Mineralogy,geochemistry and age dating of shear zone-hosted Nb-Ta-, Zr-Hf-, Th-, U-bearing granitic rocks in the Ghadir and El-Sella areas,South Eastern Desert,Egypt

The rare metal minerals of mineralized altered granites within the Ghadir and El-Sella shear zones, are represented by betafite, U-minerals (uraninite and uranophane), zircon, monazite, xenotime, and rutile in the Ghadir shear zone. While they are columbite-tantalite minerals as ferrocolumbite, pyrochlore, and fergusonite, Th-minerals (cheralite, uranothorite, and huttonite monazite), Hf-zircon, monazite and xenotime in the El-Sella shear zone. Hf-zircon in the El-Sella and Ghadir shear zones (increasing from the core to the rim) contains high inclusions of U-Th, and REE minerals such as cheralite, uranothorite, huttonite monazite and xenotime especially in the El Sella shear zone. The rare-metal minerals, identified from peralkminous granites of the shear zones are associated with muscovite, quartz, chlorite, fluorite, magnetite, and biotite that are restricted to the two shear zones. Uraninite (low Th content) occurring in the Ghadir shear zone indicates the hydrothermal origin, but there are thorite, uranothorite, cheralite, and Hf-zircon in the El Sella shear zone, also indicating the hyrothermal proccess after magmatic origin. Compositional variations of Ta/(Ta+Nb) and Mn/(Mn+Fe) in columbite from 0.07-0.42 and 0.04-0.33, respectively, and Hf contents in zircon are so high as to be 12%, especially in the rim in the El Sella shear zone. This feature re-flects the extreme degree of magmatic fractionation. Four samples from the altered granites of the Ghadir shear zone also are very low in TiO2 (0.04 wt%-0.17 wt%), Sr [(82-121)×10-6], and Ba [(36-380)×10-6], but high in Fe2O3T (0.46 wt%-0.68 wt%), CaO (0.64 wt%-1.23 wt%), alkalis (8.59 wt%-8.88 wt%), Rb [(11-203)×10-6], Zr [(98-121)×10-6], Nb [(9-276)×10-6], Ta [(2-139)×10-6], U [(14-63)×10-6], Th [(16-105)×10-6], Pb [(13-32)×10-6], Zn [(7-8)×10-6], Y [(15-138)×10-6], Hf [(3-9)×10-6], and ∑REE [(81-395)×10-6, especially LREE [(70-322)×10-6]. They are very high in Zr/Hf (15.07-85.96) and Nb/Ta (7.17-21.48), and low in Rb/Sr (2.56-3.36) and Th/U (0.096-3.36). Four samples of the altered granites from the El Sella shear zone are very low in TiO2 (0.23 wt%-0.38 wt%), Sr [(47-933)×10-6], and Ba [(82-175)×10-6] , with high Fe2O3T (1.96 wt%-2.87 wt%), CaO (0.43 wt%-0.6 wt%), alkalis (4.46 wt%-10.7 wt%), Rb [(109-313)×10-6], Zr [(178-1871)×10-6], Nb [(11-404)×10-6], U [(56-182)×10-6], Th [(7-188)×10-6], Ta [(0.5-57)×10-6], Pb [(12-28)×10-6], Zn [(1-13)×10-6], Y [(62-156)×10-6], Hf [(3-124)×10-6], and ∑REE [(101-184)×10-6], especially HREE [(7-139)×10-6]. This is consistent with the very fractionated, fluorine-bearing granitic rocks that were altered and sheared in the El Sella shear zone. Zr/Hf (14.23-39.79) and Nb/Ta (1.98-7.01) are very high, and Rb/Sr (0.14-1.7) and Th/U (0.25-2.5) are low in the Ghadir shear zone. Field evidence, textural relations, and the composi-tion of ore minerals suggest that the main mineralizing event was magmatic (615+/-7 Ma, and 644+/-7 Ma CHIME monazite), especially in the El Sella shear zone, with later hydrothermal alteration and local remobilization of the high-field-strength elements.     

Natural radioactivity in basement rocks and stream sediments, Sharm El Sheikh Area, South Sinai, Egypt: radiometric levels and their significant contributions

The present study examines the natural radioactivity in basements rocks including granites and associated dikes besides stream sediments in Sharm El Sheikh area. Two main rock units are concerned; granites pertaining to Younger Granites of Precambrian age and clastic sedimentary rocks related to Miocene and Pliocene ages. This area is traversed by two shear zones that were delineated as the master fractures trending NW and NNE and controlling uranium and thorium enrichment in granites and dikes. The field and laboratory radiometric measurements revealed radiometric anomalies, in particular, along shear zones. The results of radiometric analyses including concentrations of equivalent uranium (eU), equivalent thorium (eTh), Ra, and K radionuclides as well as the calculated ratios eTh/eU and eU/Ra for representative samples belonging to all rock varieties, revealed that the felsic dikes have the highest values of the average radionuclides potential followed by the alkali feldspar granites, while the mafic dikes display the lowest radioactivity potential. On the other hand, the trends defined in the variation of uranium and thorium reflects the amount of remobilization of uranium that has occurred within the plutons. The eTh and eU/eTh ratios shows a negative correlation, suggesting that distribution of uranium and thorium was at least controlled by magmatic differentiation, while, the positive correlation between eU and eU/eTh ratios indicates enrichment of uranium through post magmatic processes. Some precautions and recommendations are proposed to avoid any possible environmental impacts from shear zone areas with high intensity of natural radiation sources.     

Mineralogy,geochemistry, radioactivity and environmental impacts of Gabal Marwa granites,southeastern Sinai,Egypt

The Gabal Marwa area is located in the southeastern part of Sinai,Egypt.It comprises gneisses and migmatites,granodiorites and monzogranites.Field,petrographic,mineralogic and chemical investigations indicated that the Gabal Marwa granites are classified as granodiorites and monzogranites.The monzogranites constitute the most predominant rock unit exposed in the study area.They have been subjected to hydrothermal alterations,especially along the shear zones.Sericitization,desilicification,nametasomatism and development of spotty or dendritic manganese oxides are the most pronounced alteration features.These alterations resulted in the increase of TiO2,Al2O3,FeOt,MnO,CaO,MgO,Na2O,K2O and Cr,Zr,Rb,Y and Sr and the decrease of SiO2,P2O5,Ni,Zn,Ba and Nb.Radiometric studies indicated that the altered granites belong to high thorium,high uranium granites.The U,Th,U and Th,Th/U,Th and U-K variation diagrams suggested that magmatic processes controlled the distribution of these elements but the effect of hydrothermal alteration processes were clearly distinct.The Scanning Electron Microscope and X-ray Diffraction analyses indicated that the most important radioactive minerals include uranothorite,thorite,zircon,monazite and samarskite.Cinnabar and Mn minerals were also found.From the U,Th,Ra and K activity concentrations obtained for all the studied granitic samples,radium equivalent activity(Raeq),external hazard index(Hex),and internal hazard index(Hin),were calculated to assess the radiation hazard to human beings living in dwellings made of the studied granites.Altered monzogranites have radioactivity above the proposed acceptable level and,therefore,caution must be taken when these granites are used as building materials.     

POST-MAGMATIC HIGH TEMPERATURE METASOMATIC PROCESSES IN GRANITIC ROCKS

Microclinization of granites originally enriched in plagioclase forms 1) porphyritic (porphyroblastic) biotite granites; 2) coarse- to medium-grained (even-grained) biotite-, two-mica, and muscovite granites; and 3) pegmatitic granites. Additional post magmatic metasomatic processes effecting granites are early albitization, greisenization, late albitization, and late microclinization. Maximum relative activity of cations in the evolution of post magmatic solutions may be arranged in the following series: K-Na-Si-Al-Na-K or else (with greisenization stage undeveloped) K-Na-K. This series corresponds to the concept of acidity-alkalinity of high temperature post-magmatic solutions and reflects the changes in their acidity at the various stages of metasomatism.--R. M. Hutchinson.     

The Petrological and Geochemical Evolution of Ediacaran Rare-Metal Bearing A-type Granites from the Jabal Aja Complex, Northern Arabian Shield, Saudi Arabia

New fieldwork, mineralogical and geochemical data and interpretations are presented for the rare-metal bearing A-type granites of the Aja intrusive complex(AIC) in the northern segment of the Arabian Shield. This complex is characterized by discontinuous ring-shaped outcrops cut by later faulting. The A-type rocks of the AIC are late Neoproterozoic post-collisional granites, including alkali feldspar granite, alkaline granite and peralkaline granite. They represent the outer zones of the AIC, surrounding a core of older rocks including monzogranite, syenogranite and granophyre granite. The sharp contacts between A-type granites of the outer zone and the different granitic rocks of the inner zone suggest that the AIC was emplaced as different phases over a time interval, following complete crystallization of earlier batches. The A-type granites represent the late intrusive phases of the AIC, which were emplaced during tectonic extension, as shown by the emplacement of dykes synchronous with the granite emplacement and the presence of cataclastic features. The A-type granites consist of K-feldspars, quartz, albite, amphiboles and sodic pyroxene with a wide variety of accessory minerals, including Fe-Ti oxides, zircon, allanite, fluorite, monazite, titanite, apatite, columbite, xenotime and epidote. They are highly evolved(71.3–75.8 wt% SiO_2) and display the typical geochemical characteristics of post-collisional, within-plate granites. They are rare-metal granites enriched in total alkalis, Nb, Zr, Y, Ga, Ta, REE with low CaO, MgO, Ba, and Sr. Eu-negative anomalies(Eu/Eu* = 0.17–0.37) of the A-type granites reflect extreme magmatic fractionation and perhaps the effects of late fluid-rock interactions. The chemical characteristics indicate that the A-type granites of the AIC represent products of extreme fractional crystallization involving alkali feldspar, quartz and, to a lesser extent, ferromagnesian minerals. The parent magma was derived from the partial melting of a juvenile crustal protolith with a mantle contribution. Accumulation of residual volatile-rich melt and exsolved fluids in the late stage of the magma evolution produced pegmatite and quartz veins that cut the peripheries of the AIC. Post-magmatic alteration related to the final stages of the evolution of the A-type granitic magma, indicated by alterations of sodic amphibole and sodic pyroxene, hematitization and partial albitization.     

Geochemistry and Radioactive Potentiality of Um Naggat Apogranite, Central Eastern Desert, Egypt

Abstract: The northern part of Um Naggat granite massif (UNGM) has suffered extensive post-magmatic metasomatic reworking which results into the development of (Zr, Hf, Nb, Ta, U, Th, F)– and albite-enriched and greisenized apogranite body (UNAP) of 600 m thick, and more than 3 km in the strike length.
Albitization produced an enrichment in Zr (av. 2384 ppm), Hf (61), Nb (419), and U (43). The Th/U ratio ranges between 1. 33 and 1. 90. Extreme albitization (i. e. the albitite rock) is characterized by sharp decrease in the rare metals contents. However, extreme greisenization (i. e. endogreisen bodies) is characterized by a considerable enrichment in Zr (av. 5464 ppm), Hf (143), Nb (2329), Ta (152), U (66) and Th (178). The Th/U ratio ranges between 1. 57 and 3. 60. In contrast to extreme greisenization, it seems that extreme albitization does not apparently change the fluid pH and therefore poor amounts of rare metals are localized in the albitites.
It is suggested that the presence of Na⁺, H⁺ and F^- in the ore fluids was essential to stablize complexes of Zr, Hf, Nb, Ta, U, Th, and HREE during extraction and transportation. In contrast, contemporaneous decrease of temperature and increasing pH due to decreasing pressure are considered the essential factors for localization of disseminated mineralization of Zr and Nb in the apical parts of the UNAP. The enhanced uranium content in the alteration facies of UNAP coupled with the absence of significant uranium mineralization may indicate the metalliferous rather than mineralized nature for the UNAP. The high uranium contents are stabilized in refractory accessory minerals. However, with repect to Zr and Nb, the UNAP especially the albitized and greisen facies, can be categorized as a mineralized productive granite.     

大兴安岭伊勒呼里山早白垩世碱长花岗岩年龄、地球化学特征及其地质意义

对大兴安岭伊勒呼里山早白垩世碱长花岗岩进行了岩相学、地球化学、LA-ICP-MS锆石U-Pb定年研究。伊勒呼里山地区碱长花岗岩主量元素具有富Si、富碱,贫Mg、Ca的特征;微量元素亏损Sr、P、Eu、Ti,富集K、Rb、Th等不相容元素,元素地球化学特征表明,岩体为铝质A型花岗岩(A/CNK=0.88~1.21,A/NK=0.94~1.49)。测年结果显示,粗中粒碱长花岗岩的锆石年龄为140.3±1.0Ma,细中粒碱长花岗岩锆石年龄为137.9±0.8Ma,均形成于早白垩世。结合区域研究资料,伊勒呼里山地区碱长花岗岩岩体的形成与蒙古-鄂霍茨克洋闭合后的岩石圈伸展密切相关,其岩浆源区可能为地壳物质的部分熔融。     

陕西华阳川铀多金属矿床矿石特征及铀的赋存状态

华阳川矿床位于秦岭造山带后陆冲段褶皱带的小秦岭成矿带内,是国内外成矿类型特殊的大规模铀多金属矿床。为了深入了解陕西华阳川铀多金属矿床矿石组成和铀的赋存状态,本文通过采用光学显微镜、扫描电子显微镜、电子探针等现代分析测试方法,对华阳川铀多金属矿床进行了系统的工艺矿物学研究。测试结果显示:(1)主要的铀矿物为贝塔石、晶质铀矿和少量的铀钍石,与长白矿、褐帘石、榍石、磷灰石等相共生。(2)铌钛铀矿多呈自形-半自形粒状结构嵌入在钾长石与方解石内或其裂隙中,粒度主要集中在0. 04mm～0. 64mm,占总量的57. 58%。(3)铀主要以独立铀矿物(贝塔石、晶质铀矿)的形式存在,其中铀赋存于贝塔石与晶质铀矿中,占比分别为78. 20%和15. 02%,其余的铀可能以类质同象或吸附的形式存在。     

Greisenization of a muscovite-biotite albite granite of northern Portugal

Greisenization of a muscovite-biotite albite granite of Alijó-Sanfins, northern Portugal, is studied for both major and trace elements. The principal tin-tungsten mineralization of the region is connected with this granite and the greisenization is accompanied by an increase in Cl, F, W, Nb, Sn, Pb and Rb. Cassiterite is the main carrier of Sn. Muscovite is the concentrator of Cl and F. The muscovite of the greisenized granite contains more Cl, F, W and Nb than the muscovite of the parental granite, but the former contains less Sn. Sn content of the muscovite of the greisenized granite is higher than that of the biotite of the parental granite; W content is similar or higher.When the greisenization is accompanied by albitization, the oxides and trace elements behave in a similar way to that found only with greisenization, except that there is a decrease of Ni and Rb. Li, Zr, Sr, Ba and Rb decrease as albitization increases.     

Hydrothermal alteration and evolution of Zr-Th-U-REE mineralization in the microgranite of Wadi Ras Abda,North Eastern Desert,Egypt

Ras Abda plutonic suite, North Eastern Desert of Egypt, consists predominantly of Neoproterozoic calc-alkaline older granites. Minor exposures of pink microgranite are occurring along Wadi Ras Abda within the older granites. Previous studies on this area demonstrated that the microgranite is altered in some parts and contains anomalous concentrations of rare metal elements (Zr, Th, and U). These altered and mineralized zones are re-assessed using field observations, chemical analysis, and by the application of various transmitted light and electron microscopic techniques. The rare metals exist as mineral segregation grew freely into open cavities of the microgranite and concordant with the NNE strike-slip fault movement. The mineralized zones contain an assemblage of secondary magnetite, zircon, uranothorite, columbite-(Mn), fergusonite-(Y), and allanite-(Ce). The extreme abundance of zircon in the mineralized zone, along with other evidence, indicates a hydrothermal origin of this zircon together with associated rare metals. The geochemical investigation and mass balance calculations revealed extreme enrichment of Zr, Th, U, Y, Nb, Ta, and REE. Post-magmatic hydrothermal alterations resulted in such pronounced chemical and mineralogical heterogeneity. The hydrothermal fluids are thought to be oxidizing, alkaline and of medium temperature (>?250 °C). The average contents of the elements Zr (1606 ppm), Th (1639 ppm), U (306 ppm), Nb (955 ppm), and REE (1710 ppm) in the mineralized microgranite reach sub-economic levels and could be a potential source of these elements.     

CONCERNING THE GENESIS OF NIOBIUM-CONTAINING GRANITES

Niobium-bearing granites in the Soviet Union are described as associated with apices of large granitic intrusives, and it is possible to trace their field relationships into nearby granitic intrusives. Albitization of microcline and quartz,. uneven distribUtion of rock-forming minerals, and rare metal minerals are suggested as metasomatic criteria. Most importantly, niobium and zircon mineralizations have close paragenetic association with the albitization and decrease with depth into the associated granitic intrusives. Hence, this paper presents a method of formation of niobiumcontaining granites resulting from the albitization and metalization of the hoods or apices over igneous granitic bodies. The process is described as a metasomatic one and the author feels that similar niobium-containing granites elsewhere in the world which have been interpreted as magmatic in origin should actually be metasomatic instead and derived by intensive albitization and rare-metal metasomatism, a process which is described and prescribed for the niobium-bearing granites of the U.S.S.R. --Robert M. Hutchinson.     

Geochemical characterization of zoned zircon from Wadi Abu Rusheid psammitic gneiss, south Eastern Desert, Egypt

A unique zircon was studied in the gneiss samples collected from the Wadi Abu Rusheid psammitic gneiss using electron scanning microscope and electron probe microanalyses. This zircon can be categorized into two types according to the texture and trace element content: (l) magmatic zircon slightly enriched in HfO₂ with ordinary zone. (2) Overgrowths of zircon occur as two species, the first species being highly enriched in HfO₂ with irregular zoning. The second species is highly enriched in HfO₂ forming a rim around the second species with a very sharp thinner boundary. The first type shows a distinct oscillatory internal zoning pattern without change in shape of this zone and has conspicuous inclusion-free zircon overgrowths with distinct poor concentrations in Y, Hf, Th, U, Nb, and Ta in both rim and core. The second type shows two species, the first one displays distinct irregular interval zoning and irregular overgrowth with abrupt change in composition of these zones with distinct enrichment in Y, Hf, Th, U, Nb, and Ta in the rim relative to the core. The second species is forming a rim around the first species also with distinct enrichment in Y, Hf, Th, U, Nb, and Ta content. These indicate that two events (crystallization environment) have played an important role in the formation of this zircon and largely reflect differences in whole-rock trace element contents between the successive generations of this zircon. The first event is believed to be of magmatic origin giving rise to normal composition of magmatic zircon. The second event shows an intense successive process of metasomatic activity during the formation of the Abu Rusheid radioactive gneiss. Electron microprobe analysis indicates that oscillatory zoned zircon shows poor content of Y, Hf, Th, U, Nb, Ta, and rare earth elements (REE) in the rim and core, while overgrowths of zircon are slightly enriched by these elements. Also, these analyses indicate that the Abu Rusheid psammitic gneiss has been significantly enriched by the thorite mineral (Th content up to 54.72% ThO₂) and columbite-bearing minerals (Nb content up to 64.74% Nb₂O₅, Ta content up to 9.32% Ta2O₅). The poor content of REE in overgrowths of zircon indicates mobilization of REE during the metamorphism processes of gneiss.     

Mineralogy and geochemistry of the sodium metasomatism-related uranium occurrence of Aricheng South, Guyana

The Aricheng South uranium occurrence is associated with Na metasomatism that affected the granitoids of the Kurupung Batholith in western Guyana. The mineral paragenesis indicates that late-magmatic albitization was followed by chlorite alteration of biotite. A minor amount of uraninite occurs in fractures in the newly formed albite crystals, often in company of calcite. The main mineralization stage occurred later than albitization and chloritization and is represented by brannerite disseminated in a groundmass of fine-grained hydrothermal zircon. Whole rock geochemistry supports the temporal dissociation of albitization from the main ore stage. Brannerite, zircon, and uraninite are often partially altered to secondary brannerite, zircon, and coffinite, respectively. Stable oxygen (chlorite, calcite) and hydrogen (chlorite) isotope compositions suggest that a highly evolved meteoric fluid, or at least one corresponding to a very high rock/fluid ratio (δ¹⁸O of approx. 3.4% to 4‰ and δD of approx. −80‰) may have caused the pre-ore alteration assemblage. The fluids in equilibrium with main ore stage zircon have δ¹⁸O of approx. 6.8‰ and appear to be of magmatic origin. The Aricheng occurrence geochemically, mineralogically, thermally, and paragenetically resembles the Valhalla U deposit in northern Australia despite differences between the deposits’ host lithologies, whereas the Lagoa Real and Espinharas U deposits in Brazil have host rock lithology that resembles that of Aricheng.     

Composition, age, and origin of the ~620?Ma Humr Akarim and Humrat Mukbid A-type granites: no evidence for pre-Neoproterozoic basement in the Eastern Desert, Egypt

The Humr Akarim and Humrat Mukbid plutons, in the central Eastern Desert of Egypt, are late Neoproterozoic post-collisional alkaline A-type granites. Humr Akarim and Humrat Mukbid plutonic rocks consist of subsolvus alkali granites and a subordinate roof facies of albite granite, which hosts greisen and Sn–Mo-mineralized quartz veins; textural and field evidence strongly suggest the presence of late magmatic F-rich fluids. The granites are Si-alkali rich, Mg–Ca–Ti poor with high Rb/Sr (20–123), and low K/Rb (27–65). They are enriched in high field strength elements (e.g., Nb, Ta, Zr, Y, U, Th) and heavy rare earth elements (La _n /Yb _n ?=?0.27–0.95) and exhibit significant tetrad effects in REE patterns. These geochemical attributes indicate that granite trace element distribution was controlled by crystal fractionation as well as interaction with fluorine-rich magmatic fluids. U–Pb SHRIMP zircon dating indicates an age of ~630–620?Ma but with abundant evidence that zircons were affected by late corrosive fluids (e.g., discordance, high common Pb). εNd at 620?Ma ranges from +3.4 to +6.8 (mean?=?+5.0) for Humr Akarim granitic rocks and from +4.8 to +7.5 (mean?=?+5.8) for Humrat Mukbid granitic rocks. Some slightly older zircons (~740?Ma, 703?Ma) may have been inherited from older granites in the region. Our U–Pb zircon data and Nd isotope results indicate a juvenile magma source of Neoproterozoic age like that responsible for forming most other ANS crust and refute previous conclusions that pre-Neoproterozoic continental crust was involved in the generation of the studied granites.     

内蒙古石灰窑花岗岩型铌钽铷矿床地质特征及成因

内蒙锡林浩特石灰窑铌钽矿床是我国最近发现的一处大型稀有金属矿床.通过详细分析该矿床地质特征、控矿因素及其成因,主要获得如下认识:1)该矿床矿石属于碱性花岗岩系列;2)矿石中的铌钽矿物主要包括铌锰矿、铌钽铁矿、铌钽锰矿、锡锰钽矿和细晶石;3)该矿床可能是前期花岗岩岩浆结晶和后期热液交代综合作用的产物,热液交代是铌钽铷主要成矿阶段;4)从铌钽铷矿化成因和富集规律可知,金属矿化与钠长石化、云英岩化密切相关,且矿体赋存于蚀变花岗岩中,分布上严格受北东向构造的控制,因此,钠长石化、云英岩化的花岗岩是寻找上述稀有金属的直接找矿标志,同时石灰窑燕山早期花岗岩出露地段很可能是寻找稀有金属矿的有希望地区;5)围绕石灰窑花岗岩主岩体周围寻找晚期侵位的钠长石化花岗岩小岩体的隆起和浅部部位,是寻找钽铌铷矿的基本思路.     

Chemistry of Zircon in Rare Metal Granitoids and Associated Rocks, Eastern Desert, Egypt

Typological study, including paragenic, morphological, textural, and chemical characteristics of zircon from nine rare metal granitic stocks and associated greisens, was carried out in order to identify the metallogenic processes of their host granitoids. The investigated zircon‐bearing granitoids and type occurrences can be categorized into magmatically and metasomatically specialized types. The magmatic type includes: (i) peralkaline, Zr + Nb‐enriched, A₁‐granite (e.g. Um Hibal); (ii) metaluminous, Nb + Zr + Y‐enriched, A₂‐type alkali granite (e.g. Hawashia and Ineigi); and (iii) peraluminous, Ta ≥ Nb + Sn + Be ± W‐enriched, Li‐albite granite (e.g. Nuweibi, Igla and Abu Dabbab). The metasomatized granites are Nb>>Ta + Sn + Zr + Y + U ± Be ± W‐enriched and hydrothermally altered alkali feldspar granite (i.e. apogranite; e.g. Um Ara, Abu Rusheid, and Um Naggat). Zircon of peralkaline granite is characteristically equant with well‐developed pyramidal faces and short prisms (i.e. pseudo‐octahedral form) with length/width ratios in the range of 2:1–1:1. It is of Zr_0.990Hf_0.007SiO₄ composition and is associated with hypersolvus assemblage consisting of alkali feldspar, quartz, aegirine and minor reibeckite. Zircon of metaluminous alkali granites is of Zr_0.99Hf_0.01SiO₄ composition and is associated with sub‐ to transolvus assemblage of K‐feldspar, quartz, plagioclase and annite‐siderophyllite mica. It is prismatic with length/width ratios in the range of 5:1–3:1, doubly terminated with small pyramidal faces. Compositionally, zircon of Li‐albite granite ranges between Zr_0.925Hf_0.075SiO₄ and Zr_0.705Hf_0.295SiO₄. It is idiomorphic with a simple combination of prism and bipyramidal terminations with a length/width ratio of 3:1–2:1. This zircon commonly exhibits a normal zoning with rims consistently higher in Hf than cores. The higher Hf content, of this zircon coupled with its association with topaz, tantalite and lithian micas (e.g. zinnwaldite and Li‐white mica), indicates a higher solubility of Hf‐fluoride complexes and their more stabilized state at lower temperature in Li‐ and F‐rich sodic melts. Zircon of apogranite association ranges in composition between Zr_0.967Hf_0.013SiO₄ in the lower unaltered alkali feldspar granite zone and Zr_0.805Hf_0.064(Y, U, Th, heavy rare‐earth elements) [HREE])_0.125SiO₄ in the apical metasomatized (i.e. microclinized, albitized, and greisenized) apogranite zones. This compositional change appears to reflect a roofward increasing in μ_KF, μ_NaF, and μ_HF of the exsolved fluids. Columbite, xenotime, thorite, cassiterite, beryl and fluorite are common associates of this zircon. This zircon is of bipyramidal to typical octahedral form with complete absence of prism concurrently with conspicuous development of pyramid, thus the zircon crystals have a length/width ratio of 1:1–0.5:1. The neoformed metasomatic zircon commonly exhibits either normal or reverse zoning with rims consistently different in Hf, U, Y, and HREE than cores, reflecting disequilibrium conditions (e.g. sudden change in P, T, salinity, and pH) between the growing crystals and the exsolved fluids.     

Evolution of Pan African A- and I-Type Granites from Southeastern Egypt: Inferences from Geology,Geochemistry, and Mineralization

Field study of granitic rocks in the Gebel Abu Brush-Dahis (ABD) area, Southeastern Desert, Egypt, shows that they comprise two granitic groups, namely A- and I-type suites. The A type is distinguished mineralogically by abundant orthoclase and sodic plagioclase, ferrohornblende, monazite, and allanite. In contrast, the I type has more hornblende and biotite, which are more magnesian in composition, and less feldspar. The parental magmas of both suites have many similar geochemical characteristics, although the A type has slightly higher alkalis, Zr, Hf, Zn, and LREE, and lower CaO, MgO, Sr, Ni, and Fe⁺². The geochemical properties characteristic of leucocratic A-type granites-such as high Ga/Al ratios, Nb, Y, HREE, and F contents-are only manifest in the more felsic members of the A-type suite. These features were produced by 70% fractional crystallization of feldspar, hornblende, quartz, and biotite. Geotectonically, the study revealed that the A-and I-type granites are typical of an arc setting, but the more felsic members of the A-type suite plot in a within-plate regime. Geochemically, the granites are subalkaline and peraluminous to metaluminous. The granodiorites/adamellites (I-type suite) have fractionated LREE and slightly fractionated or nearly flat HREE, with small or no Eu anomalies. The alkali-feldspar granites (A-type suite) have flat REE with large Eu anomalies, except for one sample, which shows increasing LREE and decreasing HREE with large Eu anomalies; the quartz-monzonites have fractionated LREE and nearly flat HREE with no Eu anomaly. The flat HREE and/or HREE enrichment is attributed to involvement of garnet and/or zircon in melt generation at the source.

The uranium and thorium contents in the granitic rocks are present in the accessory minerals—particulary in monazite, titanite, zircon, allanite, fluorite, apatite, and opaques. Anomalous high radioactivity in the bostonite (alkaline) dike as well as uranium mineralization are largely confined to contacts and fracture zones. Uranophane is the characteristic uranium mineral in the oxidation zone. An XRD study of the high anomalies in pegmatite and bostonite reveals that the uranium mineralizations produced uranophane (Usilicate), thorianite, soddyite, zippeite, and becquerelite.     

Mineralogy and Geochemistry of Uraniferous Sandstones in Fault Zone,Wadi El Sahu Area,Southwestern Sinai,Egypt: Implications for Provenance,Weathering and Tectonic Setting

Paleozoic rocks in the Wadi El Sahu area are affected by many major faults in different directions. A reverse fault trending NE-SW is exposed for about 300 m of its length as it cuts through the Abu Hamata and Adedia formations on the south side of Wadi El Sahu. A secondary ascending hydrothermal solution carrying heavy metals and radioactive minerals passed through the fault plain and the surrounding fractures, forming mineralized and radioactive zone. The mineralized zone thickness ranges from 60 cm to 200 cm along the fault plain. These rocks were analyzed radiometrically using a portable gamma-ray spectrometer, chemically by employing ICP-ES and ICP-MS, as well as mineralogically by both binocular and Environmental Scanning Electron microscope. Gold content was also determined by fire assay. REE and U contents reached up to 2682 and 1216 ppm, respectively. Mineralogical investigations indicated the presence of uraninite, torbernite, autunite, sklodowskite, kasolite as uranium minerals, thorite as a thorium mineral, monazite, allanite and xenotime as REE-bearing minerals, zircon and columbite as accessory minerals, gold and nickel as precious and base metals, in addition to cassiterite, chalcopyrite, chalcocite and chrysocolla. High REE and U contents are attributed to the circulation of epigenetic U and REE-bearing hydrothermal solutions along the fault plain and its surrounding fractures. Hydrothermal alteration processes could then be confirmed by the presence of the M-type tetrad effect in the REE-patterns of the ferruginous sandstone. The non-chondritic ratio of Nb/Ta, Zr/Hf and Y/Ho in the studied sandstone may be attributed to the tetrad effect. The Ce and Eu anomaly with unusual REE-patterns was represented by the presence of conjugated M-W tetrad effects, indicating either the dual effect of hydrothermal solutions or groundwater with seawater. The results clarify that the tetrad-effects could be used as evidence for the environment of deposition and as an indication for gold mineralization.     

Geochemistry of the uranium-thurium-bearing granitic rocks and pegmatites of wadi haleifiya area, southeastern Sinai, Egypt

There are two main granitic rocks cropping out in the study area:1) the syn-orogenic granites are moderately weathered,jointed,exfoliated and characterized by low relief.These rocks are subdivided into tonalite and granodiorite.They are essentially composed of plagioclase,quartz,biotite,hornblende and potash feldspar;and 2) the post-orogenic granites,characterized by high relief terrain and represented by monzogranite,syenogranite and alkali granite.The monzogranites suffered hydrothermal alteration in particular along joints,faults,shear zones and fractures,which recorded the highest values of radioactivity,reflecting the role of post-magmatic alteration processes in the enhancement of radioactivity.The hydrothermal alteration(desilicification and hematitization) resulted in the formation of mineralized(altered) granites.The altered granites are enriched in TiO 2,Al 2 O 3,FeO T,MnO,MgO,Na 2 O,Rb,Sr,Y,Zr,Zn,Ga and Co and depleted in SiO 2,CaO,P 2 O 5,Nb,Pb,Cu,Ni and Cr relative to the fresh monzogranite.The investigated granites contain basic xenoliths as well as pockets of pegmatites.Perthites,quartz,plagioclase and sometimes biotite,represent the essential constituents.Some accessory minerals like zircon are metamicted reflecting their radiogenic nature.The alkali granites are characterized by the presence of aegirine,rebeckite and arfvedsonite.Both syn-and post-orogenic granites show some variations in their bulk chemical compositions.The older granitoids are metaluminous and exhibit characteristics of I-type granites and possess an arc tectonic environment.On the other hand,the younger granites are peraluminous and exhibit the characteristics of post-collisional granites.It is interpreted that radioactivity of the studied rocks is mainly controlled by both magmatic and post-magmatic activities.Frequently,the post-orogenic granites host zoned and unzoned pegmatite pockets.Some of these pockets anomalously attain high radioactivity.The syenogranites and the pegmatites are characterized by high contents of SiO 2 and K 2 O and low CaO and MgO.They have transitional characters from highly fractionated calc-alkaline to alkaline.The alkali granites related to A2-subtype of A-type granites.The post-orogenic granites were originated from magma of dominant crustal source materials and related to post-collisional setting under extensional environment.     

Chemistry of Micas in Rare-Metal Granitoids and Associated Rocks,Eastern Desert,Egypt

Paragenetic, textural, and chemical characteristics of micas from 10 rare-metal granitic stocks and the associated greisens were examined in order to identify the metallogenetic processes of the host granitoids. The investigated granitoids and type occurrences can be categorized as: (1) metaluminous, Nb + Zr + Y-enriched alkali granite (e.g., Hawashia, Ineigi, and a stock northwest of Um Naggat); (2) peraluminous, Ta > Nb + Sn ± W + Be-enriched Li-albite granites (e.g., Nuweibi, Igla, and Abu Dabbab); and (3) metasomatized, Nb » Ta + Sn + Zr + Y + U ± Be ± W-enriched apogranites (e.g., Um Ara, Abu Rusheid, Mueilha, and Homr Akarem).

Mica of the alkali granite is of the annite-siderophyllite series, and is characterized by an average FeO? of 28.14, low MgO of 0.05, a mean Fe?/(Fe? + Mg)_atom. value of 0.996, TiO₂ of 0.69, enhanced Al₂O₃ of 14.91, MnO of 0.58, Li₂O of 0.26, and moderate to low F of 0.86. These characteristics are representative of the relatively highly evolved nature of the annite-siderophyllite-bearing magmas. The micas closely resemble those of the anorogenic pegmatites and A-type granites.

Primary mica of the Li-albite granites is compositionally constrained between zinnwaldite in the lower zones, and white mica in the apical, more evolved zone, and is associated with columbite-tantalite, topaz, and fluorite. The occurrence of zinnwaldite with high contents of Mn and F indicates its stabilization at rather low temperatures in Li- and F-rich sodic melts. The restriction of white mica with lower Mn, F, and Li contents to the apical zones can be attributed to either volatile degassing or to the beginning of topaz crystallization. These two factors brought about an evolutionary trend for micas, which contrasts with the documented trends of Li-micas in other Li-granites (i.e., from Li-siderophyllite or Li-muscovite to lepidolite).

Micas range in composition between white mica in the lower unaltered zones of the apogranites and Li-siderophyllite-zinnwaldite in the apical microclinized and albitized zones; this systematic compositional change appears to reflect roofward increasing in μ_KF and μ_LiF of the exsolved fluids. Columbite, cassiterite, zircon, xenotime, beryl, and fluorite are common associates of the zinnwaldites. However, white micas from the greisenized apogranite and endogreisen veins have diminishing Li contents. The subsolidus formation of zinnwaldite and Li-siderophyllite in the apogranites, and white mica in the associated greisens, represent transitions from magmatic to hydrothermal environments under the influence of decreasing P, T, salinity, and alkalinity of the exsolved fluids.