Geological and mineralogical evolution of Lower Paleozoic (Late Cambrian) Corundum-Rich Metabauxite in the Southeast Sirjan, Sanandaj-Sirjan Zone

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

• Mohsen Mobasheri
• Fardin Mousivand
• Mojtaba Rostami Hussory

Shahrood University of Technology

10.22067/econg.v10i2.60677

Abstract

Introduction
Bauxite deposits in Iran are dominantly hosted by Late Triassic-Early Jurassic sequences in the Alborz zone and Late Cretaceous in the Zagros zone (e.g., Zarasvandi et al., 2008). Metamorphosed bauxite deposits in Iran are very rare, such as Heidarabad corundum-rich deposit (Emamali-pour, and Mirmohammadi, 2011). The Qale-Kham ore deposit is the first report of bauxite mineralization in the Early Paleozoic sequences of Sanandaj- Sirjan zone. In southeastern Sirjan (Qale-Kham area), karstic pockets of Late-Cambrian metabauxites embedded in carbonate rocks. The corundum-rich metabauxites are very rare in the world. Bauxite deposits can be classified into three main groups: lateritic, sedimentary and karstic-types. The karstic bauxite deposits have formed on the paleokarstic surface of carbonates (Bárdossy, 1982; Bárdossy and Aleva, 1990; Bogatyrev et al., 2009). The aim of this paper is to discuss genesis of the Qale-Kham bauxite deposit based on geological, petrographic, mineralogical and geochemical evidences.
 
Materials and Methods
A number of 95 samples were collected from the bauxite lenses in the Qale-Kham ore deposit. Optical microscopic investigations were conducted on 40 thin sections, 35 thin-polished sections and 20 polished sections of the samples using a Zeiss optical microscope equipped at the Shahrood University of Technology. Mineralogical analyses were done by X-ray diffractometer equipped with a CuKα tube and monochrometer (XRD Philips PW 1800) at the Kansaran Binaloud Company. The concentration of the major elements in the samples was determined using a wavelength X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (XRF Philips PW 1480) at the Kansaran Binaloud Company.
 
Discussion
In the Qale-Kham area, the rock units consist of amphibolite, mica schist, chlorite schist, epidotic schist and marble. The ores are mainly massive; however, pisolitic texture was observed in the deposit. Detailed mineralogical analyses of the Qale-Kham metabauxite deposit have been performed by optical microscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies. XRD results show that ore at the metabauxite deposits is composed of corundum, diaspore, chloritoid, opaque minerals (magnetite, hematite, ilmenite, and rutile), white mica (margarite, muscovite), goethite and limonite.
Mineralogy of ores (such as corundum) and textures are representative of the impact of a metamorphic event on bauxite ores. This metamorphism and deformation has created structures, textures and formation of new minerals such as corundum and magnetite in the Qale-Kham ore deposit. The ores are mainly composed of Al2O3 (25–58%), SiO2 (3–15%), Fe2O3 (15–34%) and TiO2 (2–5%). Alkalis and alkali earth elements show low values, probably because these elements are highly mobile and have usually leached out during chemical weathering (Gu et al., 2013).
The triangular variation diagrams of Al2O3–SiO2–Fe2O3 are commonly used to show the degree of lateritization, mineral control and bauxite classification. Based on the mineralogical classification of Aleva (1994), most of the bauxite samples in the studied areas fall within the bauxite and ferritic bauxite fields. The chemical composition of corundum-rich metabauxites in Qale-Kham is nearly similar to those of other karst bauxite and karstic metabauxite such as corundum-rich metabauxites of the Menderes Massif (e.g., Özlü, 1983). They show generally strong enrichment in Al2O3, Fe2O3 and strong depletion in K2O, Na2O contents. Overal, the studied corundum-rich metabauxites at Qale-Kham can be classified as karstbauxites based upon their geological, mineralogical and geochemical characteristics.
 
Results
Corundum-rich metabauxite of Qale-Kham in the best outcrop is located at the SE Sirjan town. The metabauxite formed in the Paleozoic metamporphosed carbonate sequences of the South Sanandaj-Sirjan zone as karst-type deposits. Based on petrological and X-ray studies, the Qale-Kham ores consist of corundum, diaspore, chloritoid, opaque minerals (magnetite, hematite, ilmenite and rutile), white mica (margarite and muscovite), goethite and limonite.
These studies suggest that the Qale-Kham ore deposit has been formed under suitable climatic conditions in the late Cambrian. This deposit has been metamorphesd and deformed due to the effect of early Cimmerian orogenic movements. References
Aleva, G.J.J., 1994. Laterites: concepts, geology, morphology and chemistry. International Soil Reference and Information Centre (ISRIC), Wageningen, Netherlands, 169 pp.
Bárdossy, G., 1982. Karst bauxites. Elsevier, Amsterdam, 441 pp.
Bárdossy, G. and Aleva, G.J.J., 1990. Lateritic bauxite. Elsevier, Amsterdam, 624 pp.
Bogatyrev, B.A., Zhukov, V.V. and Tsekhovsky, Y.G., 2009. Formation conditions and regularities of the distribution of large and superlarge bauxite deposits. Lithology and Mineral Resources, 44(2): 135–151.
Emamali-pour, A. and Mirmohammadi, M.S., 2011. Mineralogy and geochemistry of corundum-bearing metabauxite- laterite from Heydarabad, SE Urmia, NW Iran. Iranian Journal of Crystallography and Mineralogy, 19(1): 59–72. (in Persian with English abstract)
Gu, J., Huang, Z., Fan, H., Jin, Z., Yan, Z. and Zhang, J., 2013. Mineralogy, geochemistry, and genesis of lateritic bauxite deposits in the Wuchuan–Zheng'an–Daozhen area, Northern Guizhou Province China. Journal of Geochemical Exploration, 130(6): 44–59.
Özlü, N., 1983. Trace-element content of ‘Karst Bauxites’ and their parent rocks in the Mediterranean Belt. Mineralium Deposita, 18(3): 469–476.
Poosti, M., Khakzad, A. and Fadaeian, M., 2011. Bauxite and deposits in Iran. University of Hormozgan, Hormozgan, 229 pp.
Zarasvandi, A., Charchi, A., Carranza, E.J.M. and Alizadeh, B., 2008. Karst bauxite deposits in the Zagros Mountain Belt, Iran. Ore Geology Reviews, 34(4): 521–532.

Keywords

• Metabauxite
• Corundum
• Paleozoic
• Qale-Kham
• Sanandaj- Sirjan

20.1001.1.20087306.1397.10.2.4.9

---

References

Agard, P., Omrani, J., Jolivet, L., Whitechurch, H., Vrielynck, B., Spakman, W., Monie, P., Meyer, B. and Wortel, R., 2011. Zagros orogeny: a subduction – dominated process. Geological Magazine, 148(5–6): 692–725.

Alavi, M., 1994. Tectonic of the zagros orogenic belt of Iran: new data and interpretations. Tectonophysics, 229(3–4): 211–238.

Aleva, G.J.J., 1981. Essential differences between the bauxite deposits along the southern and northern edges of the Guiana Shield, South America. Economic Geology. 76(5): 1142–1152.

Aleva, G.J.J., 1994. Laterites: concepts, geology, morphology and chemistry. International Soil Reference and Information Centre (ISRIC), Wageningen, Netherlands, 169 pp.

Aghanabati, A., 2010. Geology of Iran. Geological Survey of Iran, Tehran, 586 pp.

Bardossy, G., 1982. Karst bauxites. Elsevier, Amsterdam, 441 pp.

Bardossy, G. and Aleva, G.J.J., 1990. Lateritic bauxite. Elsevier, Amsterdam, 624 pp.

Berberian, M. and King, G.C., 1981. Towards a palaeogeography and tectonics evolution of Iran. Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences, 18(2): 210–265.

Bogatyrev, B.A., Zhukov, V.V. and Tsekhovsky, Y.G., 2009. Formation conditions and regularities of the distribution of large and superlarge bauxite deposits. Lithology and Mineral Resources, 44(2): 135–151.

Boulange, B., Bouzat, G. and Pouliquen, M., 1996. Mineralogical and geochemical characteristicsof two bauxitic profiles, Fria, Guinea Republic. Mineralium Deposita, 31(5): 432–438.

Calagari, A.A. abd Abedini, A., 2007. Geochemical investigations on Permo-Triassic bauxite horizon at Kanisheeteh, east of Bukan, West-Azarbaidjan, Iran. Journal of Geochemical Exploration, 94(1): 1–18.

Cocks, L.R.M. and Torsvik, T.H., 2005. Baltica from the late Precambrian to mid- Palaeozoic times: the gain and loss of a terrane's identity. Earth–Science Reviews, 72(1-2): 39–66.

Dill, H.G., 2010. The “chessboard” classification scheme of mineral deposits: Mineralogy and geology from aluminum to zirconium. Earth–Science Reviews, 100(1): 1–420.

Dunkl, I., 1992. Origin of Eocene-covered karst bauxites of the Transdanubian Central Range (Hungary); evidence for early Eocene volcanism. European Journal of Mineralogy, 4(3): 581–595.

Edwards, R. and Atkinson, K. (translated by Moor, F. and Nekouvaght–Tak, M.A.), 1998. Ore Deposit Geology. Shiraz University Press, Shiraz, 722 pp.

Emamali-pour, A. and Mirmohammadi, M.S., 2011. Mineralogy and geochemistry of corundum-bearing metabauxite- laterite from Heydarabad, SE Urmia, NW Iran. Iranian Journal of Crystallography and Mineralogy, 19(1): 59–72. (in Persian with English abstract)

Feenstra, A., Sämann, S. and Wunder, B., 2005. An experimental study of Fe–Al solubility in the system corundum-hematite up to 40 kbar and 1300°C. Journal of Petrology, 46(9): 1881–1892.

Feenstra, A. and Wunder, B., 2002. Dehydration of diasporite to corundite in nature and experiment. Geology, 30(2): 119–122.

Ghavidel-syooki, M. and Vecoli, M., 2008. Palynostratigraphy of Middle Cambrian to lowermost Ordovician stratal sequences in the High Zagros Mountains, southern Iran: Regional stratigraphic implications, and palaeobiogeographic significance. Review of Palaeobotany and Palynology, 150(1–4): 97–114.

Golani, P.R., 1989. Sillimanite-corundum deposits of Sonapahar, Meghalaya, India: a metamorphosed Precambrian Paleosol. Precambrian Research, 43(3): 175–189.

Grubb, P.L.C., 1973. High-level and low-level bauxitisation: a criterion for classification. Mineral Science Engineering, 5(2): 219–231.

Gu, J., Huang, Z., Fan, H., Jin, Z., Yan, Z. and Zhang, J., 2013. Mineralogy, geochemistry, and genesis of lateritic bauxite deposits in the Wuchuan–Zheng'an–Daozhen area, Northern Guizhou Province China. Journal of Geochemical Exploration, 130(6): 44–59.

Guilbert, J.M. and Park, C.F. (translated by Alirezai, S.), 1986. The geology of ore deposits. Amirkabir Press, Tehran, 983 pp.

Hanilçi, J., 2013. Geological and geochemical evolution of the Bolkardaği bauxite deposits, Karaman, Turkey: Transformation from shale to bauxite. Journal of Geochemical Exploration, 133(3):118–137.

Hutchison, C.S., 1983. Economic deposits and their tectonic setting. Macmillan Press, London, 365 pp.

Karadage, M., Kupeli, S., Arik, F., Ayhan, A., Zedef, V. and Doyen, A., 2009. Rare earth element (REE) geochemistry and genetic implications of the Mortas bauxite deposit (Seydisehir/Konya-southern Turkey). Chemie der Erde Geochemistry, 69(2): 143–159.

Kretz, R., 1983. Symbols of rock-forming minerals. American Mineralogist, 68(2): 277–279.

Mehdipourghazi, J. and Moazzen, M., 2015. Geodynamic evolution of the Sanandaj-Sirjan Zone, Zagros Orogen, Iran. Turkish Journal of Earth Sciences, 24(5): 513–528.

Moczydlowska, M., 1997. Proterozoic and Cambrian successions in Upper Silesia: An Avalonian terrane in southern Poland. Geological Magazine, 134(5): 679– 689.

Mohajjel, M., 1997. Structure and Tectonic Evolution of Palaeozic- Mesozoic rocks, Sanandaj-Sirjan Zone, Western Iran. Ph.D. Thesis, The University of Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia, 224 pp.

Mongelli, G. and Acquafredda, P., 1999. Ferruginous concretions in a Late Cretaceous karst bauxite: composition and conditions of formation. Chemical Geology, 158(3–4): 315–320.

Mutakyahwa, M.K.D., Ikingura, J.R. and Mruma, A.H., 2003. Geology and geochemistry of bauxite deposits in Lushoto District, Usambara Mountains, Tanzania. Journal of African Earth Sciences, 36(4): 357–369.

Nutman, A.P., Mohajjel, M., Bennett, V.C. and Fergusson, C.L., 2013. Gondwanan Eoarchean–Neoproterozoic ancient crustal material in Iran and Turkey: zircon U–Pb–Hf isotopic evidence. Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences, 51(3): 272–285.

Özlü, N., 1983. Trace-element content of ‘Karst Bauxites’ and their parent rocks in the Mediterranean Belt. Mineralium Deposita, 18(3): 469–476.

Poosti, M., Khakzad, A. and Fadaeian, M., 2011. Bauxite and deposits in Iran. University of Hormozgan, Hormozgan, 229 pp.

Ramezani, J. and Tucker, R.D., 2003. The Saghand region, central Iran: U–Pb geochronology, petrogenesis and implications for Gondwana tectonics. American Journal of Science, 303(7): 622–665.

Rouzbeh-Kargar, S., 1997. Chemical and mineralogical composition of alamut bauxite deposit in Qazvin area and comparing it with known bauxites in Iran. 8th International Congress of The International Committee for Study of Bauxite, Alumina and Aluminium, Milan, Italy.

Sabzehei, M., Nazem-zadeh, M., Roshan-Ravan, J., Azizan, H. and Navazi, M., 1994. Geological map of Khabr, scale 1:100,000. Geological Survey of Iran.

Sabzehei, M., Nazem-zadeh, M., Roshan-Ravan, J., Azizan, H. and Navazi, M., 1996. Geological map of Baghat, scale 1:100,000. Geological Survey of Iran.

Schellmann, A., 1982. Considerations on the definition and classification of Laterites. Proceeding of International Union of Geological Sciences /United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization, Seminar on Laterisation Processes, Paris, French.

Scotese, C.R. and McKerrow, W.S., 1991. Ordovician plate tectonic reconstructions. In: C.R. Barnes and S.H. Williams (Editors), Advances in Ordovician geology. Geological Survey of Canada, Toronto, pp. 271–282.

Sheikholeslami, M.R., 2015. Tectonostratigraphic units of southeastern part of the Sanandaj- Sirjan Zone. Geosciences, 24(95): 243-252. (in Persian with English abstract)

Taylor, G. and Eggleton R.A., 2008. Genesis of pisoliths and of the Weipa Bauxite deposit, northen Australia. Australian Journal of Earth Sciences, 55(1): 87–103.

Temur, S., 2006. A geochemical approach to parent rocks of the Maşatdaği diasporic bauxite, Alanya, Antalya, southern Turkey. Geochemistry International, 44(9): 941–952.

Valton, I., 1973. Pre-bauxite red sediments and the underlying sediments of suriname and Guyana. Geologie en Mijnbouw, 52(2): 317–334.

Williams, K.E., 1997. Early Paleozoic paleogeography of Laurentia and western Gondwana: evidence from tectonic subsidence analysis. Geology, 25(8): 747–750.

Yu, W., Wang, R., Zhang, Q., Du, Y., Chenb, Y. and Liang, Y., 2014. Mineralogical and geochemical evolution of the Fusui bauxite deposit in Guangxi, South China: From the original Permian orebody to a Quarternary Salento-type deposit. Journal of Geochemical Exploration, 146(8): 75–88.

Zarasvandi, A., Charchi, A., Carranza, E.J.M. and Alizadeh, B., 2008. Karst bauxite deposits in the Zagros Mountain Belt, Iran. Ore Geology Reviews, 34(4): 521–532.

Zarasvandi, A., Froghiniya, A., Pourkaseb, H., Charchi, A. and Salamabellahi, S., 2013. Micromorphological and formation process of Pisolitic bauxite deposits of Dehdasht area. Journal of Economic Geology, 5(1): 137–152. (in Persian with English abstract)