Journal of Economic Geology
Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Geology, Faculty Member
Introduction The study area is located in the Khorasan Razavi Province, NW of Gonabad between 58° 33˝- 58 ° 38˝ to the east and 25° 34˝ - 25° 38˝ to the north. Geotectonically, the area is located in the northern part of the Lut Block.... more
Introduction
The study area is located in the Khorasan Razavi Province, NW of Gonabad between 58° 33˝- 58 ° 38˝ to the east and 25° 34˝ - 25° 38˝ to the north. Geotectonically, the area is located in the northern part of the Lut Block. The Lut Block is the main metallogenic province in the east of Iran (Karimpour et al., 2012). There is a significant outcrop of Tertiary intermediate volcanic and pyroclastic rocks in the northwest of Gonabad. This region is rich in clay (kaolin) mineralization. The source of these kaolin deposits (argillic alteration) is related to a granitic dyke that intruded into the Shemshak Formation.
Geology
According to studies most of the rocks in this region are volcanic rocks which mainly consist of trachyte, andesite, trachyandesite, dacite, rhyodacite, pyroclastics rocks of agglomerate and tuff and some subvolcanic masses and dykes of acidic to intermediate compositions. Sedimentary rocks in the study area are slightly metamorphosed. The oldest metamorphic rock is exposed in the south- east of the study area which consists of Jurassic slates and quartzite. At this area green schist facies have led to the formation of slate and quartzite. The intrusive bodies, composition are monzogranite porphyry to diorite porphyry. The main fault zones which make specific types of structure are strike-slip.
Alteration and mineralization
The volcanic and subvolcanic rocks have been affected by hydrothermal fluids via the phenomenon which has caused alteration in the rocks. The alteration zones are propylitic, silicification, argillic, and quartz-sericite-pyrite. The silicification has occurred with higher intensity in the northern and central parts of the investigated area. Propylitic alteration has spread all over the area with higher intensity in the northwest and southern parts of the study area. The clay mineral deposits (argillic zones) have been mined. The mineralogical compositions of this clay deposits are quartz, kaolinite, dickite, montmorillonite and hematite.
Materials and Methods
Ten doubly polished wafers (0.3mm thick) of fluorite, barite and quartz crystals were prepared for fluid inclusion studies, and examined petrographically. They were studied using standard techniques (Roedder, 1984, 1992) and Linkam THM 600 heating–freezing stage (from -190 to 600 °C) mounted on an Olympus TH4–200 microscope stage at the Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran.
The accuracy is estimated to be ±0.2 °C on freezing, ±2 °C below 350 °C and about ±4 above 350 °C on heating. The salinity of the fluids trapped in fluid inclusions is calculated based on the temperature of final ice melting (Tm) and the equation of Bodnar (1993). Densities are calculated using the Flincor software according to microthermometric data (Brown and Lamb, 1989).
Discussion
Microthermometeric investigations were conducted on 126 fluid inclusions in two types of liquid-rich (L+V) fluids in silicified cap of Rokhsefid and Baghsia kaolin mines. Homogenization experiments revealed a temperature range of 186–326 °C for the studied inclusion. Salinity variations could not be determined because of the small amount of fluids. The homogenization temperature and depth of formation from the first type of inclusions are 186- 256°C and 250 meters, respectively. The second type of inclusions have Th between 275 to 326°C and are 500 meter in depth. Microthermometric study of fluid inclusions on quartz-sericite-pyrite and sulfide- silicified mineralization in Kalatehno indicates that two types of hydrothermal fluids were important in the formation of mineralization. These two types are involved. First, Th between 289- 354 °C, salinity range from 10.86 to 10.98 wt.% NaCl equivalent, and the average depth of about 600 meters. Second, Th between 266- 377°C, salinity ranges from 11.7 to 13.07 wt.% NaCl equivalent, and average depth of about 600 meters. Microthermometric study of the fluid inclusions in fluorite veins were conducted on fluorite, barite and quartz minerals. The results obtained from the fluorites indicate Th between 184- 360°C, and Salinity ranges from 0 to 3.2 wt.% NaCl equivalent. Fluid inclusion studies consisting of quartz veins and quartz- sulfide- copper carbonate in Kalatehno copper mineralization involve two types of fluids with homogenization temperatures and salinity range from 260- 300 °C and 1.5- 3.23 wt.% NaCl equivalent and 193- 240 °C and 4.1- 5.86 wt.% NaCl equivalent.
Conclusion
Fluid inclusion studies on fluorite samples have shown a temperature homogenizations (Th) between 186-326 °C. These studies indicate the average formation temperature of 280°C for argillic alteration. Fluid inclusion studies on Kalateno Cu mineralization show two types of mineralization fluids with the temperatures of 193 to 240 and 260 to 300°C with salinity between 1.5-3.23 wt. % 4.1- 5.86 wt.% NaCl equivalent, respectively. The temperature ranges obtained are similar to those of epithermal systems.
The study area is located in the Khorasan Razavi Province, NW of Gonabad between 58° 33˝- 58 ° 38˝ to the east and 25° 34˝ - 25° 38˝ to the north. Geotectonically, the area is located in the northern part of the Lut Block. The Lut Block is the main metallogenic province in the east of Iran (Karimpour et al., 2012). There is a significant outcrop of Tertiary intermediate volcanic and pyroclastic rocks in the northwest of Gonabad. This region is rich in clay (kaolin) mineralization. The source of these kaolin deposits (argillic alteration) is related to a granitic dyke that intruded into the Shemshak Formation.
Geology
According to studies most of the rocks in this region are volcanic rocks which mainly consist of trachyte, andesite, trachyandesite, dacite, rhyodacite, pyroclastics rocks of agglomerate and tuff and some subvolcanic masses and dykes of acidic to intermediate compositions. Sedimentary rocks in the study area are slightly metamorphosed. The oldest metamorphic rock is exposed in the south- east of the study area which consists of Jurassic slates and quartzite. At this area green schist facies have led to the formation of slate and quartzite. The intrusive bodies, composition are monzogranite porphyry to diorite porphyry. The main fault zones which make specific types of structure are strike-slip.
Alteration and mineralization
The volcanic and subvolcanic rocks have been affected by hydrothermal fluids via the phenomenon which has caused alteration in the rocks. The alteration zones are propylitic, silicification, argillic, and quartz-sericite-pyrite. The silicification has occurred with higher intensity in the northern and central parts of the investigated area. Propylitic alteration has spread all over the area with higher intensity in the northwest and southern parts of the study area. The clay mineral deposits (argillic zones) have been mined. The mineralogical compositions of this clay deposits are quartz, kaolinite, dickite, montmorillonite and hematite.
Materials and Methods
Ten doubly polished wafers (0.3mm thick) of fluorite, barite and quartz crystals were prepared for fluid inclusion studies, and examined petrographically. They were studied using standard techniques (Roedder, 1984, 1992) and Linkam THM 600 heating–freezing stage (from -190 to 600 °C) mounted on an Olympus TH4–200 microscope stage at the Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran.
The accuracy is estimated to be ±0.2 °C on freezing, ±2 °C below 350 °C and about ±4 above 350 °C on heating. The salinity of the fluids trapped in fluid inclusions is calculated based on the temperature of final ice melting (Tm) and the equation of Bodnar (1993). Densities are calculated using the Flincor software according to microthermometric data (Brown and Lamb, 1989).
Discussion
Microthermometeric investigations were conducted on 126 fluid inclusions in two types of liquid-rich (L+V) fluids in silicified cap of Rokhsefid and Baghsia kaolin mines. Homogenization experiments revealed a temperature range of 186–326 °C for the studied inclusion. Salinity variations could not be determined because of the small amount of fluids. The homogenization temperature and depth of formation from the first type of inclusions are 186- 256°C and 250 meters, respectively. The second type of inclusions have Th between 275 to 326°C and are 500 meter in depth. Microthermometric study of fluid inclusions on quartz-sericite-pyrite and sulfide- silicified mineralization in Kalatehno indicates that two types of hydrothermal fluids were important in the formation of mineralization. These two types are involved. First, Th between 289- 354 °C, salinity range from 10.86 to 10.98 wt.% NaCl equivalent, and the average depth of about 600 meters. Second, Th between 266- 377°C, salinity ranges from 11.7 to 13.07 wt.% NaCl equivalent, and average depth of about 600 meters. Microthermometric study of the fluid inclusions in fluorite veins were conducted on fluorite, barite and quartz minerals. The results obtained from the fluorites indicate Th between 184- 360°C, and Salinity ranges from 0 to 3.2 wt.% NaCl equivalent. Fluid inclusion studies consisting of quartz veins and quartz- sulfide- copper carbonate in Kalatehno copper mineralization involve two types of fluids with homogenization temperatures and salinity range from 260- 300 °C and 1.5- 3.23 wt.% NaCl equivalent and 193- 240 °C and 4.1- 5.86 wt.% NaCl equivalent.
Conclusion
Fluid inclusion studies on fluorite samples have shown a temperature homogenizations (Th) between 186-326 °C. These studies indicate the average formation temperature of 280°C for argillic alteration. Fluid inclusion studies on Kalateno Cu mineralization show two types of mineralization fluids with the temperatures of 193 to 240 and 260 to 300°C with salinity between 1.5-3.23 wt. % 4.1- 5.86 wt.% NaCl equivalent, respectively. The temperature ranges obtained are similar to those of epithermal systems.
Research Interests:
Introduction The Iranian plateau is part of the Alpine-Himalayan orogenic belt, which consists of several continental fragments separated from each other by major boundary faults and/or ophiolitic suture zones (Gansser, 1981). Generally,... more
Introduction
The Iranian plateau is part of the Alpine-Himalayan orogenic belt, which consists of several continental fragments separated from each other by major boundary faults and/or ophiolitic suture zones (Gansser, 1981). Generally, the tectonic evolution of Iran has been controlled by the opening and closure of the Proto-Tethys, Paleo-Tethys and the Neo-Tethys during the Precambrian-Cambrian, Paleozoic and Cenozoic, respectively.
The study area is located in the northwest of Iran (the Kurdistan province) and 20 km northeast of the city of Saqez. This area is a part of the northern Sanandaj-Sirjan Zone (Aghanabati, 2005). This belt is response to opening and subduction of Neo-Tethyan oceanic crust beneath the Central Iran (Alavi, 1994). During Cretaceous-Tertiary eras, numerous granitoid bodies were formed in this belt. The Saheb granitoid is one of these granitoid bodies which mainly consists of monzogranite, quartz monzonite and quartz monzodiorite. The aim of this research study is to discuss the evolution of the Late Cretaceous-Early Paleocene Saheb granitoids in the Sanandaj-Sirjan zone based on geology, petrography and geochronology results.
Material and methods
In this study, 70 rock samples were collected from different types of intrusive rocks from which 30 thin sections were prepared for petrographic studies. Furthermore, four samples from the granitoid bodies (quartz monzonite, quartz monzodiorite and monzogranite) were selected for U-Pb dating. Approximately 100 to 150 zircon grains were hand-picked by a binocular microscope from each sample. Cathodo-luminescence imaging and dating of zircon grains were examined at the China University Geosciences (Wuhan branch). Geochronological analysis were performed by using the (LA)-ICP-MS method at the China University Geosciences (Wuhan branch). The detailed analytical method is presented in Liu et al. (2010a, 2010b).
Geology of the study area
The Saheb granitoid body is located in the Sanandaj-Sirjan zone. According to the geological map of Chapan (scale: 1/100000, Kholghi khosraghi, 1999), the Precambrian to Quaternary units are exposed in the study area. The oldest units are the Kahar, Bayandor and Soltanieh Formations with Precambrian to Cambrian age. The Permian sediments, the Ruteh and Doroud Formations, include sandstone, shale and carbonate. The Jurassic units are found in the northwest of the region, and include sandstones and shale. The Cretaceous sedimentary units are located in the south of the study area. These sediments contain sandstone, limestone, silty-limestone, shale and dolomitic limestone. During Late Cretaceous-Early Paleocene era the Saheb granitoid intruded within the oldest units and caused Fe skarn type deposits in the Saheb area. The Saheb granitoid have been cut by a series of diabasic dikes.
Results
The Saheb granitoid consists of several intrusive bodies containing quartz monzonite, quartz monzodiorite and monzogranite. The major minerals in the quartz monzodiorite consist of plagioclase (35- 40%), quartz (15- 20%), orthoclase (20- 25%), and mafic minerals such as biotite and amphibole (10-15%) with granular texture. The quartz monzonitic rocks show granular and poikilitic textures. Plagioclase (25- 35%), quartz, orthoclase (30- 40%), biotite and amphibole (10-15%) are the main important minerals in the quartz monzonite. Plagioclase (20-25%), quartz (20-30%), orthoclase (30-40%), biotite and amphibole (15%) are the major minerals in the monzogranite.
Zoning in zircon crystals from all four samples is well developed representing their magmatic origin (Hancar and Miller, 1993). Measurements of U-Pb in the Saheb granitoid zircon grains of quartz monzonite samples show their ages to be 62.03±0.56 Ma and 58.9±0.9 Ma. The age of monzogranite is 67.9±1.3 Ma and the age of quartz monzodiorite is 61.1±0.56 Ma. Generally, the age of this granitoid body indicates that the Saheb granitoid has occurred during the Cretaceous- Paleocene time.
Discussion
Based on field and microscopic studies, the Saheb granitoid bodies have been divided into three types of quartz-monzonite, quartz-monzodiorite and monzogranite. The field and mineralogical studies suggest that the Saheb granitoid is an I-type granitoid. The mineralogical variations in this granitoid suggest that the fractional crystallization has played an important role in differentiation of different compositional phases in the Saheb granitoid.
According to the geochronological results, during Late Cretaceous to Early Paleocene, the Saheb granitoid intruded within the Permian and Cretaceous units in the magmatic-metamorphic Sanandaj-Sirjan zone. These granitoids were formed by subduction of Neo-Tethys Ocean beneath the Iranian plateau. It should be mentioned that the intrusion of these granitoids into the Permian carbonates and Cretaceous carbonate and shale caused formation of skarn type iron oxide mineralization.
Acknowledgements
The authors are grateful to the authorities at the University of Zanjan for their financial support. We also thank the authorities at the China University Geosciences (Wuhan branch) for their financial support to perform U-Pb zircon analysis.
The Iranian plateau is part of the Alpine-Himalayan orogenic belt, which consists of several continental fragments separated from each other by major boundary faults and/or ophiolitic suture zones (Gansser, 1981). Generally, the tectonic evolution of Iran has been controlled by the opening and closure of the Proto-Tethys, Paleo-Tethys and the Neo-Tethys during the Precambrian-Cambrian, Paleozoic and Cenozoic, respectively.
The study area is located in the northwest of Iran (the Kurdistan province) and 20 km northeast of the city of Saqez. This area is a part of the northern Sanandaj-Sirjan Zone (Aghanabati, 2005). This belt is response to opening and subduction of Neo-Tethyan oceanic crust beneath the Central Iran (Alavi, 1994). During Cretaceous-Tertiary eras, numerous granitoid bodies were formed in this belt. The Saheb granitoid is one of these granitoid bodies which mainly consists of monzogranite, quartz monzonite and quartz monzodiorite. The aim of this research study is to discuss the evolution of the Late Cretaceous-Early Paleocene Saheb granitoids in the Sanandaj-Sirjan zone based on geology, petrography and geochronology results.
Material and methods
In this study, 70 rock samples were collected from different types of intrusive rocks from which 30 thin sections were prepared for petrographic studies. Furthermore, four samples from the granitoid bodies (quartz monzonite, quartz monzodiorite and monzogranite) were selected for U-Pb dating. Approximately 100 to 150 zircon grains were hand-picked by a binocular microscope from each sample. Cathodo-luminescence imaging and dating of zircon grains were examined at the China University Geosciences (Wuhan branch). Geochronological analysis were performed by using the (LA)-ICP-MS method at the China University Geosciences (Wuhan branch). The detailed analytical method is presented in Liu et al. (2010a, 2010b).
Geology of the study area
The Saheb granitoid body is located in the Sanandaj-Sirjan zone. According to the geological map of Chapan (scale: 1/100000, Kholghi khosraghi, 1999), the Precambrian to Quaternary units are exposed in the study area. The oldest units are the Kahar, Bayandor and Soltanieh Formations with Precambrian to Cambrian age. The Permian sediments, the Ruteh and Doroud Formations, include sandstone, shale and carbonate. The Jurassic units are found in the northwest of the region, and include sandstones and shale. The Cretaceous sedimentary units are located in the south of the study area. These sediments contain sandstone, limestone, silty-limestone, shale and dolomitic limestone. During Late Cretaceous-Early Paleocene era the Saheb granitoid intruded within the oldest units and caused Fe skarn type deposits in the Saheb area. The Saheb granitoid have been cut by a series of diabasic dikes.
Results
The Saheb granitoid consists of several intrusive bodies containing quartz monzonite, quartz monzodiorite and monzogranite. The major minerals in the quartz monzodiorite consist of plagioclase (35- 40%), quartz (15- 20%), orthoclase (20- 25%), and mafic minerals such as biotite and amphibole (10-15%) with granular texture. The quartz monzonitic rocks show granular and poikilitic textures. Plagioclase (25- 35%), quartz, orthoclase (30- 40%), biotite and amphibole (10-15%) are the main important minerals in the quartz monzonite. Plagioclase (20-25%), quartz (20-30%), orthoclase (30-40%), biotite and amphibole (15%) are the major minerals in the monzogranite.
Zoning in zircon crystals from all four samples is well developed representing their magmatic origin (Hancar and Miller, 1993). Measurements of U-Pb in the Saheb granitoid zircon grains of quartz monzonite samples show their ages to be 62.03±0.56 Ma and 58.9±0.9 Ma. The age of monzogranite is 67.9±1.3 Ma and the age of quartz monzodiorite is 61.1±0.56 Ma. Generally, the age of this granitoid body indicates that the Saheb granitoid has occurred during the Cretaceous- Paleocene time.
Discussion
Based on field and microscopic studies, the Saheb granitoid bodies have been divided into three types of quartz-monzonite, quartz-monzodiorite and monzogranite. The field and mineralogical studies suggest that the Saheb granitoid is an I-type granitoid. The mineralogical variations in this granitoid suggest that the fractional crystallization has played an important role in differentiation of different compositional phases in the Saheb granitoid.
According to the geochronological results, during Late Cretaceous to Early Paleocene, the Saheb granitoid intruded within the Permian and Cretaceous units in the magmatic-metamorphic Sanandaj-Sirjan zone. These granitoids were formed by subduction of Neo-Tethys Ocean beneath the Iranian plateau. It should be mentioned that the intrusion of these granitoids into the Permian carbonates and Cretaceous carbonate and shale caused formation of skarn type iron oxide mineralization.
Acknowledgements
The authors are grateful to the authorities at the University of Zanjan for their financial support. We also thank the authorities at the China University Geosciences (Wuhan branch) for their financial support to perform U-Pb zircon analysis.
Research Interests:
Introduction The Chah-Mesi polymetallic vein-type ore deposit, located 40 km north of Shahre-Babak city and 1.5 km southwest of Miduk porphyry copper deposit, is situated in the Dehaj-Sarduieh belt as a part of the Urumieh–Dokhtar... more
Introduction
The Chah-Mesi polymetallic vein-type ore deposit, located 40 km north of Shahre-Babak city and 1.5 km southwest of Miduk porphyry copper deposit, is situated in the Dehaj-Sarduieh belt as a part of the Urumieh–Dokhtar magmatic Arc (UDMA) (Figure 1).
The main objectives of this research study are to investigate: (1) characterization of multi-element distribution associated with Cu mineralization, in order to demonstrate prediction of elemental concentration applied to identify high-grade ore bodies, (2) evaluating the interrelationships between copper, molybdenum, iron, led, zinc, gold and silver.
Materials and methods
Petrography and mineralography of the Chah-Mesi ore deposit were carried out using thin and polished sections. More than 980 chemical analyses of samples collected from 35 boreholes of the National Iranian Copper Industry Company (NICICO) were implemented to evaluate the statistical as well as spatial distribution and dispersion of multi-element halos. Geochemical data processing was performed by applying Excel (2010), SPSS (19), Datamine (Studio3.22.84.0) and Surfer10 (2011) software packages.
Results
The Chah-Mesi ore deposit consists of four main and some minor polymetalic (Cu-Pb-Zn-Ag) quartz-sulfide veins, with NE-SW and N-S trending and 65-80 degree dipping, which intersected the Eocene volcanic and pyroclastic sequences (Figure 2). It seems that mineralization has mainly occurred along these quartz-sulfide veins overlaid by Quaternary alluvium. Based on rock outcrops, the prominent mineralization has been controlled by structural features including faults and fractures that provided proper conditions for reaction of hydrothermal fluids with the host rocks.
In the Chah-Mesi ore deposit, silicified veins containing poly-metallic mineralization have predominantly occurred along the main faults and shear zones. The intensity of argillic alteration dramatically decreases outward from the mineralized quartz veins (Figure 3). Propylitic alteration which is composed of calcite and chlorite minerals has extended in the peripheral zones and does not represent a clear relationship with Cu mineralization.
The main host rocks in the Chah-Mesi ore deposit consist of basalt to basaltic andesite, with porphyry to glomeroporphyry textures, and to a lesser extent of pyroclastic rocks (Figure 4). The ore bodies are mainly composed of pyrite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite and galena. The ore minerals are accompanied with chalcocite, malachite, covellite, azurite and iron hydroxides that have been formed during supergene and weathering processes (Figure 5). According to field surveys, structural controls have played an important role in the mineralization of the Chah-Mesi ore deposit.
Discussion
Geochemical investigation in the Chah-Mesi ore deposit, using Pearson correlation coefficient of trace elements (Table 1), indicated the highest correlation coefficient (more than 0.7) between Pb-Zn and Ag-Au elements, due to their similar geochemical affinities during epigenetic mineralization. Other significant correlations were observed between Cu-Ag, Cu-Fe, Cu-Au and Fe-Ag with a correlation coefficient of more than 0.6; while the Mo shows weak correlation with other elements.
Based on cluster analysis, the trace elements that are associated with mineralization can be classified into four main clusters of Pb-Zn, Mo, Cu-Fe-Ag and Au (Figure 6). Noteworthy, despite the fact that Mo and Au each separately form their individual clusters, Au still shows some proximities with the Cu-Fe-Ag cluster that indicate their genetic relationship. However, Mo displays the most dissimilarity with other clusters, which indicates the role of different processes in its distribution. The results of this analysis are well in line with correlation coefficients.
The geochemical vertical zonality of trace elements in the Chah-Mesi ore deposit were studied using four borehole data from different parts of the ore deposit (Figures 7 and 8). This demonstrated that variation of elements at different depths does not follow a uniform pattern due to differences in the type and amount of ore minerals in the veins.
The veins containing lead, zinc and gold mineralization are highly abundant at the shallower levels based on geochemical maps of the Chah-Mesi ore deposit (Figure 9). In contrast, the veins containing copper and silver mineralization have been considerably developed in both shallow and deeper levels. The high degree of Mo at shallow levels seems to occur due to either superimposition of primary geochemical haloes of various veins (Li et al., 1995, 2016) and/or the effect of amount of pyrite, pH, and alkalinity contents of hydrothermal fluids (Leanderson et al., 1987).
The average value of different elements in intervals of 50 meters from the shallow (2500 meters) to the deep (2300 meters) levels are determined by existence of maximum abundance of lead, zinc and gold elements at surface levels. However, the highest average abundance of copper occurs in the deepest level. The highest average value of silver is also located in the 2450, 2350, and 2500 meters levels, which is economically valuable (Table 2). Therefore, the continuation of drilling in the southern part of the Chah-Mesi ore deposit into deeper levels is strongly recommended as there may still exist more concentrations of copper and silver there.
Acknowledgment
The authors are grateful to the honorable personnel of the Miduk Copper Mine for their efforts in providing field studies and access to geochemical analyses.
The Chah-Mesi polymetallic vein-type ore deposit, located 40 km north of Shahre-Babak city and 1.5 km southwest of Miduk porphyry copper deposit, is situated in the Dehaj-Sarduieh belt as a part of the Urumieh–Dokhtar magmatic Arc (UDMA) (Figure 1).
The main objectives of this research study are to investigate: (1) characterization of multi-element distribution associated with Cu mineralization, in order to demonstrate prediction of elemental concentration applied to identify high-grade ore bodies, (2) evaluating the interrelationships between copper, molybdenum, iron, led, zinc, gold and silver.
Materials and methods
Petrography and mineralography of the Chah-Mesi ore deposit were carried out using thin and polished sections. More than 980 chemical analyses of samples collected from 35 boreholes of the National Iranian Copper Industry Company (NICICO) were implemented to evaluate the statistical as well as spatial distribution and dispersion of multi-element halos. Geochemical data processing was performed by applying Excel (2010), SPSS (19), Datamine (Studio3.22.84.0) and Surfer10 (2011) software packages.
Results
The Chah-Mesi ore deposit consists of four main and some minor polymetalic (Cu-Pb-Zn-Ag) quartz-sulfide veins, with NE-SW and N-S trending and 65-80 degree dipping, which intersected the Eocene volcanic and pyroclastic sequences (Figure 2). It seems that mineralization has mainly occurred along these quartz-sulfide veins overlaid by Quaternary alluvium. Based on rock outcrops, the prominent mineralization has been controlled by structural features including faults and fractures that provided proper conditions for reaction of hydrothermal fluids with the host rocks.
In the Chah-Mesi ore deposit, silicified veins containing poly-metallic mineralization have predominantly occurred along the main faults and shear zones. The intensity of argillic alteration dramatically decreases outward from the mineralized quartz veins (Figure 3). Propylitic alteration which is composed of calcite and chlorite minerals has extended in the peripheral zones and does not represent a clear relationship with Cu mineralization.
The main host rocks in the Chah-Mesi ore deposit consist of basalt to basaltic andesite, with porphyry to glomeroporphyry textures, and to a lesser extent of pyroclastic rocks (Figure 4). The ore bodies are mainly composed of pyrite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite and galena. The ore minerals are accompanied with chalcocite, malachite, covellite, azurite and iron hydroxides that have been formed during supergene and weathering processes (Figure 5). According to field surveys, structural controls have played an important role in the mineralization of the Chah-Mesi ore deposit.
Discussion
Geochemical investigation in the Chah-Mesi ore deposit, using Pearson correlation coefficient of trace elements (Table 1), indicated the highest correlation coefficient (more than 0.7) between Pb-Zn and Ag-Au elements, due to their similar geochemical affinities during epigenetic mineralization. Other significant correlations were observed between Cu-Ag, Cu-Fe, Cu-Au and Fe-Ag with a correlation coefficient of more than 0.6; while the Mo shows weak correlation with other elements.
Based on cluster analysis, the trace elements that are associated with mineralization can be classified into four main clusters of Pb-Zn, Mo, Cu-Fe-Ag and Au (Figure 6). Noteworthy, despite the fact that Mo and Au each separately form their individual clusters, Au still shows some proximities with the Cu-Fe-Ag cluster that indicate their genetic relationship. However, Mo displays the most dissimilarity with other clusters, which indicates the role of different processes in its distribution. The results of this analysis are well in line with correlation coefficients.
The geochemical vertical zonality of trace elements in the Chah-Mesi ore deposit were studied using four borehole data from different parts of the ore deposit (Figures 7 and 8). This demonstrated that variation of elements at different depths does not follow a uniform pattern due to differences in the type and amount of ore minerals in the veins.
The veins containing lead, zinc and gold mineralization are highly abundant at the shallower levels based on geochemical maps of the Chah-Mesi ore deposit (Figure 9). In contrast, the veins containing copper and silver mineralization have been considerably developed in both shallow and deeper levels. The high degree of Mo at shallow levels seems to occur due to either superimposition of primary geochemical haloes of various veins (Li et al., 1995, 2016) and/or the effect of amount of pyrite, pH, and alkalinity contents of hydrothermal fluids (Leanderson et al., 1987).
The average value of different elements in intervals of 50 meters from the shallow (2500 meters) to the deep (2300 meters) levels are determined by existence of maximum abundance of lead, zinc and gold elements at surface levels. However, the highest average abundance of copper occurs in the deepest level. The highest average value of silver is also located in the 2450, 2350, and 2500 meters levels, which is economically valuable (Table 2). Therefore, the continuation of drilling in the southern part of the Chah-Mesi ore deposit into deeper levels is strongly recommended as there may still exist more concentrations of copper and silver there.
Acknowledgment
The authors are grateful to the honorable personnel of the Miduk Copper Mine for their efforts in providing field studies and access to geochemical analyses.
Research Interests:
Introduction The Seh Qaleh agates, located at 120 km NW Birjand, are parts of Central Iranian (Lut block) (Aghanabati, 2004) with geographic coordinates of 58˚ 00′ to 58˚ 30′ longitudes and 33˚ 00′ to 34˚ 00′ latitudes. The host rocks of... more
Introduction
The Seh Qaleh agates, located at 120 km NW Birjand, are parts of Central Iranian (Lut block) (Aghanabati, 2004) with geographic coordinates of 58˚ 00′ to 58˚ 30′ longitudes and 33˚ 00′ to 34˚ 00′ latitudes. The host rocks of the agates are Eocene-Oligocene tuff, andesite and basalt. Silica mineralization in the area has occurred inside the volcanic units in the form of filling cavity and fractures. Here, the agates have very attractive textures such as concentric, flow and dogtooth textures that are accompanied with jasper, amethyst, opal, calcite and gypsum.
Although Seh Qaleh agates are attractive and delightful, with high economical values, there is no scientific research about them. Therefore, their petrography, geochemistry and Raman spectroscopic characteristics are reported in the present paper for the first time.
Materials and methods
More than 400 samples of agates have been collected for this research study and five of these samples were in yellow, white, green, red and black colors. Moreover, four of these rocks were selected for major and trace elements analysis by XRF and ICP-MS. The samples were powdered in Tehran University by a tungsten carbide mill and analyzed in the Zarazma Company (Mashhad). XRD analyses and Raman spectroscopic studies on the agate of the Seh Qaleh area were done in Damghan and Shahrood University of Technology, respectively.
Petrography and Raman spectroscopy
The combination of different analytical techniques such as polarizing microscope, XRD and Raman spectroscopy provided information about the distribution of silica phases in the Seh Qaleh agates. Polarizing microscopy was used here to distinguish between the chalcedony and quartzine fibrous varieties. Moganite has similar optical properties with chalcedony, whose presence in agate is difficult to reveal. Thus, Raman studies were used to investigate these structural disparities. Raman spectroscopic studies showed that moganite and chalcedony can be distinguished based on their different spectral characteristics (Fig. 4, B, C). The use of a focused laser beam (diameter 1 μm) enabled us to analyze the variations in phase composition in the μm-range.
The measurement of Seh Qaleh agates by Raman spectroscopy provided an overview of the quantitative distribution of moganite in the studied samples, in which the fibrous chalcedonies contain more moganite in comparison with nodule chalcedonies (Fig. 4, B, C). The presence and spatial distribution of different silica phases in the Seh Qaleh agates is a result of the primary crystallization processes such as temperature and chemistry conditions (Götze, 2011). Moreover, the presence of moganite and calcite in the Seh Qaleh, confirmed by petrography and XRD studies suggest that the agates had formed in an arid, alkaline environment.
Geochemistry of the agates
Major and trace elements can be incorporated into the agates by substitution of Si by Al, Fe, Na, and Ca and as inclusions or fluid inclusions. The substitution of these elements are limited due to the small number of ions that have similar ionic radii and valence and can substitute for Si4+ in the crystal structure. The Seh Qaleh agates have 95.78 to 98.9 wt.% SiO2 with minor amounts of Al2O3 (0.01-0.34 wt.%), Fe2O3 (0.01-1.07 wt.%), Na2O (0.11-0.15 wt.%), and CaO (0.01-0.4 wt.%), supplied from alteration of the volcanic host rocks.
The high concentrations of U in some of the agates of the study area (especially ~ 38 ppm in the red one) are surprising and propose the operation of specific processes for mobilization, transport and deposition. These processes caused concentrations of U in quartz and chalcedony that can exceed the concentration of U in the Seh -Qaleh volcanic rocks (Table 1).
Zielinski (1979) observed a parallel accumulation of Si and U and investigated the mobility of U during the alteration of volcanic rocks. Based on the theory that the transport of chemical compounds is mainly realized by diffusion processes in aqueous fluids (e.g. Si as monomeric silicic acid Si(OH)4), Porter and Weber (1971) inferred for the uranyl ion a complex with monomeric silica UO2SiO(OH)3+. In addition, the presence of calcite, as associated mineral with silica polymorphs and the concentration of Na, K and Ca elements in agates, indicate that volatile chloride compounds might play a role in the alteration of volcanic rocks as well as the mobilization and transport of SiO2 and other chemical compounds (Götze et al. 2012).
Acknowledgements
Thanks to the Shahrood University of Technology for supporting this project under grants provided by the research council.
References
Aghanabati, S.A., 2004. Iran Geology. Geological Survey of Iran, Tehran, 400 pp.
Götze, J., 2011. Agate-fascination between legend and science. In: J. Zenz (Editor), Agates III. Bode Verlag GmbH, Lauenstein, Germany, pp. 19–133.
Götze, J., Schrön, W., Möckel, R. and Heide, K., 2012. The role of fluids in the formation of agate. Chemie der Erde, 72(3): 283–286.
Porter, R.A. and Weber Jr, W.J., 1971. The interaction of silicic acid with iron (III) and uranyl ions in dilute aqueous solution. Journal of Inorganic and Nuclear Chemistry, 33(8): 2443-2449. Porter, R.A. and Weber Jr, W.J., 1971. The interaction of silicic acid with iron (III) and uranyl ions in dilute aqueous solution. Journal of Inorganic and Nuclear Chemistry, 33(8): 2443–2449.
Zielinski, R.A., 1979. Uranium mobility during interaction of rhyolitic obsidian, perlite and felsite with alkaline carbonate solution. Chemical Geology, 27(1–2): 47–63.
The Seh Qaleh agates, located at 120 km NW Birjand, are parts of Central Iranian (Lut block) (Aghanabati, 2004) with geographic coordinates of 58˚ 00′ to 58˚ 30′ longitudes and 33˚ 00′ to 34˚ 00′ latitudes. The host rocks of the agates are Eocene-Oligocene tuff, andesite and basalt. Silica mineralization in the area has occurred inside the volcanic units in the form of filling cavity and fractures. Here, the agates have very attractive textures such as concentric, flow and dogtooth textures that are accompanied with jasper, amethyst, opal, calcite and gypsum.
Although Seh Qaleh agates are attractive and delightful, with high economical values, there is no scientific research about them. Therefore, their petrography, geochemistry and Raman spectroscopic characteristics are reported in the present paper for the first time.
Materials and methods
More than 400 samples of agates have been collected for this research study and five of these samples were in yellow, white, green, red and black colors. Moreover, four of these rocks were selected for major and trace elements analysis by XRF and ICP-MS. The samples were powdered in Tehran University by a tungsten carbide mill and analyzed in the Zarazma Company (Mashhad). XRD analyses and Raman spectroscopic studies on the agate of the Seh Qaleh area were done in Damghan and Shahrood University of Technology, respectively.
Petrography and Raman spectroscopy
The combination of different analytical techniques such as polarizing microscope, XRD and Raman spectroscopy provided information about the distribution of silica phases in the Seh Qaleh agates. Polarizing microscopy was used here to distinguish between the chalcedony and quartzine fibrous varieties. Moganite has similar optical properties with chalcedony, whose presence in agate is difficult to reveal. Thus, Raman studies were used to investigate these structural disparities. Raman spectroscopic studies showed that moganite and chalcedony can be distinguished based on their different spectral characteristics (Fig. 4, B, C). The use of a focused laser beam (diameter 1 μm) enabled us to analyze the variations in phase composition in the μm-range.
The measurement of Seh Qaleh agates by Raman spectroscopy provided an overview of the quantitative distribution of moganite in the studied samples, in which the fibrous chalcedonies contain more moganite in comparison with nodule chalcedonies (Fig. 4, B, C). The presence and spatial distribution of different silica phases in the Seh Qaleh agates is a result of the primary crystallization processes such as temperature and chemistry conditions (Götze, 2011). Moreover, the presence of moganite and calcite in the Seh Qaleh, confirmed by petrography and XRD studies suggest that the agates had formed in an arid, alkaline environment.
Geochemistry of the agates
Major and trace elements can be incorporated into the agates by substitution of Si by Al, Fe, Na, and Ca and as inclusions or fluid inclusions. The substitution of these elements are limited due to the small number of ions that have similar ionic radii and valence and can substitute for Si4+ in the crystal structure. The Seh Qaleh agates have 95.78 to 98.9 wt.% SiO2 with minor amounts of Al2O3 (0.01-0.34 wt.%), Fe2O3 (0.01-1.07 wt.%), Na2O (0.11-0.15 wt.%), and CaO (0.01-0.4 wt.%), supplied from alteration of the volcanic host rocks.
The high concentrations of U in some of the agates of the study area (especially ~ 38 ppm in the red one) are surprising and propose the operation of specific processes for mobilization, transport and deposition. These processes caused concentrations of U in quartz and chalcedony that can exceed the concentration of U in the Seh -Qaleh volcanic rocks (Table 1).
Zielinski (1979) observed a parallel accumulation of Si and U and investigated the mobility of U during the alteration of volcanic rocks. Based on the theory that the transport of chemical compounds is mainly realized by diffusion processes in aqueous fluids (e.g. Si as monomeric silicic acid Si(OH)4), Porter and Weber (1971) inferred for the uranyl ion a complex with monomeric silica UO2SiO(OH)3+. In addition, the presence of calcite, as associated mineral with silica polymorphs and the concentration of Na, K and Ca elements in agates, indicate that volatile chloride compounds might play a role in the alteration of volcanic rocks as well as the mobilization and transport of SiO2 and other chemical compounds (Götze et al. 2012).
Acknowledgements
Thanks to the Shahrood University of Technology for supporting this project under grants provided by the research council.
References
Aghanabati, S.A., 2004. Iran Geology. Geological Survey of Iran, Tehran, 400 pp.
Götze, J., 2011. Agate-fascination between legend and science. In: J. Zenz (Editor), Agates III. Bode Verlag GmbH, Lauenstein, Germany, pp. 19–133.
Götze, J., Schrön, W., Möckel, R. and Heide, K., 2012. The role of fluids in the formation of agate. Chemie der Erde, 72(3): 283–286.
Porter, R.A. and Weber Jr, W.J., 1971. The interaction of silicic acid with iron (III) and uranyl ions in dilute aqueous solution. Journal of Inorganic and Nuclear Chemistry, 33(8): 2443-2449. Porter, R.A. and Weber Jr, W.J., 1971. The interaction of silicic acid with iron (III) and uranyl ions in dilute aqueous solution. Journal of Inorganic and Nuclear Chemistry, 33(8): 2443–2449.
Zielinski, R.A., 1979. Uranium mobility during interaction of rhyolitic obsidian, perlite and felsite with alkaline carbonate solution. Chemical Geology, 27(1–2): 47–63.
Introduction The Sarcheshmeh porphyry copper deposit (PCD) and other porphyry deposits occur in the the most important metallogenic belt in Iran, i.e. the Urumieh-Dokhtar magmatic belt (UDMB). The main phase of intrusion generation in... more
Introduction
The Sarcheshmeh porphyry copper deposit (PCD) and other porphyry deposits occur in the the most important metallogenic belt in Iran, i.e. the Urumieh-Dokhtar magmatic belt (UDMB). The main phase of intrusion generation in various episodes of mineralization in the Sarcheshmeh area is a stock of granodiorite to tonalite (Shahabpour and Kramers, 1987) that is called the Sarcheshmeh porphyry. This stock intruded volcano-sedimentary rocks and alteration has centered on it. The oldest rock units of the area are Eocene volcanic rocks (Waterman and Hamilton, 1975), which are mainly andesites accompanying marine sedimentary rocks that is consistent with a submarine volcano-sedimentary basin environment. Granodiorite and quartz eye porphyry crop out in the northern part of the Sarcheshmeh PCD. The main objective of this study is to investigate their petrology and geotectonic environment.
Materials and Methods
Forty samples from drill cores and surface samples from granodiorite and quartz eye porphyry were collected. Twelve samples were chosen with the lowest degree of alteration (less than 5% of representative samples and low LOI) from amongst them for lithogeochemical analyses by ICP-OES and ICP-MS. Lithogeochemical analysis of the main elements was carried out using ICP-OES (Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectroscopy) by lithiumborate fusion, and elemental analysis of trace and rare earth elements was performed by ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry) using sodium peroxide fusion in the SGS Company, Toronto, Canada.
Results and Discussion
Based on the Na2O+K2O versus SiO2 values on Cox et al. (1979) and Middlemost (1985) diagram, also R1-R2 diagram of De la Roche et al. (1980), the samples were plotted in the field of granodiorite and quartz diorite. On Harker diagrams, the contents of FeOt, CaO, P2O5, Al2O3, MgO, and TiO2 versus SiO2 show a decreasing pattern. Decreasing amounts of MgO and TiO2 can be related to early crystallization of ferromagnesian minerals and of CaO, Al2O3, and P2O5 to plagioclase and apatite crystallization, respectively. The chemical relationship and continuous pattern of the samples indicate that they probably resulted from fractionation of a unique magma. On the basis of the AFM diagram, they have calc-alkaline affinities. These observations and the presence of magnetite and other opaque minerals indicate high ƒO2 crystallization throughout fractionation stages. The samples of the study area were plotted in the calc-alkalic and alkali-calcic fields on a Frost et al. (2001) diagram and indicate that they are mainly magnesia consistent with oxidized I-type magmas.
The spider-diagrams show negative anomalies in HFSE (especially Ti and Nb) and positive anomalies in LILE (especially in Ba and Rb). Negative anomalies of HFSE such as Ti, Nb, P and Ta can be related to the subduction of the Arabian plate under Central Iran and reflect the chemistry of the origin and crystallization-melting processes during evolution of the rocks. Moreover, it can be concluded that these elements remained in the source during partial melting, which is characteristics of I-type arc-related magmas. The behavior of LILE can be attributed to the behavior of fluid phases that were involved during the subduction. The REE diagrams show enrichment of LREE relative to HREE which can also be attributed to the subduction of the Arabian plate under Central Iran. Shafiei et al. (2009) and Asadi, 2018 proposed post-collision environment for the PCDs of the UDMB, especially in the Kerman part.
By studying on the Dehaj-Sarduieh belt, Dargahi et al. (2010) concluded that the time of collision of the Arabian plate and the Central Iran continental plate was Late Eocene, and the Sarcheshmeh porphyry stock emplaced in post-orogenic environment like other stock porphyries of the UDMB. The samples of the Sarcheshmeh PCD plot in the mature arc area based on Rb vs Y+Nb diagram and it can be envisaged that they are related to the post-collision magmatic arc.
References
Asadi, S., 2018. Triggers for the generation of post–collisional porphyry Cu systems in the Kerman magmatic copper belt, Iran: New constraints from elemental and isotopic (Sr-Nd-Hf-O) data. Gondwana Research, 64(12): 97–121.
Dargahi, S., Arvin, M., Pan, Y. and Babaei, A., 2010. Petrogenesis of post-collisional A-type granitoids from the Urumieh-Dokhtar magmatic assemblage, southwestern Kerman, Iran: Constraints on the Arabian-Eurasian continental collision. Lithos, 115(1–4): 190–204.
Shafiei, B., Haschke, M. and Shahabpour, J., 2009. Recycling of orogenic arc crust triggers porphyry Cu mineralization in Kerman Cenozoic arc rocks, southeastern Iran. Mineralium Deposita, 44(3): 265–283.
Shahabpour, J. and Kramers, J.D., 1987. Lead isotope data from the Sarcheshmeh porphyry copper deposit, Kerman, Iran. Mineralium Deposita, 22(4): 278–281.
Waterman, G.C. and Hamilton R., 1975. The Sarcheshmeh porphyry copper deposit. Economic Geology 70(3): 568–576.
The Sarcheshmeh porphyry copper deposit (PCD) and other porphyry deposits occur in the the most important metallogenic belt in Iran, i.e. the Urumieh-Dokhtar magmatic belt (UDMB). The main phase of intrusion generation in various episodes of mineralization in the Sarcheshmeh area is a stock of granodiorite to tonalite (Shahabpour and Kramers, 1987) that is called the Sarcheshmeh porphyry. This stock intruded volcano-sedimentary rocks and alteration has centered on it. The oldest rock units of the area are Eocene volcanic rocks (Waterman and Hamilton, 1975), which are mainly andesites accompanying marine sedimentary rocks that is consistent with a submarine volcano-sedimentary basin environment. Granodiorite and quartz eye porphyry crop out in the northern part of the Sarcheshmeh PCD. The main objective of this study is to investigate their petrology and geotectonic environment.
Materials and Methods
Forty samples from drill cores and surface samples from granodiorite and quartz eye porphyry were collected. Twelve samples were chosen with the lowest degree of alteration (less than 5% of representative samples and low LOI) from amongst them for lithogeochemical analyses by ICP-OES and ICP-MS. Lithogeochemical analysis of the main elements was carried out using ICP-OES (Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectroscopy) by lithiumborate fusion, and elemental analysis of trace and rare earth elements was performed by ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry) using sodium peroxide fusion in the SGS Company, Toronto, Canada.
Results and Discussion
Based on the Na2O+K2O versus SiO2 values on Cox et al. (1979) and Middlemost (1985) diagram, also R1-R2 diagram of De la Roche et al. (1980), the samples were plotted in the field of granodiorite and quartz diorite. On Harker diagrams, the contents of FeOt, CaO, P2O5, Al2O3, MgO, and TiO2 versus SiO2 show a decreasing pattern. Decreasing amounts of MgO and TiO2 can be related to early crystallization of ferromagnesian minerals and of CaO, Al2O3, and P2O5 to plagioclase and apatite crystallization, respectively. The chemical relationship and continuous pattern of the samples indicate that they probably resulted from fractionation of a unique magma. On the basis of the AFM diagram, they have calc-alkaline affinities. These observations and the presence of magnetite and other opaque minerals indicate high ƒO2 crystallization throughout fractionation stages. The samples of the study area were plotted in the calc-alkalic and alkali-calcic fields on a Frost et al. (2001) diagram and indicate that they are mainly magnesia consistent with oxidized I-type magmas.
The spider-diagrams show negative anomalies in HFSE (especially Ti and Nb) and positive anomalies in LILE (especially in Ba and Rb). Negative anomalies of HFSE such as Ti, Nb, P and Ta can be related to the subduction of the Arabian plate under Central Iran and reflect the chemistry of the origin and crystallization-melting processes during evolution of the rocks. Moreover, it can be concluded that these elements remained in the source during partial melting, which is characteristics of I-type arc-related magmas. The behavior of LILE can be attributed to the behavior of fluid phases that were involved during the subduction. The REE diagrams show enrichment of LREE relative to HREE which can also be attributed to the subduction of the Arabian plate under Central Iran. Shafiei et al. (2009) and Asadi, 2018 proposed post-collision environment for the PCDs of the UDMB, especially in the Kerman part.
By studying on the Dehaj-Sarduieh belt, Dargahi et al. (2010) concluded that the time of collision of the Arabian plate and the Central Iran continental plate was Late Eocene, and the Sarcheshmeh porphyry stock emplaced in post-orogenic environment like other stock porphyries of the UDMB. The samples of the Sarcheshmeh PCD plot in the mature arc area based on Rb vs Y+Nb diagram and it can be envisaged that they are related to the post-collision magmatic arc.
References
Asadi, S., 2018. Triggers for the generation of post–collisional porphyry Cu systems in the Kerman magmatic copper belt, Iran: New constraints from elemental and isotopic (Sr-Nd-Hf-O) data. Gondwana Research, 64(12): 97–121.
Dargahi, S., Arvin, M., Pan, Y. and Babaei, A., 2010. Petrogenesis of post-collisional A-type granitoids from the Urumieh-Dokhtar magmatic assemblage, southwestern Kerman, Iran: Constraints on the Arabian-Eurasian continental collision. Lithos, 115(1–4): 190–204.
Shafiei, B., Haschke, M. and Shahabpour, J., 2009. Recycling of orogenic arc crust triggers porphyry Cu mineralization in Kerman Cenozoic arc rocks, southeastern Iran. Mineralium Deposita, 44(3): 265–283.
Shahabpour, J. and Kramers, J.D., 1987. Lead isotope data from the Sarcheshmeh porphyry copper deposit, Kerman, Iran. Mineralium Deposita, 22(4): 278–281.
Waterman, G.C. and Hamilton R., 1975. The Sarcheshmeh porphyry copper deposit. Economic Geology 70(3): 568–576.