Sorkhe‐Dizaj Iron Oxide–Apatite Ore Deposit in the Cenozoic Alborz‐Azarbaijan Magmatic Belt,NW Iran

The Sorkhe‐Dizaj iron oxide–apatite deposit in the Cenozoic Alborz‐Azarbaijan magmatic belt, NW Iran, is hosted mainly by a Late Eocene to Oligocene quartz‐monzonitic body, and subordinately in the Eocene volcanic and volcanoclastic sequences. The Sorkhe‐Dizaj intrusive body is an I‐type granitoid of the calc‐alkaline series. Mineralization is associated with actinolization, K‐feldspar, sericitic, propylitic, and tourmaline alteration types. The orebodies are massive, banded, stockwork, and breccia in shape and occur mainly along the fault zones within the quartz‐monzonitic intrusion, volcanic, and volcanoclastic rocks. Ore minerals dominantly comprise magnetite, apatite, and monazite, as well as minor amounts of chalcopyrite, bornite, and pyrite. Four major paragenetic stages are discriminated in the mineralization including early, oxide, sulfide, and late stage. The Sorkhe‐Dizaj deposit is similar in the aspects of host rock lithology, alteration, and mineralogy to the Kiruna‐type deposits associated with minor Cu sulfide minerals. Spatial and temporal association of the mineralization with the Late Eocene–Early Oligocene quartz‐monzonite intrusive body suggests that the ore fluid was probably related to magmatic activity.     

Apatite Composition of Representative Magnetite‐series and Ilmenite‐series Granitoids in Japan

Apatites of representative magnetite‐series and ilmenite‐series granitoids were studied in the Japanese Islands. Concentrations of the volatile components F, Cl and SO₃ are differently distributed in apatites of these granitoid series. Apatites are always fluoroapatite. They have weakly higher F content in the ilmenite series than in the magnetite series. In contrast, Cl and SO₃, are significantly concentrated in apatites of the magnetite series compared to the ilmenite series. These characteristics reflect the original concentrations of these components in the host granitic magmas. A high fO₂ seems most important for the S‐concentration as sulfate in apatite of the magnetite series. REE and Y are only erratically high in the studied apatites.     

The Hydrothermal Na—Ca Alteration at the Marginal Part of the Florina Granite and the Associated Magnetite—Hematite Bands With Thorium and Uranium Mineralization

The Oxia mineralized granite is the product of differentiation in the external parts of the Florina magmatic mass. Acidic hydrothermal solutions either of magmatic or of meteoric origin reacted with the upper tectonically fractured parts of the Florina granite and became enriched in iron, thorium, uranium, zircon and rare-earth elements. The most abundant alteration minerals are sericite and quartz, while the minerals of the mineralization bands include magnetite, hematite, thorite, monazite and zircon. The outer parts of the Oxia granite made it easy the percolation of hydrothermal solutions from the deeper heater to the upper cooler parts of the granite which acted as a hot spot.     

青海平安上庄磷矿床地质特征及成因探讨

上庄磷矿为一大型低品位磷灰石矿床,伴生有益组分有铁、蛭石化黑云母及稀土元素。矿床产于黑云母单斜辉石岩体中,含矿岩体由多岩相带组成。通过对该矿床地质特征研究认为,该矿床严格受断裂构造及岩相带的控制,深部的岩浆沿断裂运移过程中不断分异、分次侵入和结晶再分异,导致有益组分磷、铁和稀土富集成矿,属岩浆晚期分异磷灰石矿床。     

Halogen signatures of biotites from the Maher-Abad porphyry copper deposit,Iran: characterization of volatiles in syn- to post-magmatic hydrothermal fluids

Copper and gold mineralization in the Maher-Abad area, eastern Iran, is closely related to multiple episodes of emplacement of a late Eocene granodiorite into a quartz-monzonitic stock and andesitic volcaniclastic rocks. Hypogene and supergene porphyry Cu–Au mineralization occurred within the porphyritic granodiorite and quartz-monzonite host rocks extensively altered into dominantly potassic, propylitic, phyllic, and argillic assemblages. Temperature and pressure estimates using the plagioclase–hornblende thermometer and Al-in-hornblende barometer indicate that the granodiorite intruded at 758 ± 10°C and 1.4 ± 0.2 kbar.

Biotites from the alteration zones have more variable Al^IV than those in the fresh granodiorite, but nearly all are close to the ideal phlogopite composition. Biotite compositions display an increase in Al₂O₃, FeO, TiO₂, and Cl, but a decrease in SiO₂ and F, from the porphyritic granodiorite and potassic to the transitional phyllic alteration zones. Biotite from the potassic zone (X _phl?=?0.63–0.67) possesses a moderate F content (0.53 to 0.82 wt.%) that is significantly higher than that in the phyllic zone (0.22 to 0.38 wt.%), exhibiting a positive correlation with X _Mg and negative correlation with Cl.

With a decrease in the temperature, log (fH₂O/fHF) and log (fH₂O/fHCl) values calculated for fluids equilibrated with biotite increase progressively from the granodiorite through the potassic to the phyllic zones, whereas log (fHF/fHCl) shifts towards more negative values. Fugacity ratio trends in the Maher-Abad porphyry copper deposit are quite similar to those of other porphyry copper systems. The decrease in halogen content of hydrothermal fluids towards outer parts of the deposits reflects an increase in the degree of mixing between magmatic fluid and meteoric water.     

Orogenic Gold Mineralization in the Qolqoleh Deposit, Northwestern Iran

The Qolqoleh gold deposit is located in the northwestern part of the Sanandai‐Sirjan Zone, northwest of Iran. Gold mineralization in the Qolqoleh deposit is almost entirely confined to a series of steeply dipping ductile–brittle shear zones generated during Late Cretaceous–Tertiary continental collision between the Afro‐Arabian and the Iranian microcontinent. The host rocks are Mesozoic volcano‐sedimentary sequences consisting of felsic to mafic metavolcanics, which are metamorphosed to greenschist facies, sericite and chlorite schists. The gold orebodies were found within strong ductile deformation to late brittle deformation. Ore‐controlling structure is NE–SW‐trending oblique thrust with vergence toward south ductile–brittle shear zone. The highly strained host rocks show a combination of mylonitic and cataclastic microstructures, including crystal–plastic deformation and grain size reduction by recrystalization of quartz and mica. The gold orebodies are composed of Au‐bearing highly deformed and altered mylonitic host rocks and cross‐cutting Au‐ and sulfide‐bearing quartz veins. Approximately half of the mineralization is in the form of dissemination in the mylonite and the remainder was clearly emplaced as a result of brittle deformation in quartz–sulfide microfractures, microveins and veins. Only low volumes of gold concentration was introduced during ductile deformation, whereas, during the evident brittle deformation phase, competence contrasts allowed fracturing to focus on the quartz–sericite domain boundaries of the mylonitic foliation, thus permitting the introduction of auriferous fluid to create disseminated and cross‐cutting Au‐quartz veins. According to mineral assemblages and alteration intensity, hydrothermal alteration could be divided into three zones: silicification and sulfidation zone (major ore body); sericite and carbonate alteration zone; and sericite–chlorite alteration zone that may be taken to imply wall‐rock interaction with near neutral fluids (pH 5–6). Silicified and sulfide alteration zone is observed in the inner parts of alteration zones. High gold grades belong to silicified highly deformed mylonitic and ultramylonitic domains and silicified sulfide‐bearing microveins. Based on paragenetic relationships, three main stages of mineralization are recognized in the Qolqoleh gold deposit. Stage I encompasses deposition of large volumes of milky quartz and pyrite. Stage II includes gray and buck quartz, pyrite and minor calcite, sphalerite, subordinate chalcopyrite and gold ores. Stage III consists of comb quartz and calcite, magnetite, sphalerite, chalcopyrite, arsenopyrite, pyrrhotite and gold ores. Studies on regional geology, ore geology and ore‐forming stages have proved that the Qolqoleh deposit was formed in the compression–extension stage during the Late Cretaceous–Tertiary continental collision in a ductile–brittle shear zone, and is characterized by orogenic gold deposits.     

Characteristics of Mineralizing Fluids of the Darreh‐Zerreshk and Ali‐Abad Porphyry Copper Deposits,Central Iran,Determined by Fluid Inclusion Microthermometry

The Darreh‐Zereshk (DZ) and Ali‐Abad (AB) porphyry copper deposits are located in southwest of the Yazd city, central Iran. These deposits occur in granitoid intrusions, ranging in composition from quartz monzodiorite through granodiorite to granite. The ore‐hosting intrusions exhibit intense hydrofracturing that lead to the formation of quartz‐sulfide veinlets. Fluid inclusions in hydrothermal quartz in these deposits are classified as a mono‐phase vapor type (Type I), liquid‐rich two phase (liquid + vapor) type (Type IIA), vapor‐rich two phase (vapor + liquid) type (Type IIB), and multi‐phase (liquid + vapor + halite + sylvite + hematite + chalcopyrite and pyrite) type (Types III). Homogenization temperatures (Th) and salinity data are presented for fluid inclusions from hydrothermal quartz veinlets associated with potassic alteration and other varieties of hypogene mineralization. Ore precipitation occurred between 150° to >600°C from low to very high salinity (1.1–73.9 wt% NaCl equivalent) aqueous fluids. Two stages of hydrothermal activity characterized are recognized; one which shows relatively high Th and lower salinity fluid (Type IIIa; Th_(L‐V) > Tm_(NaCl)); and one which shows lower Th and higher salinity (Type IIIb; Th_(L‐V) < Tm_(NaCl)). The high Th_(L‐V) and salinities of Type IIIa inclusions are interpreted to represent the initial existence of a dense fluid of magmatic origin. The coexistence of Type IIIb, Type I and Type IIB fluid inclusions suggest that these inclusions resulted either from trapping of boiling fluids and/or represent two immiscible fluids. These processes probably occurred as the result of pressure fluctuations from lithostatic to hydrostatic conditions under a pressure of 200 to 300 bar. Dilution of these early fluids by meteoritic water resulted in lower temperatures and low to moderate salinity (<20 wt% NaCl equiv.) fluids (Type IIA). Fluid inclusion analysis reveals that the hydrothermal fluid, which formed mineralized quartz veinlets in the rocks with potassic alteration, had temperatures of ～500°C and salinity ～50 wt% NaCl equiv. Cryogenic SEM‐EDS analyses of frozen and decrepitated ore‐bearing fluids trapped in the inclusions indicate the fluids were dominated with NaCl, and KCl with minor CaCl₂.     

Application of Principal Component Analysis and Spectral Angle Mapper in the Mapping of Hydrothermal Alteration in the Jebal–Barez Area,Southeastern Iran

The southeastern part of the central Iranian Cenozoic magmatic belt contains many areas with copper mineralization. In an analysis of this region, we used the Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) and Enhanced Thematic Mapper plus (ETM⁺) images to map the distribution of hydrothermally altered rocks, based on their mineral assemblages. The spectral measurements, based on the field samples and satellite‐image‐derived spectra, show dominantly Al–OH (sericite and clays) and Fe–O absorption features in the visible–near infrared to shortwave infrared regions of the spectrum. Silica–bearing rocks, as well as silicic alteration, show an intense Si–O vibrational feature in the thermal infrared wavelength region. We analyzed ASTER/ETM⁺ images, performed a directed principal component analysis, and used spectral angle mapper to map areas of hydrothermal alteration and iron oxide/hydroxide minerals. The individual principal component images compiled by directed principal component analysis reveal the distribution of individual alteration minerals such as sericite, kaolinite, chlorite, epidote, and quartz. The best results, in terms of mapping the distribution of alteration, were obtained using the spectral angle mapper method. The altered areas were then sampled and the samples subjected to X–ray diffraction analysis, spectral analysis, and thin sections were observed under a microscope. Field observations reveal that more than 98% of the known copper mineralization occurs within the interpreted alteration areas. The present results indicate the great potential of ASTER and ETM⁺ data for mapping the distribution of alteration and exploring for copper mineralization in areas with a similar climate and geological setting to those of the present study.     

Application of Spectral Angle Mapper Classification to Discriminate Hydrothermal Alteration in Southwest Birjand,Iran, Using Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer Image Processing

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the Spectral Angle Mapper (SAM) classification method for determining the optimum threshold (maximum spectral angle) to unveil the hydrothermal mineral assemblages related to mineral deposits. The study area indicates good potential for Cu-Au porphyry, epithermal gold deposits and hydrothermal alteration well developed in arid and semiarid climates, which makes this region significant for Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) image processing analysis. Given that achieving an acceptable mineral mapping requires knowing the alteration patterns, petrochemistry and petrogenesis of the igneous rocks while considering the effect of weathering, overprinting of supergene alteration, overprinting of hypogene alteration and host rock spectral mixing, SAM classification was implemented for argillic, sericitic, propylitic, alunitization, silicification and iron oxide zones of six previously known mineral deposits: Maherabad, a Cu-Au porphyry system; Sheikhabad, an upper part of Cu-Au porphyry system; Khoonik, an Intrusion related Au system; Barmazid, a low sulfidation epithermal system; Khopik, a Cu-Au porphyry system; and Hanish, an epithermal Au system. Thus, the investigation showed that although the whole alteration zones are affected by mixing, it is also possible to produce a favorable hydrothermal mineral map by such complementary data as petrology, petrochemistry and alteration patterns.     

伊朗Emarat铅锌矿床成矿特征及矿床成因研究

Emarat是位于伊朗Sanandaj-Sirjan带内的一个大型密西西比河谷型(MVT)铅锌矿床,其研究程度较低,矿化特征不明,并且,矿床脉石矿物显著富集石英,这一特征在MVT矿床中并不多见,因此,石英富集的原因值得探讨。此外,涉及矿床成因的成矿流体和物质来源有待查明。Emarat矿床铅锌矿体发育于早白垩纪灰岩中,呈多条近平行脉顺层、陡倾产出,矿化分两个阶段,分别为:1成矿前阶段,为细粒石英+黄铁矿强烈交代赋矿灰岩;2成矿阶段,表现为粗粒石英+闪锌矿+方铅矿+方解石呈脉状、斑团状出现在硅化灰岩中。流体包裹体研究表明,成矿阶段粗粒石英中流体包裹体为盐水体系,均一温度介于132.2~225.3℃之间,盐度为18.47%~24.15%NaCl,液相组分以Na+和Cl-为主,含少量Ca2+、Mg2+和K+,Na+/K+比值较高(平均为29),SO2-4含量低,成矿流体具盆地卤水特征,岩浆流体特征不明显。石英的δ18 OV-SMOW介于18.6‰~20.7‰之间,分别用低的和高的均一温度峰值计算得到流体的δ18 OH2O范围为2.84‰~4.94‰(T=201.7℃)与7.02‰~9.12‰(T=147℃),流体δD值介于-76.2‰~-57.5‰之间。流体氧同位素组成与岩浆水氧同位素组成相似,但综合岩相学特征、流体包裹体测温和成分数据发现,这种氧同位素组成特征可能由来自盆地卤水的初始成矿流体在矿化部位与围岩发生强烈水岩作用,从而导致围岩中相对富18 O的氧进入流体所致。结合前人对富石英MVT矿床矿物共生组合的模拟分析,暗示成矿过程中石英的大量出现可能为热的盆地卤水与较冷围岩发生相互作用、温度快速下降所致。闪锌矿δ34S值介于4.6‰~10.3‰,方铅矿δ34S值介于2.6‰~7.9‰,推测硫来自硫酸盐的热化学还原。方铅矿206 Pb/204 Pb比值为18.4112~18.4157,207 Pb/204 Pb比值为15.6472~15.6497,208 Pb/204 Pb比值为38.5642~38.5808,与区域铅锌矿床(点)铅同位素组成基本一致,表明成矿金属为壳源。     

P–T evolution of the Precambrian Metamorphic Complex,NW Iran: a study of metapelitic rocks

The Mahneshan Metamorphic Complex (MMC) is one of the Precambrian terrains exposed in the northwest of Iran. The MMC underwent two main phases of deformation (D₁ and D₂) and at least two metamorphic events (M₁ and M₂). Critical metamorphic mineral assemblages in the metapelitic rocks testify to regional metamorphism under amphibolite‐facies conditions. The dominant metamorphic mineral assemblage in metapelitic rocks (M₁) is muscovite, biotite I, Garnet I, staurolite, Andalusite I and sillimanite. Peak metamorphism took place at 600–620°C and ∼7 kbar, corresponding to a depth of ca. 24 km. This was followed by decompression during exhumation of the crustal rocks up to the surface. The decrease of temperature and pressure during exhumation produced retrograde metamorphic assemblages (M₂). Secondary phases such as garnet II biotite II, Andalusite II constrain the temperature and pressure of M₂ retrograde metamorphism to 520–560°C and 2.5–3.5 kbar, respectively. The geothermal gradient obtained for the peak of metamorphism is 33°C km⁻¹, which indicates that peak metamorphism was of Barrovian type and occurred under medium‐pressure conditions. The MMC followed a ‘clockwise’ P–T path during metamorphism, consistent with thermal relaxation following tectonic thickening. The bulk chemistry of the MMC metapelites shows that their protoliths were deposited at an active continental margin. Together with the presence of palaeo‐suture zones and ophiolitic rocks around the high‐grade metamorphic rocks of the MMC, these features suggest that the Iranian Precambrian basement formed by an island‐arc type cratonization. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Genesis of the Nasirabad manganese occurrence,Fars province,Iran: Geochemical evidences

The Nasirabad manganese occurrence is located to the south of the Neyriz in the Fars province. Structurally and lithologically, this occurrence lies in the southwest part of the Zagros Thrust Belt and was deposited as Mn-nodules and interconnected ore-bearing interlayer's with radiolarite cherts in the vicinity of the Neyriz ophiolites. The present work deals with the geology and geochemistry of the Nasirabad manganese occurrence with a discussion of its genesis. High Mn/Fe (average 18.85) and high Ba (average 28,830 ppm) with low Pb (2.0 ppm) and LREE > HREE, La_n/Nd_n (average 4.5), Dy_n/Yb_n (average 1.2) and negative Eu anomaly suggest distal hydrothermal source. The Co/Zn (average 2.2), Ce/La ratio (average 0.67) and trace element discrimination diagrams indicate hydrothermal–hydrogenous processes. Y/Ho ratio (average 24.85) and strong positive correlation coefficient between major oxides and some high field strength elements (HFSE) like; TiO₂ vs Fe₂O₃ (r = 0.98), Al₂O₃ vs Zr (r = 0.97), Al₂O₃ vs Fe₂O₃ (r = 0.98), Zr vs K₂O (r = 0.98), Nb vs TiO₂ (r = 0.92), Th vs Fe₂O₃ (r = 0.76), Th vs MgO (r = 0.86) reveal the presence of volcaniclastics and (or) terrigenous detritals of mafic composition being deposited into the depositional basin. It seems that intermittent interlayering of mafic detrital material derived from volcanic eruption of the Neyriz island arc directly affected the physicochemical conditions of hydrothermal ore precipitation in this basin and consequently the Nasirabad manganese ores represent hydrothermal–hydrogenous geochemical characteristics. The Nasirabad is an example of non-sulphidic, oxic Mn-mineralization. Similar trend between the enrichment and depletion of some bioessential elements (e.g., Mn, As, Ba, Sr, Co, Ce) might have been resulted from selective sequestering of metal ions by microbial processes and hence hydrogenous characteristics may also be the result of biogenetic processes. Moreover the high dilution of distal hydrothermal exhalations by sea water cannot be ruled out.     

Geological Setting and Origin of Mo–W–Cu Deposits in the Honggor–Shamai District,Inner Mongolia,North China

Twenty‐one Mo–W–Cu deposits and prospects have been discovered in the Honggor–Shamai district, Inner Mongolia, north China during past 5 years. This district is located in the central and western parts of the Chagan Obo–Aoyoute–Chaobulen tectono‐magmatic belt, which is part of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt. The Mo–W–Cu deposits in the district are associated with Mesozoic granitoid intrusions and occur as veins, stockwork, and dissemination. The geological features of these newly discovered deposits are similar to porphyry‐type deposits worldwide. Two mineralization events have been identified: Indosinian (235–224 Ma) and Yanshanian (137–131 Ma). It is proposed that these deposits and prospects in the Honggor–Shamai district were related to the post‐collisional extension linked to the Indosinian orogeny during the Middle–Late Triassic period, but some of those deposits were overprinted by mineralization associated with the Cretaceous magmatic‐hydrothermal (Yanshanian) event.     

Transition from I‐type to A‐type magmatism in the Sanandaj–Sirjan Zone,NW Iran: an extensional intra‐continental arc

The South Dehgolan pluton, in NW Iran was emplaced into the Sanandaj–Sirjan magmatic–metamorphic zone. This composite intrusion comprises three main groups: (1) monzogabbro–monzodiorite rocks, (2) quartz monzonite–syenite rocks, and (3) a granite suite which crops out in most of the area. The granites generally show high SiO₂ content from 72.1%–77.6 wt.% with diagnostic mineralogy consisting of biotite and amphibole along the boundaries of feldspar–quartz crystals which implies anhydrous primary magma compositions. The granite suite is metaluminous and distinguished by high FeOt/MgO ratios (av. 9.6 wt.%), typical of ferroan compositions with a pronounced A‐type affinity with high Na₂O + K₂O contents, high Ga/Al ratios, enrichment in Zr, Nb, REE, and depletion in Eu. The quartz monzonite–syenites show intermediate SiO₂ levels (59.8%–64.5 wt.%) with metaluminous, magnesian to ferroan characteristics, intermediate Na₂O + K₂O contents, enrichment in Zr, Nb, REE, Ga/Al, and depletion in Eu. The monzogabbro–monzodiorites show overall lower SiO₂ content (48.5%–55.9 wt.%) with metaluminous and calc‐alkaline compositions, relatively lower Na₂O + K₂O contents, low Ga/Al ratios, and FeOt/MgO (av. 1.6 wt.%) ratios, low abundances of Zr, Nb, and lower REE element concentrations relative to the granites and quartz monzonite–syenites. These geochemical differences among the three different rocks suites are likely to indicate different melt origins. We suggest that the South Dehgolan pluton resulted from a change in the geodynamic regime, from compression to extension in the Sanandaj–Sirjan zone during Mesozoic subduction of the Neo‐Tethys oceanic crust beneath the Central Iranian microcontinent. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Petrology of Igneous Rocks in Northern Golpayegan, Iran

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Geochemical Characteristics of Apatite in Heavy REE‐rich Deep‐Sea Mud from Minami‐Torishima Area,Southeastern Japan

We have conducted geochemical and mineralogical investigations of the rare earth and yttrium (REY)‐rich mud from the Minami‐Torishima area in the Pacific in order to clarify the concentration of REY and their host‐phase in the mud. X‐ray diffraction analysis shows that the mud is mainly composed of phillipsite, fluorapatite, quartz, albite, illite and montmorillonite. Whole‐rock CaO, P₂O₅ and total REY contents of the mud are positively correlated. Relative abundance of apatite is also positively correlated to P₂O₅ and total REY contents. These correlations suggest that apatite is the main host of the P₂O₅ and REY in the mud. We make in situ compositional analyses of constituent minerals in the REY mud. The results show that the apatite is abundant in REY (9300–32,000 ppm) and is characterized by a negative Ce anomaly and enrichment in heavy rare‐earth elements. This abundance and composition of REY of the mud is similar those of fish debris apatites. In contrast, phillipsite is less abundant in REY (60–170 ppm). Therefore we conclude that the main REY host phase of the mud is apatite.     

Petrology and geochemistry of the granitoid complex of Boroujerd, Sanandaj-Sirjan Zone, Western Iran

The Middle Jurassic Boroujerd Granitoid Complex of the Sanandaj-Sirjan Zone (with a U–Pb zircon age of 169–172 Ma) was emplaced in an active continental margin setting. This complex consists of three main units: an elongate NW–SE extending granodioritic unit (SiO₂ = 58–71 wt%), which is widespread throughout the area, a quartz-dioritic unit (SiO₂ = 52–63 wt%), exposed as small stocks within the granodioritic body, and a monzogranitic unit (SiO₂ = 70–75 wt%), widely scattered as separate small outcrops through the southern part of the area. A series of NW trending aplites and pegmatites are present in the granodioritic unit and its aureole.Geochemically this complex is metaluminous to slightly peraluminous, typical of I-type granites. It belongs to high-K calc-alkaline series and displays the geochemical characteristics typical of volcanic arc granites related to an active continental margin (e.g. significant Nb, Ti, P and Sr depletion). Isotopic data (Sr_i = 0.7062–0.7074 and εNd_t = −3.02 to −3.62) are consistent with a crustal protolith. In addition, fractional crystallization may have played an important role in the formation of the whole spectrum of the granitoid types that occur in the Boroujerd area.     

Geochemistry of Apatite from the Apatite-rich Iron Deposits in the Ningwu Region, East Central China

Four types of apatite have been identified in the Ningwu region.The first type of apatite is widely distributed in the middle dark colored zones(i.e.iron ores) of individual deposits.The assemblage includes magnetite,apatite and actinolite(or diopside).The second type occurs within magnetite-apatite veins in the iron ores.The third type is seen in magnetite-apatite veins and (or) nodules in host rocks(i.e.gabbro-diorite porphyry or gabbro-diorite or pyroxene diorite).The fourth type occurs within apatite-pyrite-quartz veins filling fractures in the Xiangshan Group.Rare earth elements (REE) geochemistry of apatite of the four occurrences in porphyry iron deposits is presented.The REE distribution patterns of apatite are generally similar to those of apatites in the Kiruna-type iron ores,nelsonites.They are enriched in light REE,with pronounced negative Eu anomalies.The similarity of REE distribution patterns in apatites from various deposits in different locations in the world indicates a common process of formation for various ore types,e.g. immiscibility.Early magmatic apatites contain 3031.48-12080×10~(-6) REE.Later hydrothermal apatite contains 1958×10~(-6) REE,indicating that the later hydrothermal ore-forming solution contains lower REE.Although gabbro-diorite porphyry and apatite show similar REE patterns,gabbro-diorite porphyries have no europium anomalies or feeble positive or feeble negative europium anomalies, caused both by reduction environment of mantle source region and by fractionation and crystallization(immiscibility) under a high oxygen fugacity condition.Negative Eu anomalies of apatites were formed possibly due to acquisition of Eu~(2+) by earlier diopsite during ore magma cooling. The apatites in the Aoshan and Taishan iron deposits yield a narrow variation range of ~(87)Sr/~(86)Sr values from 0.7071 to 0.7073,similar to those of the volcanic and subvolcanic rocks,indicating that apatites were formed by liquid immiscibility and differentiation of intermediate and basic magmas.     

福建南平巨口白石岩钼矿床地质特征及成因探讨

南平巨口白石岩钼矿床位于闽西北隆起带的东南边缘与浦城-嵩口南北向断裂带交汇部位,产于燕山早期黑云母花岗岩小岩株的相变带上,矿化蚀变分带和工业钼矿体的容矿岩百、结构构造显示为成分单一的岩浆期后热液充填交代型钼矿床。     

Geology and Hydrothermal Alteration of the Milyang Pyrophyllite Deposit, Southeast Korea

Abstract: The Milyang pyrophyllite deposit, which is embedded in the Late Cretaceous Yuchon Group of the Kyongsang Supergroup, is one of the largest hydrothermal clay deposits in the Kyongsang basin, southeast Korea. Host rocks of the deposit are porphyritic andesite lava and minor andesitic lapilli tuff. In the Milyang district, a hydrothermally altered zone is about 2 × 3 km in extent; we can recognize the concentric arrangement of advanced argillic, propylitic, and sericitic alteration zones from the central to peripheral parts of the zone. The Milyang pyrophyllite deposit forms a part of the advanced argillic alteration zone. The Milyang pyrophyllite deposit is subdivided into the following four zones based on mineral assemblages: the pyrophyllite zones 1, 2, 3, and the silicified zone. The pyrophyllite zone 1, which occupies the central part of the deposit, comprises mainly pyrophyllite, kaolinite, and diaspore without quartz. Diaspore nodules often concentrate in beds 40–50 cm thick. Andalusite, dumortierite, and tourmaline locally occur as network veins, crack‐filler, or small spherulitic spots. The Al₂O₃ content of the ore ranges from 27 to 36 wt%. The pyrophyllite zone 2, which constitutes a major part of the deposit, comprises mainly pyrophyllite, kaolinite, and quartz. The Al₂O₃ content of the ore ranges from 15 to 24 wt%. The pyro‐phyllite zone 3 is the hematite‐rich marginal facies of the deposit. The silicified zone, which occurs as beds and septa, is mostly composed of quartz with minor pyrophyllite and kaolinite; the SiO₂ contents range from 79 to 90 wt%. Comparing chemical compositions of the high‐Al ores with those of unaltered host andesite, the Fe, Ca, alkalis, HFSE, and HREE contents are significantly depleted, whereas S, B, As, Sr, and LREE are enriched. The hydrothermal alteration of the Milyang pyrophyllite deposit can be classified into the following four stages: 1) extensive sericitic and propylitic alteration, 2) medium‐temperature (200–250°C) advanced argillic alteration, 3) high‐temperature (250–350°C or more) advanced argillic alteration, and 4) retrograde low‐temperature alteration. The heat and some volatile components such as B and S would be derived from the Pulguksa Granite intruded underneath the deposit.