamedan province and situated in the Esfahan-Malayer Pb-Zn Metallogenic Zone. The mineralographical studies of different parts of the Ahangaran mine show different sulfide-oxide zones with major minerals including ...
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Ahangaran is an active Pb-Ag mine of Iran that is located in Malayer town, Hamedan province and situated in the Esfahan-Malayer Pb-Zn Metallogenic Zone. The mineralographical studies of different parts of the Ahangaran mine show different sulfide-oxide zones with major minerals including galena, cerussite, chalcopyrite, magnetite, pyrite, hematite, goethite and others minor minerals. For the first time, the minor minerals including jordanite-lengenbachite series, coronadite and galena molybdate is identified as a host for Pb and Ag using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and electron probe micro-analyzer (EPMA). Freibergite (Fahlore group) and lanaite as two minor minerals containing Ag are reported as major element in the crystalline lattice, as well. In addition to Ag presence in the minor minerals, it is measured up to 500 ppm in galena and cerussite by EPMA studies. Pb isotope study on a galena sample from Ahangaran deposit shows the Pb is radiogenic with orogenic reservoir characteristics in which high amount of Pb originated from the upper and lower crust. In addition, Pb model age shows Pb derivation from Triassic basement (249 Ma), and Pb isotopic ratios suggest a mature arc environment for the Ahangaran deposit.
Original Research Paper
M Kazemirad; E Rastad; M Mohajjel
Abstract
The Goshti-Heneshk, Goli and Cheshmeh Esi iron-manganese deposits are located in the northeast of Dehdib (Safashahr), 175 km northeast of Shiraz. These deposits are situated in the Heneshk Shear Zone, which is a part of the ComplexDeformationSubzone of the Southern Sanandaj-Sirjan Zone. The oldest outcrops ...
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The Goshti-Heneshk, Goli and Cheshmeh Esi iron-manganese deposits are located in the northeast of Dehdib (Safashahr), 175 km northeast of Shiraz. These deposits are situated in the Heneshk Shear Zone, which is a part of the ComplexDeformationSubzone of the Southern Sanandaj-Sirjan Zone. The oldest outcrops in the area consist of the metamorphosed Permian shale, sandstone and crystalline limestone. The Middle Triassic dolomite units (equivalent to the Shotori Formation) have been thrusted on the Upper Triassic metamorphic and deformed volcano-sedimentary rocks and chert by thrust faults. The ore-bearing dolomites are often repeated due to imbricate thrust system in the area. The host rock to the ore is only dolomite, and ore bodies formed as lenses concordant by layering. The ore texture is massive, open space filling, lamination, and disseminated. The ore minerals include hematite, magnetite, goethite, kriptomelan, psilomelan and ramsdelite together with dolomite, calcite, quartz and barite. In the geochemical studies to determine the source of mineralization, Mn/Fe, Si/Al and Na/Mg ratios of major elements indicated that Fe-Mn ore formation occurred through the hydrothermal processes in shallow marine volcano-sedimentary environment. The trace element diagrams show low contents of elements such as Ni, Co, and Cu in the Fe-Mn ores. In these diagrams, the deposits of the study area plot in the field of hydrothermal deposits. Rare Earth Element distribution patterns of the deposits are quite similar to those of hydrothermal deposits. Two ore types are distinguished based on geometry and shape of the ore bodies: primary mineralization occurred parallel and concordant with layering of the host rocks. The ore textures of this type include massive, laminated and disseminated occurring in folded chert and dolomite. The vein-type mineralization is associated with the faults and has brecciated or cataclastic texture occurring in the Middle Triassic dolomite and Permian meta-carbonates. Based on the stratigraphic location, layer form of the ore body, texture, paragenetic sequence, ore-bearing chert-dolomite facies and geochemistry, the iron-manganese ores of the northeast Dehbid are stratabound carbonate-hosted deposits, which were precipitated in the shallow marine environment in the dolomites equivalent to the Middle Triasssic Shotori Formation.
Original Research Paper
A Naseri; M.J Mohammadzadeh; P Mohebbi; P Javani
Abstract
Gharahchaman is located inthe Urumieh Dokhtar zone in east Azerbaijan. The area is mostly comprises of intermediate to acidic intrusive and extrusive, Oligocene igneous rocks along with younger sedimentary units. The regional geochemical exploration program with the aim of delineating potential zones ...
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Gharahchaman is located inthe Urumieh Dokhtar zone in east Azerbaijan. The area is mostly comprises of intermediate to acidic intrusive and extrusive, Oligocene igneous rocks along with younger sedimentary units. The regional geochemical exploration program with the aim of delineating potential zones in the area were attempted by collecting 394 stream sediment samples, which analyzed for 44 elements. Most of the exploration programs are routinely based on the positive anomalies (+ve) detection and the negative halos (-ve) are rarely considered. The depletion of some pathfinder elements may be related to ore mineralization in the area. Therefore (-ve) halos also can be significant in regional exploration. Conventionally, negative anomalous threshold values have been calculated in the same way as positive one, which causes drawbacks and hinder their application. In this paper an attempt were made to construct integrated models of (-ve) and (+ve) potential maps for detecting optimized geochemical pattern. It can be deduced from this study that the detected significant (-ve) halos, mostly are influenced by syngenetic processes and some are also related to ore bearing solutions. Detecting (-ve) halos of elements such as Sc, Sr, and Na in a particular pattern and in vicinity of (+ve) halos like Au, Cu, Pb, U, Zn are related to base metal mineralization and other important elements in the region. On the basis of combined distribution pattern of elements three models of geochemical anomalies are accompanied each other;1) Overlapping of multi-element (-ve) and (+ve) anomalies like (Rb, Sr); 2) Peripheral regional multi-element (-ve) anomalies that surround (+ve) anomalies like (-ve) halo of Sc around (+ve) halos of Ce, Rb/K and (–ve) halo of Sr with Ba/Sr ratio, felsic and chloritic zones in the area; 3) Discriminated Indices model of (-ve) and (+ve) halos of (Mo-Sr), (U-Sr), (Cu-Sr).This indicates that the combined study of (+ve) and (-ve) halos in regional geochemical exploration studies can be more significant in detecting hidden ore deposits. The distribution pattern of felsic and chloritic additive composite alteration zones match with Model2, which mutually correspond to (+ve) and (-ve) anomalies of Au and Sr respectively. Ultimately the results revealed deficiency in study of only positively concentration of elements along with faulted zones, whereas the present study emphasis that modeling corresponding of (-ve) and (+ve) halos along with results obtained from composite additive indices confirms NW-SE concentration of ore mineralization in the area.
