Journal of Economic Geology

1-20

Authors: Mahdi Bemani; Seyed Hossein Mojtahedzadeh; Amir Hossein Kouhsari

Introduction
Mohammad-abad Oryan is the only potential source of borate in the North-east of Iran located in 50 km South of Sabzevar. The area is located in tuff marl, tuffaceous marl, volcanic braccia and tuff braccia structures. Remote sensing techniques, geological studies and integration of this data in GIS were applied in an area of about 600 square kilometers to locate the promising areas of borate mineralization for detailed studies (Bemani, 2012). The aim of this detailed geochemical study is to confine the anomaly areas for exploratory drilling and trenching.

Materials and methods
Field studies were carried out in 9 geological traverses, mainly in Tonakar and Borje Kharkan area and 126 brine samples were taken from hydrothermal springs and 13 rock samples were taken from trenches. All the samples were analyzed for four elements, including B, K, Li and Mg. In order to determine the threshold quantities of the samples and isolation of anomaly, the data were analyzed using statistical methods including classical statistics, fractal geometry and EDA methods (Bemani, 2012).

Result
Initial data analysis showed that there were no censored data. Also, by applying statistical hypothesis testing, no significant relation was observed between the elements in the two areas (except for Li). Therefore, all the statistical analyses were carried out separately.
After outlier correction, based on the amount of skewedness and histograms and probability plots of different elements, it became clear that none of the elements in the raw data distribution were normal and required to be transformed to be close to normal. In this study, logarithmic and three-parameter logarithm transformation were used in order to normalize the data . Based on the mean values, standard deviation of the normalized data, and background value and threshold, probable and possible anomalies were obtained and geochemical anomaly maps were drawn to identify the promising areas.
With the exception of the fractal pattern, anomaly separation methods are based on the differences of fractal dimensions between communities of geochemical data (Hasanipak and Sharafoddin, 2005). In this study, concentration area fractal method was used to separate anomalies from the background. Using fractal geometry, threshold value corresponding to the two areas (Tonakar and Borje Kharkan) were obtained and were plotted separately on geochemical maps.
Exploratory data analysis (EDA) is an approach to analyze data sets to summarize their main characteristics, often with visual methods (Filliben and Heckert, 2005). Exploratory data analysis is a useful method for analysis of geochemical exploration data. This is a statistical method known as the Robust Statistic classification (Carranza, 2009). In geochemical exploration, box plots, histograms and scatter plot are more practical. According to the box plots, the data of Tonakar and Borje Kharkan areas were classified and threshold levels were determined (Bemani, 2012).

Discussion
Using the results obtained from different methods, geochemical maps of each area were prepared for all the elements and thresholds were obtained for each method. Moreover, the geochemical maps of each area were plotted for each element. According to the geochemical maps of Tonakar area, boron anomaly was observed in the East and West zones and the anomaly of the latter is larger. These areas were recommended for further detailed exploration and borehole drilling. Also, geochemical maps of Borje Kharkan showed anomaly in the central zone for all of the elements. The results showed that the highest and the lowest amounts of boron in brines samples vary between 6 ppm to 5930 ppm. Among boron and the three other elements (i.e. lithium, magnesium and potassium) a significant correlation was not observed. In terms of frequency, in most cases brines with high levels of boron (more than 1000 ppm) were concentrated in the South East of the Tonakar area. So, this area was suggested for detailed exploration (Bemani et al., 2014). Generally speaking, for considering the spatial distribution of data the fractal method could better identify the anomalies. Also, EDA is a quick and easy method to detect anomalies.

Acknowledgment
The authors are grateful to the Kaniran Mining Company and the south Khorasan branch of the Iranian Mining Engineering Organization for their financial support of this study.

References
Bemani, M., 2012. Prospecting and Exploring of Borax in the south of Sabzevar, combination of remote sensing, field surveying and geochemical studying. M.Sc. Thesis, University of Yazd, Yazd, Iran, 137 pp (in Persian with English abstract).
Bemani, M., Mojtahedzadeh, S.H. and Kohsari, A.H., 2014. Investigation of geology, mineralogy and genesis of Mohammadabad-Oryan index boron (south of Sabzevar). Iranian Journal of Crystallography and Mineralogy 22(1): 173- 186 (in Persian with English abstract).
Carranza, E.J.M., 2009. Geochemical Anomaly and Mineral Prospectivity Mapping in GIS. In: M. Hale (Editor), Handbook of exploration and environmental geochemistry. Elsevier, Amsterdam, pp. 51-115.
Filliben, J.J. and Heckert, A., 2005. Exploratory data analysis. Engineering Statistics Handbook, Internet, National Institute of Standards and Technology, http://www.itl.nist.gov/div898/handbook/eda/section3/eda356.htm.
Hasanipak, A.A. and Sharafaddin, M., 2005. Exploratory Data Analysis.Tehran University press, Tehran 996 pp (in Persian).

39-59

Authors: Mansoore Maghsoudloo Mahalli; Behnam Shafiei Bafti

Introduction
Oolitic iron formations are sedimentary rocks with >5 vol.% oolites and >15 wt.% iron, corresponding to 21.4 wt.% Fe2O3 (Young, 1989; Petranek and Van Houten, 1997; Mucke and Farshad, 2005). In Iran, new iron oolite-bearing members have been identified in the Lashkarak Formation (lower-middle Ordovician) in the Abarsej, Dehmola and Simehkuh sections, eastern Alborz (Ghobadi Pour et al., 2011). At present, the mineralogy and geochemistry of these members are not known. Consequently, research reported here was conducted to reveal the mineralogical and geochemical characteristics of Ordovician oolitic iron formationmembers and to discuss their genesis and economic importance.

Materials and Analyses
Field geology and sampling was carried out to collect 25 samples from the ooliticiron formation members in the Abarsej, Dehmola and Simehkuh section in eastern Alborz. Samples were prepared for polished-thin sections (n=10), XRD analysis (n=15). Whole-rock chemical analysis (n=15) by XRF for major elements and by ICP-ES for trace elements was performed by laboratories at the SarCheshmeh copper mine complex, Kerman, Iran. One sample was analyzed by SEM at the Wales Museum, UK.

Results
Microscopic studies show that the oolitic iron formation members are hosted by carbonate argillite rocks. They are mainly composed of oolites rather than pisoliths (small bodies somewhat larger and more irregular than oolites), whereas oolites have mainly ellipsoidal forms and locally spherical shapes. Most (6) oolites show banding with a central core. Simple oolites without a core are scarce. Mineralogically, oolites are mainly chamositic and hematitic in composition; goethite, pyrite and glauconite occur in traces and siderite is absent. Quartz, calcite and zircon are accessory minerals which are present in the groundmass. Geochemically, TFeO % of the oolitic iron formation horizons ranges from 8 to 48 % with an average of 21%. The CaO content ranges from 2 to 37% and SiO2 from 11 to 37 %. Based on TFeO % content, oolitic iron formation horizons are divided into two geochemical groups: 1: Low-grade iron formations ( the Abarsej section) (8) with TFeO< 23%, high MgO (0.82-0.96 %) and high CaO (32.99-37.22 %) and low TiO2 (0.45-0.62 %), and 2: High-grade iron formations (the DehMola and Simehkuh sections) with 23%
Discussion
Mineralogical characteristics combined with geochemical data show that anomalous values of Fe in studied carbonate argillite formations with respect to common sedimentary rocks are related to the abundance of iron-bearing oolites as oxides such as hematite and goethite, and the clay mineral chamosite. Based on Fe, Mg and Ca concentrations, oolitic iron formations can be divided into low-grade and high-grade iron formations. The former is characterized by chamosite and calcite, whereas the latter consists ofhematite and calcite. This research, along with available paleo-geographic and sedimentological information suggests that the iron for the formation of iron oolites was available from normal sea water and Fe could be carried as clastic particles along with clays or coating of clay particles derived from weathering and erosion of shales from adjacent land. High contents of K and Si in oolitic iron horizons, the presence of detrital zircon, quartz and clay minerals within oolites and also in the matrix of these rocks confirm the proposed model and show the important role of Fe-bearing clay minerals in the genesis of the primary chamositic oolites in an environment with pH=5-9 and medium-weak redox conditions (Maynard, 1983; Maynard, 1986). The abundance of hematite relative to goethite in the Fe-oolites, dense and elliptical oolites as well as the frequent occurrence of calcite veinlets cutting oolite beds has been attributed to diagenetic processes and the modification of chamosite and goethite to hematite. Our findings indicate that the studied members can be classified as low-grade oolitic iron formation (average 21 wt.% Fe) which do not have economic importance at present.

Acknowledgements
This study is part of the senior author's M.Sc thesis at Golestan University, Gorgan, Iran. Logistical and financial support was provided by the Research Grant to senior author. We are grateful to SarCheshmeh Copper Complex for XRF analyses and IMPERC for XRD measurements. We gratefully acknowledge Dr. Ghobadipour for SEM analysis in National Museum of Wales, Great Britain.

References
Ghobadi Pour, M., Popov, L.E., Kebriaee-Zadeh, M.R. and Baars C.H., 2011. Middle Ordovician (Darriwilian) Brachiopods associated with the Neseuretus bio-facies, Eastern Alborz Mountains, Iran. Memoirs of the Association of Australasian Palaeontologists, 42(3): 263-283.
Maynard, J.B., 1983. Geochemistry of sedimentary ore deposits. Springer-Verlag, NewYork, 382 pp.
Maynard, J.B., 1986. Geochemistry of oolitic iron ores, an electron microprobe study. Economic Geology, 81(8): 1473-1483.
Mucke, A.T. and Farshad, F., 2005. Whole-rock and mineralogical composition of Phanerozoic ooidal ironstones: Comparison and differentiation of types and subtypes. Ore Geology Reviews, 26(2): 227-262.
Petranek, J. and Van Houton, F.B., 1997. Phanerozoic ooidal ironstone. Czech Geological Survey, Special Papers 7: 70 pp.
Young, T.P., 1989. Eustatically controlled ooidal ironstone deposition: facies relationships of the Ordovician open-shelf ironstones of Western Europe. In: T.P. Young and W.E.G. Taylor (Editors), Phanerozoic Ironstones. Geological Society of London, Special Publication, 46(1): 51–64.

79-92

Authors: Hojjat Ollah Safari; Behnam Shafiei Bafti; Hassan Mohamadrezaei

Introduction
The Sar Cheshmeh copper deposit and indications of other deposits are located in the Dehaj-Sarduieh belt in the Kerman region (Khadem and Nedimovic, 1973). This belt is one of the most important provinces of Cu mineralization in Iran, with approximately 300 Cu deposits and prospects, includingtwenty of the porphyry copper type (Ghorbani, 2013). This belt, 300 km in length and 30–45 km width, is situated in the southern part of the Uramia-Dokhtar volcanic belt in central Iran (Shafiei, 2010). Zarasvandi (2004) has proposed that faulting has played a role in the location of copper deposition in this area.

Methods of Investigation
In order to check Zarasvandi’s hypothesis, the spatial relationship between faults and Cu deposits was investigated using remote sensing and GIS techniques together with field investigations in the Sar Cheshmeh area. The the following steps were used in this research:
1. Review of available data
2. Surface geology field studies
3. Preparation of digital overlay of Copper occurrences
4. Analysis of the relationshipof faulting to Copper occurrences
Using remote sensing techniques, a geometrically corrected satellite image was filtered with high pass and Sharpen Edge filters to detect possible lineaments (Lillesand and Keifer, 2008; Sabins, 1996). Directional filters (45º, 90º, 135º and 180º) were then applied to the processed image to enhance the linear structures. Subsequently,the major lineaments were documented in the field as major and minor faults (Safari et al., 2011). Four main faults, designated as the Rafsanjan, Mani, Gaud-e-Ahmar and Sar Cheshmeh faultswere determined to be major. These faults were digitized and overlaid on other data layers in GIS environment. The strikes, dips, striae and directions of movementof the faultswere measured at 20 locations in the field. Structural analyses were done with Rose diagrams, calculation of P-axes and preparation of a structural map.
Copper occurrences on the mineral distribution map of Lotfi, et al. (1993) were used in this study and the locations of somecopper occurrences were determined in the field using GPS. The locations and main characteristics of the copper occurrences were entered into a GIS map. Finally, aniso-fracture map, was prepared using the GIS environment based onfault lengths within a 1000 ×1000 mgrid and on the buffer map of ore occurrences relative to faults. The copper occurrence locations were overlaid on these prepared maps and the relationship between faults and ore occurrences locations was analyzed.
v Results
This research indicates that:
1.The faults in the Sar Cheshmeh area trend predominantly 090°-110°, 130°-150°, 050°-070° and 170°-190°.
2.The data show that three major NW- trendingfaults, the Mani, Gaud-e-Ahmar and Rafsanjan faults show right-lateral strike-slip movement and the two major E-W trending Sar Cheshmeh and Darreh Zar faults have left-lateral strike-slip displacements.
3. The control of the calculated P-axes shows that at least two older movements have happened along these faults.

Discussion
The results show that the main faults did not directly control the locations of the mineralized porphyries and veins, but that rather the locations are due tothe second-order faults. Also, the saturated occurrence locations have the closer relationship with main faults and most indexes are located near the Rafsanjan fault and its second-order faults.

References
Ghorbani, M., 2013. The Economic Geology of Iran: Mineral Deposits and Natural Resources. Springer Science, Business Media Dordrecht, Heidelberg, 581 pp.
Khadem, N. and Nedimovic, R., 1973. Exploration for ore deposits in Kerman Region. Geological Survey of Iran, Report Yu/53, 247 pp (in Persian).
Lillesand, T.M. and Kiefer, R.W., 2008. Remote sensing and image interpretation. John Wiley and Sons, New York, 756 pp.
Lotfi, M., Sadeghi, M.M. and Omrani, S.J., 1993. Mineral distribution map of Iran, scale: 1/1000000. Geologic Survey of Iran.
Sabins, F.F., 1996. Remote sensing principle and interpretation. Macmillan Education Australia, New York, 494 pp.
Safari, H., Pirasteh, S. and Shattri, B.M., 2011. Role of Kazerun Fault for Localizing Oil Seepage in the Zagros Mountains, Iran: an Application of GiT. International Journal of Remote sensing, 32(1): 1-16.
Shafiei, B., 2010. Lead isotope signatures of the igneous rocks and porphyry copper deposits from the Kerman Cenozoic magmatic arc (SE Iran), and their magmatic-metallogenetic implication. Ore Geology Reviews, 38: 27-36.
Zarasvandi, A.R., 2004. Geology and genesis of the Darreh-Zerreshk and Ali-Abad copper deposits, Southwest of Yazd, based on fluid inclusion and isotope studies. Ph.D. Thesis, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran, 280 pp.

117-128

Authors: Tahereh Rabani; Nader Taghipour; Reza Aharipour

Introduction
Maceral is a term to introduce organic components visible under a microscope (Stopes, 1935). The physical and chemical characteristics of macerals such as elemental composition, moisture content, hardness, density and petrographic characteristics differ. The differences in the physical and chemical characteristics of macerals are reflected in their industrial behavior.(Parkash, 1985). Petrographic analysis provides information on the various physical components of coals (Suwarna and Hemanto, 2007) and determination of quality of coal, coalification rate, composition and characteristics of coke and paleoenvironmental deposition (Taylor et al., 1998).

Sampling and methodology
Coal samples were collected from freshly mined coal from 11 coal seams of 4 active coal mines (Cheshlagh, Zemestan Yourt, Narges Chal and Cheshmehsaran) for organic petrography in the Gheshlagh coal deposits. All samples were collected and stored in plastic bags to prevent contamination and weathering.
Samples were prepared for microscopic analysis by reflected light following ASTM Standard procedure D2797-04. For microscopic study, coal samples were crushed to1-mm size fraction (18 mesh size), mounted in epoxy resin and polished. Three polished samples were prepared for each coal seam. The petrographic composition was obtained by maceral analyses under standard conditions (ISO 7404/3, 2009, for maceral analysis). Maceral point counting (based on 400 points) analyses were performed using an Olympus BX51 reflected light microscope. The terminology used to identify and describe the organic matter particles is the one proposed by the International Committee for Coal and Organic Petrology (ICCP, 1998; ICCP, 2001; Scott and Glasspool, 2007; Taylor et al., 1998; Stach et al., 1982; Hower et al., 2009; Hower and Wagner, 2012).

Organic petrography of theGheshlagh coal seams
The vitrinite maceral group is dominant in all coal seams (66.2 to 87.2 vol.%) and includes collodetrinite, collotelinite, and corpogelinite macerals. Collodetrinite maceral (20 to 65.6 vol.%) is the most abundant maceral in the vitrinite group and is associated with inertodetrinite and microspornite macerals. Callotelinite (8.4 to 46.7 wt%) occurs as a structureless, homogeneous mass in the Gheshlagh coal seams. The inertinite group (4.9 to 23.3 vol%) includes fusinite, semifusinite, macrinite, secretinite, funginite and inertodetrinite macerals. Fusinite (1.7 to12.7 vol.%) is present in all coal seams in the Gheshlagh area. Cell cavities of fusinite are filled mostly by corpogelinite and clay minerals. Semifusinite occurs in appreciable concentrations (2.1to 14.3vol.%) and Cell lumens of this maceral are filled with mineral matter, pyrite and clay.
The liptinite group (nil to 3.5 vol%) includes sporinite, cutinite and resinite macerals. Sporinite is the dominant maceral in the liptinite group (nil to 2.3 vol.%) and occurs as elongated thread-like or spindle-shaped bodies and occurs as microspores and megaspores. Resinite (nil to 0.1 vol.%) occurs as round to oval bodies and as fillings of the cell cavities of fusinite, semifusinite and funginite.
The mineral matter content of most of the Gheshlagh coal seams varies between 3.1 and 24.9 vol.%. Mineral matter occurs in primary ground mass or secondary cavity filling form and includes clay minerals, carbonate and sulphide.

Conclusion
Based on organic petrographic studies carried out on four active coal mines in the Gheshlagh area, the presence of three maceral groups were determined. The vitrinite group (66.2 to 87.2 vol%) is the dominant maceral group, and callodetrinite maceral (20 to 65.6 vol%) is also abundant. The inertinite group contenthas a range of 4.9 to 23.3 vol% while the fusinite and semifusinite macerals are the most abundant of this group. The lowest volume percentage of macerals belongs to the liptinite group (0 to 3.5 vol%) with 2.3 vol% espornitebeing the most abundant Maceral of this group. The presence of espornite maceral at megaspore size in the S2 and K5 coal seams is very noticeable. The content of mineral matter of these coal seams varied from 5 to 24.9 vol%.

Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank the Eastern Alborz company employees for providing access to mines of the Gheshlagh area and sampling. We appreciate reviews for their constructive suggestions.
References Hower, J.C., O'Keefe, J.M.K., Watt, M.A., Pratt, T.J., Eble, C.F., Stucker, J.D., Richardson, A.R. and Kostova, I.J., 2009. Notes on the origin of inertinite macerals in coals: Observations on the importance of fungi in the origin of macrinite. International Journal of Coal Geology, 80(2): 135–143.
Hower, J.C. and Wagner, N.J., 2012. Notes on the methods of the combined maceral/ microlithotype determination in coal. International Journal of Coal Geology, 95(47-53): 47–53.
International Committee for Coal and Organic Petrology (ICCP), 1998. The new vitrinite classification (ICCP System 1994). Fuel, 77(5): 349–358.
International Committee for Coal and Organic Petrology (ICCP), 2001. The new inertinite classification (ICCP System 1994). Fuel, 80(4): 459–471.
ISO 7404–3, 2009. Methods for the petrographic analysis of bituminous coal and anthracite- Part 3: method of determining maceral group composition. Geneva, 7 pp, http://www.iso.org/iso/home/store/catalogue_tc/catalogue_detail.htm?csnumber=42831
Parkash, S., 1985. Petrographic studies of coals from Alberta plains, coal research department, Alberta research. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, 47 pp.
Scott, A.C. and Glasspool, I.J., 2007. Observations and experiments on the origin and formation of inertinite group macerals. International Journal of Coal Geology, 70(1-3): 55–66.
Stach, E., Mackowsky, M.T., Teichmuller, M., Taylor, G.H., Chandra, D. and Teichmuller, R. 1982. Stach's Textbook of Coal Petrology. Gebruder Borntraeger, Berlin-Stuttgart, 535 pp.
Stopes, M.C., 1935. On the petrology of banded bituminous coals. Fuel, 14: 4–13.
Suwarna, N. and Hermanto, B., 2007. Berau coal in East Kalimantan; Its petrographics characteristics and depositional environment. Journal Geologi Indonesia, 2(4): 191-206.
Taylor, G.H., Teichmüller, M., Davis, A., Diessel, C.F.K., Littke, R. and Robert, P., 1998. Organic Petrology. Gebrüder Borntraeger, Berlin. 704 pp.

147-165

Authors: Karim Abdollahi Silabi; Seyed Mohsen Tabatabaei Manesh; Somaye Karimi

Introduction
The area studied is located north of Azna (Lorestan Province) in a small portion of the Sanandaj – Sirjan structural zone (Mohajjel et al., 2003).This area is part of the Zagros orogenic belt, formed by the opening and closure of Neotethyan ocean. From NE to SW, it consists of three parallel tectonic regions: the Orumieh-Dokhtar magmatic belt, the Sanandaj-Sirjan structural zone and the Zagros thrust-fold belt (Ghasemi and Talbot, 2005).
The Sanandaj-Sirjan structural zone is a metamorphic belt composed mostly of greenschist, amphibolite and eclogite facies rocks. The development of the zonetook placeduring the opening of the Tethys ocean and its subsequent closing during the Cretaceous and earlyTertiary convergence of the Afro-Arabian and Eurasian plates (Mohajjel and Fergusson, 2000). The second stage of metamorphism and deformation of the zone, designated D2, is the most important, resulting from the opening and closure of the Neotethyan ocean and the collision of the Arabian plate with the southwestern part of central Iran in the Late Cretaceous to Tertiary (Laramideorogenic phase) (Ghasemi and Talbot, 2005; Aghanabati, 2004; Mohajjel et al., 2003; Mohajjel and Fergusson, 2000; Alavi, 1994). In the Sanandaj-Sirjanzone, which includes the Azna area, Cretaceous granitic intrusions into the schists were followed byfolding and faulting. The intrusions produced contact metamorphism, and have lens-shaped outlines, trendingNW-SE. Consequently, the Azna area has a varied petrologic assemblage with polyphase metamorphism and deformation, including schists, metabasites and mylonitic granites. The phases include: 1. Deformation D1, and dynamothermal metamorphism (M1),a result of the subduction of Neotethysoceanic crust beneath the Iranian plate in the Late Jurassic. 2.Deformation D2, and thermal metamorphism (M2),a result of Paleocene continental collision and 3. Deformation D3, and dynamic metamorphism (M3). This deformation is a progressive deformation that hasproduced the current morphologyof the Sanandaj-Sirjan zone (Shabanian Borujeni, 2008).
In this paper we focused on petrography and mineral chemistry and thermodynamic conditions of the metapelites.

Materials and methods
The chemical compositions of minerals were determined by a CAMECA SX100 electron microprobe (EMP) at Universität Stuttgart (Germany). The instrument is equipped with five wavelength dispersive spectrometers. The beam current and acceleration voltage were 15 nA and 15 kV, respectively.
v Discussion and Results
The Azna regional metamorphic rocks include quartz-feldspar schists, mica schists, andalusite-bearing schists and quartzites.
The Azna metapelites are schists, containing quartz, feldspars, andalusite, muscovite, biotite, muscovite, chlorite and garnet, in variable proportions, characterized byporphyroblastic and lepidoblastic textures. Based on mineralogy, minerals of these rocks contain andalusite, garnet, feldspar, muscovite, biotite, quartz and chlorite. Microprobe analyses show that the mineral compositions are as follows: White micas in the andalusite-bearing schists are muscovite, plagioclases are albite-oligoclase, garnets are almandine-spessartine with weak chemical zoning and biotites are siderophylite-annite.
Based on geothermobarometry, these rocks formed in the hornblende-hornfels facies and the low pressure part of the amphibolite facies,with temperatures about 562-692 °C and pressures1.07-4.12 kbar. After the regional metamorphism of these rocks,granitoidintrusions causedthermal metamorphism of these rocks and the formation of andalusite-bearing schists.

Acknowledgments
The authors wish to thank the Office of Graduate Studies of the University of Isfahan for their support. We also thank Prof. Hans-JoachimMassonne, who played major roles during the microprobe analysis of minerals at the InstitutfürMineralogie und Kristallchemie, Universität Stuttgart (Germany).

References
Aghanabati, A., 2004. Geology of Iran. Geological Survay of Iran, Tehran, Iran, 586 pp (in Persian).
Alavi, M., 1994. Tectonics of the Zagros Orogenic Belt of Iran: New Data and Interpretations. Tectonophysics, 22(1): 211–238.
Ghasemi, A. and Talbot, C.J., 2005. A new tectonic scenario for the Sanandaj-Sirjan Zone (Iran). Journal of Asian Earth Scines, 5(1):1-11.
Mohajjel, M. and Fergusson, C.L., 2000. Dextral transpression in Late Cretaceous contatinetal collision, Sanandaj-Sirjan Zone (Western Iran). Journal of Structural Geology, 22(1): 1125-1139.
Mohajjel, M., Fergusson, C.L. and Sahandi, M.R., 2003. Cretaceous-Tertiary contatinetal collision, Sanandaj- Sirjan Zone, Western Iran. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, 21(1): 397-412.
Shabanian borujeni, N., 2008. Petrology and tectonic setting of the Azna granitoid masses (Sanandaj-Sirjan Zone, Iran). Ph.D. Thesis, University of Isfahan, Iran, 192 pp.

181-199

Authors: Mohammad Kashkoei Jahroomi; Afshin Qishlaqi

Introduction
In remote sensing studies, especially those in which multi-spectral image data are used, (i.e., Landsat-7 Enhanced Thematic Mapper), various statistical methods are often applied for image enhancement and feature extraction (Reddy, 2008). Principal component analysis is a multivariate statistical technique which is frequently used in multidimensional data analysis. This method attempts to extract and place the spectral information into a smaller set of new components that are more interpretable. However, the results obtained from this method are not so straightforward and require somewhat sophisticated techniques to interpret (Drury, 2001). In this paper we present a new approach for mapping of hydrothermal alteration by analyzing and selecting the principal components extracted through processing of Landsat ETM+ images.
The study area is located in a mountainous region of southern Kerman. Geologically, it lies in the volcanic belt of central Iran adjacent to the Gogher-Baft ophiolite zone. The region is highly altered with sericitic, propyliticand argillic alterationwell developed, and argillic alteration is limited (Jafari, 2009; Masumi and Ranjbar, 2011). Multispectral data of Landsat ETM+ was acquired (path 181, row 34) in this study. In these images the color composites of Band 7, Band 4 and Band 1 in RGB indicate the lithology outcropping in the study area. The principal component analysis (PCA) ofimage data is often implemented computationally using three steps: (1) Calculation of the variance, covariance matrix or correlation matrix of the satellite sensor data. (2) Computation of the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of the variance-covariance matrix or correlation matrix, and (3) Linear transformation of the image data using the coefficients of the eigenvector matrix.

Results
By applying PCA to the spectral data, according to the eigenvectors obtained, 6 principal components were extracted from the data set. In the PCA matrix, theeigen vector differences between the means of the level of significance between two bands (or spectral significance of the PC). The higher value is regarded as the Target Value of the bands which show a lower correlation. The components having maximum spectral significance of PCs, in bands 1 and 3, 5 and 7 and 5 and 3, were selected for enhancement of iron oxides, clay minerals and carbonate minerals, respectively. In each PC matrix, the sum of the significances is regarded as the spectral weight of that PC.
The spectral weight of the extracted PCs, was found to be as follows:
PC5> PC4>PC2>PC3>PC7>PC1
The inverse PC4 and –PC3 provide valuable information on vegetation mapping. In order to map the alteration zones and igneous rocks outcropped in the study area, the color composites of the PC5, -PC4 and average of each PC are included in RGB, respectively. The spectral proportion of each PC pertaining to each mineral was calculated as spectral significance in the two bands (e.g. Bands 5 and 7 for clay minerals and Bands 3 and 1 for Fe oxide minerals) divided by spectral weight of that PC. Based on the obtained results, the selectivity of the extracted components for enhancement of clay minerals and Fe oxide minerals was calculated and images of these minerals were produced using the following expressions:
Fe oxide minerals:
Clay minerals:
For carbonate minerals, the proportion of each PC is calculated in terms of the eigenvectors of bands 5 and 3. The selectivity of the PCs used in enhancing of spectral data of carbonate minerals is as follows: PC5>PC2>PC1>PC3>PC4>PC7
In the remotely sensed image, PC5 with high spectral weight was selected as the informative PC for clay minerals, iron oxides and carbonate minerals. This is becausepropylitic alteration and the formation of carbonate minerals can be easily enhanced in the processed images. Eventually, overlapping of the processed images provides patterns of hydrothermal alterationwhich indicate the areas to be prospected. In order to validate the obtained results of the image processing with geological evidence,petrographic studies of rock samples collected from major outcrops in the study area were made. It was found that quartz, calcite, epidote, sericite and chlorite are the main constituents of sericiticand propylitic alteration assemblages in the study area. The minerals are virtually enhanced in Landsat ETM+ using the proposed methods and confirm the results obtained from multispectral data analysis.

Conclusion
This study provides a new and improved approach to obtain the most meaningful spectral data for oxides, carbonates and clay minerals in multispectral images. As these minerals are typically found in hydrothermal alteration, the method presented in this article can be used for enhancement of such mineral spectral data, which can be very helpful in prospecting and exploration for hidden mineral deposits.

Acknowledgments
The first author wishes to sincerely thank Z.Gholami (PhD student, Shiraz University) for her assistance during this study. Also, we would like to thank Dr.Ranjabar (ShahidBahonar University of Kerman) and Dr. H.Tangestani (Shiraz University) for their constructive comments. Financial support for this study was provided by the ZABPAK Company.

References
Drury, S.A., 2001. Image interpretation in geology. Routledge, London, 304 pp.
Jafari, H., 2009. Evaluate the economic potential of copper in Hararan (Kerman province) using by lithogeochemical methods. Journal of Land and Resources, 1(2): 25-31.
Masumi, F. and Ranjbar, H., 2011. Hydrothermal alteration mapping using image sensors ASTER and ETM+ in the northern half of the Geological Map 1:100,000 Baft. Journal of Earth Sciences, 20(79): 121-128.
Reddy, M.A., 2008. Textbook of Remote Sensing and Geographical Information Systems. Atlantic Publishers and Distributors, Haydarabad, 476 pp.

223-238

Authors: Seyed Abolfazl Ezzati; Seyed Reza Mehrnia; Kimiya Sadat Ajayebi

Introduction
The Ramand area, southwest of Buin- Zahra, about 60 kilometers from Qazvin, lies in the igneous belt of the Urmieh-Dokhtar region, the main structural zone of north-central Iran. Rhyodacite and rhyolite lava flows are the principal host rocks of mineralization and alteration of the area, most of which occurs in faulted and brecciated zones alongmaj or northwest-trending fault systems (such as Kour-Cheshmeh, Hassan Abad and their branches). Clay minerals determined from satellite images indicated principally argillic hydrothermal alteration before laboratory mineralogical analysis. According to instrumental analyses, mineralized alteration with greater amounts of argillic halos and lesser amounts of sericitic-propylitic minerals contains quartz veinlets in the vertical and lateral sections. Initially, alteration in the Ramand area was revealed in ETM images by using the SPCA technique of Crosta and Moore, 1990 (Selective Principle Component Analysis). Compared with other techniques, SPCA results have reliable spectral signatures for identifying argillic minerals and Fe-oxides as the main mineralogical association in hydrothermal environments. Subsequently, multispectral images (ASTER) were analyzed using band ratios.The results indicated silicification alteration along the faulted regions in the Ramand area. Later, areas of silicification alteration were prospected for precious and base metal mineralization.Sampling results suggested that the altered areas have some potential for epithermal mineralization, according to instrumental analyses and micrographic evidence.

Materials and methods
1- Collecting satellite images, geological evidence and related documents
2- Image processing to reveal and identify the mineralized alteration.
3- Sampling of the mineralized zones indicated by the remote sensing.
4- Thin- and polished section microscopic studies. 5- X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) (19 samples), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry analysis(ICP- MS)for determining the major and trace elements (4 samples) and 4 samples were analyzed for the gold content by using atomic absorption (AA).

Discussion and results
Most of the hydrothermal alteration in the Ramand region was mapped by processing the ETM and ASTER satellite images. The Crosta and Moore (1990) technique indicated the facies of alteration, and increased the correlation between altered and mineralized regions.
Evaluating the potential for ore-grade mineralization requires mapping the location and probable zonal location of the quartz veins indicated by band ratios in the ASTER image (Kruse et al., 1993; Honarmand et al., 2012). Our studies showed that volcanic rocks in the Ramand area are intensively altered by hydrothermal processes. The micrographic results confirmed that argillic and silicification alteration occurred within calcitized-oxidized masses. The study has shown that the mineralized region significantly contains quartz veinlets usually surrounded by argillic halos and Fe-oxides as two components of the alteration.
In conclusion, our remotely sensed prognostic mapindicates a strongly altered epithermal system along faulted structures and breccia zonesclearly apparent at the surface (Akbari, et al., 2012).The altered zones probably extend at depth with probable zones enriched in gold and base metals. Considering the zonalpatterns indicated by image processing, besides the ore genesis peculiarities of the epithermal systems (micrographic results), this article introduces reliable data indicating the nature of mineralization in the Ramand area based on analysis of satellite images and mineralogical and chemical analyses of samples which encourage detailed exploration for discovery of orebodies in a deeper prospect.

References
Akbari, A., Mehrnia, S.R. and Moghadasi, J., 2012. Using GIS for Investigating on Barite Mineralization Potentials in Qazvin 1/100000 Sheet. 6th National Geological Conference, Payame Noor University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran (in Persian with English abstract).
Crosta, A.P. and Moore, J.McM., 1990. Enhancement of Landsat thematic mapper imagery for residual soil mapping in SW Minais Gerais State, Brazil: a prospecting case history in Greenstone belt terrain. 7th Thematic Conference on Remote Sensing for Exploration Geology, University ofCalgary, Calgary Canada.
Honarmand, M., Ranjbar, H. and Shahabpour, J., 2012.Application of principal component analysis and spectral angle mapper in the mapping of hydrothermal alteration in the Jebal–Barez Area, Southeastern Iran. Resource Geology, 62(2): 119–139.
Kruse, F.A., Lefkoff A.B., Boardman, J.W., Heidebrecht, K.B., Shapiro, A.T., Barloon, P.J. and Goetz. A.F.H., 1993. The spectral image processing system interactive visualization and analysis of imaging spectrometer data. Remote Sensing of Environment, Elsevier, 44(2-3): 145-163.

265*282

Authors: Sedigheh Zirjanizadeh; Mohammad Hassan Karimpour; Khosrow Ebrahimi Nasrabadi; Jose Francisco Santos

Introduction
The study area is located in NW Gonabad, Razavi Khorasan Province, northern Lut block and eastern Iran north of the Lut Block. Magmatism in NW Gonabad produced plutonic and volcanic rock associations with varying geochemical compositions. These rocks are related to the Cenozoic magmatic rocks in Iran and belong to the Lut Block volcanic–plutonic belt. In this study, petrogenesis of volcanic units in northwest Gonabad was investigated.
The volcanic rocks are andesites/trachyandesites, rhyolites, dacites/ rhyodacites and pyroclastics.These rocks show porphyritic, trachytic and embayed textures in phenocrysts with plagioclase, sanidine and quartz (most notably in dacite and rhyolite), hornblende and rare biotite. The most important alteration zones are propylitic, silicification and argillic.Four kaolinite- bearing clay deposits have been located in areas affectedby hydrothermal alteration of Eocene rhyolite, dacite and rhyodacite.

Analytical techniques
Five samples were analyzed for major elements by wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and six samples were analyzed for trace elements using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) in the Acme Laboratories, Vancouver (Canada).Sr and Nd isotopic compositions were determined for four whole-rock samples at the Laboratório de GeologiaIsotópica da Universidade de Aveiro, Portugal.

Results
Petrography. The rocks in this area are consist of trachyte, andesite/ trachyandesite, dacite/ rhyodacite, principally as ignimbrites and soft tuff. The textures of phenocrysts are mainly porphyritic, glomerophyric, trachytic and embayed textures in plagioclase, hornblende and biotite. The groundmasses consist of plagioclase and fine-grainedcrystals of hornblende. Plagioclase phenocrysts and microlitesare by far the most abundant textures in andesite - trachyandesites (>25% and in size from 0.01 to 0.1mm). Euhedral to subhedral hornblende phenocrysts areabundant (3-5%)and 0.1 to 0.6mmin size.
Trachyte is characterized by trachytic texture. Ninety percent of the rock consists of sanidine. In trachytes, 3 to 5% hornblende ( 0.3 mm) is replaced by carbonates. Rhyolites contain quartz, plagioclase, sanidine, and biotite phenocrysts in a microcrystalline to glassy groundmass. Rhyodacitehas phenocrysts, some glomerophyric, consisting of quartz, 2 to 3% (0.1-0.5 mm), plagioclase 7 to 10% (0.2- 0.8 mm), hornblende 5% and biotite 1%. Up to 15% of sanidineis altered to clay minerals. Crystal tuff and lithic-crystal tuff are distributed overa large area.
Using the Zr/TiO2 and Nb/Y diagram of Winchester and Fold (1977), samples are designated as rhyolite, dacite and sub-alkaline basalt. In the Co vs. Th diagram of Hastie et al. (2007), samples plot in the shoshonitic and high calc-alkaline, rhyolite, dacite and andesite-basalt fields.
The REE patterns and trace element contents of the volcanic samples show: (1) LREE/HREE enrichment ((La/Yb) N = 0.3 to 15.27), (2) Low negative Eu anomaly (ave.Eu*/Eu=0.2-0.85), (3) depletion in Ba, Sr, K2O, Zr and Ti (Lower continental crust-normalized spider diagram from Taylor and McLennan, 1985 and Chondrite-normalized diagram from Nakamura, 1974. Rhyolites show the most extreme negative Eu anomaly (Eu/Eu* = 0.2-0.3) compared with 0.65–0.85 for volcanic elsewhere and also show considerably differences in the contents of Rb,Sr,K,Ti,Zr,Hf,Ce. These differences are related to greater magmatic differentiation or derivation from the other sources. The Sr and Nd isotopic ratios of these volcanic rocks are: 87Sr/86Sr = 0.70699 to 0.71014 and 143Nd/144Nd =0.512144 to 0.512539. Assuming an age of 60 Ma, the initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios vary from 0.70671 to 0.71066 and initial 143Nd/144Nd values vary from 0.512098 0.51249 (εNdi = -9.1) to 0.51249 (εNdi = -1.4).In the εNdi versus (87Sr/86Sr)i diagram, the samples plot in the field typical of magmas that are of crustal origin or, at least, that underwent important processes of crustal assimilation/contamination.
Andesitic rocks displays lightly lower rangesof87Sr/86Sr (0.7067-0.7068) and εNdi values from -1.44 to -2.34, than rhyolite. Distinct Sr and Nd isotopic compositions are seen between rhyolitic rocks and andesitic rocks. The geochemical data suggest that the rhyolitic magmas probably represent the final differentiates of parental magmas, resulting from partial melting of mafic lower crust. Generally, the magmas from this area have low Sr (less than 400 ppm), high K2O/Na2O and negative Eu anomalies.

References
Hastie, A.R., Kerr, A.C., Pearce, J.A. and Mitchell, S.F., 2007. Classification of altered volcanic island arc rocks using immobile trace elements: development of the Th-Co discrimination diagram. Journal of Petrology, 48(12): 2341- 2357.
Nakamura, N., 1974. Determination of REE, Ba, Fe, Mg, Na, and K in carbonaceous and ordinary chondrites. Geochim, Cosmochim, Acta, 38(5): 757–775.
Taylor, S.R. and McLennan, S.M., 1985. The continental crust, its composition and evolution, an examination of the geochemical record preserved in sedimentary rocks. Blackwell, Oxford, 312 pp.
Winchester, J.A. and Floyd, P.A., 1977. Geochemical discrimination of different magma series and their differentiation products using immobile elements. Chemical Geology, 20(4): 325-343.

179-202

Authors: Mohammad Ali Jazi, Mohammad Hassan Karimpour and Azadeh Malekzadeh Shafaroudi

Introduction
The Baqoroq Cu-Zn-As deposit is located northeast of the town ofAnarak in Isfahan province, in theeast central areaof Iran. Copper mineralization occursin upper cretaceous carbonate rocks.Studyof thegeologyof the Nakhlak area, the location ofa carbonate-hosted base metaldeposit, indicatesthe importance of stratigraphic, lithological and structural controls in the placement of this ore deposit. (Jazi et al., 2015).Some of the most world’s most important epigenetic, stratabound and discordant copperdeposits are the carbonate hosted Tsumeb and Kipushi type deposits,located in Africa. The Baqoroq deposit is believed to be of this type.

Materials and methods
In the current study, fifty rock samples were collected from old tunnels and surface mineralization. Twenty-two thin sections, ten polished sections and four thin-polished sections were prepared for microscopic study. Ten samples were selected for elemental analysis by ICP-OES (Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry) by the Zar Azma Company (Tehran) and AAS (Atomic absorption spectrometry) at the Ferdowsi University of Mashhad. Seven doubly polished sections of barite mineralization were prepared for microthermometric analysis. Homogenization and last ice-melting temperatures were measured using a Linkam THMSG 600 combined heating and freezing stage at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad. Sulfur isotopes of five barite samples were determined by the Iso-Analytical Ltd. Company of the UK. The isotopic ratios are presented in per mil (‰)notation relative to the Canyon Diablo Troilite.

Results
The upper Cretaceoushost rocks of the Baqoroq deposit include limestone, sandstone, and conglomerate units. Mineralization is controlled by two main factors: lithostratigraphy and structure. Epigenetic Cu-Zn mineralizationoccurs in ore zones as stratabound barite and barite-calcite veins and minor disseminated mineralization. Open space filling occurred as breccia matrix, crustification banding,andbotryoidaltexture. The host rock has undergone dolomitization alteration Hypogene minerals include chalcopyrite, pyrite, sphalerite, galena, enargite, barite, and calcite. Supergene minerals include malachite, azurite, covellite, chrysocolla, chalcocite, cerussite, smithsonite, native copper and iron oxide minerals. Sulfantimonides and sulfardenides are abundant in low- and moderate temperature stages of the deposit, while bismuth sulfides generally occur in higher temperature ores, according to Malakhov, 1968.
Analysis of rich ore samples indicates copper is the most abundant heavy metal in the ore (average 20.28 wt%), followed by zinc (average ~ 1 wt%) and arsenic (average ~ 1 wt%), respectively. Thepresence of many trace elements in the ore, such as Sb, Pb, Ag and V, are very important. Element pairs such as Ag-Cu, Zn-Cd, Zn-Sb, Fe-V and Pb-Mo are correlated with each other. The Baqoroq ore minerals are rich in As, Sb and poor in Bi. Highamountsof antimony usually occur in a low temperature stage (Marshall and Joensuu, 1961). Malakhov (1968) suggested thata high Sb/Biratio in the ore indicates a low temperature of formation for the Baqoroq deposit. Sulfide mineralization fluids were found to have homogenization temperatures between 259 and 354°C and salinities between 8.37 and 13.18 wt% NaCl eq. Surface water apparently diluted theore-bearing fluids in the final stages and deposited sulfide-freecalcite veins at relatively low temperatures (78 to 112 °C) and low salinities (3.59 to 6.07 wt% NaCl eq.).
The δ34S values of barite of the Baqoroq deposit range from +13.1 to +14.37‰from whichδ34S values of ore fluids were calculated to vary between -8.57‰ and -7.23‰. Sulfur within natural environments is derived ultimately from either igneous or seawater sources (Ohmoto and Rye, 1979). Barite δ34S values of Baqoroq deposit lie within the range of Cretaceous-age oceanic sulfate values. The reduction of sulfate to sulfide couldhave been caused either by bacterial sulfate reduction or by nonbacterial sulfate reduction through a reaction with organic materialin the sedimentary rocks (thermochemical sulfate reduction). However, the narrow range of δ34S and positive values indicates that they were not produced by bacterial sulfate reduction.Partial thermochemical reduction of sulfates has apparently produced light sulfurvalues (~ 21‰ lighter) and it has been effective inthe deposition of ore minerals. Organic matter occurs as graphite in the Baqoroq formation in proximity of Baqoroq deposit (Cherepovsky et al., 1982).

Discussion
Epigenetic, stratabound and discordant Cu-Zn-As mineralization in the Baqoroq deposit occurs as open space filling of upper Cretaceous rocks. Host rock is partially dolomitized by ascending warm, saline fluids. Seawater sulfates were the source of the sulfidesulfur and the sulfate in the barite. The reduced sulfur was generated by partial thermochemical reduction and it was effective inthe deposition ofthe ore minerals. Based onthe evidence of carbonate host rocks, the absence of igneous activity, the open space filling texture, mineralogy, dolomite alteration, ore geochemistry (As and Sb high content and absence of Bi), microthermometric data of ore bearing fluid and sulfur isotope values, the Baqoroq deposit is very similar to the carbonate hosted copper deposits in Africa and in particular the Tsumeb deposit in Namibia. The Baqoroqdepositmay have been produced bymetamorphicfluids during orogenyrelated to theclosureof the Neo-Tethys ocean.

References
Cherepovsky, N., Plyaskin, V., Zhitinev, N., Kokorin, Y., Susov, M., Melnikov, B. and Aistov, L., 1982. Report on detailed geological prospecting in Anarak area (Central Iran) Nakhlak locality. Geological Survey of Iran and Technoexport Company, Tehran. Report 14, 196 pp.
Jazi, M.A., Karimpour, M.H., Malekzadeh, A. and Rahimi, B., 2015. Stratigraphic, lithological and structural controls in placement of Nakhlak deposit (northeast of Esfahan). Advanced Applied Geology, 15(1): 59-75. (in Persian with English abstract)
Malakhov, A.A., 1968. Bismuth and antimony in galena as indicators of some conditions of ore formation. Geochemistry International, 7(11): 1055-1068.
Marshall, R.R. and Joensuu, O., 1961. Crystal habit and trace element content of some galena. Economic Geology, 56(4): 758-771. Ohmoto, H. and Rye, R.O., 1979. Isotopes of sulphur and carbon. In: H.L. Barnes (Editor), Geochemistry of Hydrothermal Ore Deposits. Wiley-Interscience, New York, pp. 509-567.

225-241

Authors: Fereshteh Bayat and Ghodrat Torabi

Introduction
The occurrence of blueschist metamorphic facies is believed to mark the existence of former subduction zones. This facies is represented in the main constituents of subduction-accretion complexes, where it occurs in separate tectonic sheets, imbricated slices, lenses, or exotic blocks within a serpentinite mélange (Volkova et al., 2011). The evidence of the presence and maturity of Paleo- Tethys oceanic crust in the CEIM (define this) in Paleo-Tethys branches, subduction and collision has been studied by various authors (Bagheri, 2007; Zanchi et al., 2009; Bayat and Torabi, 2011; Torabi 2011). Late Paleozoic blueschists have recognized in the western part of the CEIM (e. g. Anarak, Chupanan and Turkmeni) in linear trends. Metamorphic rocks of the Turkmeni area (SE of Anarak) are composed of blueschist and meta-greywacke and are situated along the Turkmeni-Ordib fault associated with Paleozoic rock units and serpentinized peridotite bodies. Turkmeni blueschist and meta-greywackes have not been studied by previous workers.
The Turkmeni blueschists consist of albite, winchite, actinolite and epidote. Granoblastic, nematoblastic and lepidoblastic are main textures in these rocks. Winchite is found in the matrix and around epidote grains. This sodic-calcic amphibole serves as an index mineral in blueschist facies. Actinolite and epidote formed during retrograde metamorphism of blueschists in the greenschist facies. The mineral assemblage of albite, epidote, chlorite and phengite ± garnet is present in meta-greywackes in the Turkmeni blueschists. Veins of garnet, muscovite, quartz and opaque minerals are extensive in these rocks. Epidote and chlorite formed in meta-greywackes by retrograde metamorphism in the greenschist facies. The aim of the present study is to determine the petrological and geochemical characteristics, P-T condition of blueschists and meta-greywackes, as well as the geotectonic setting of primary basaltic rocks of the Turkmeni blueschists.

Material and methods
This study is based on field observations and petrographical and analytical studies. Satellite images and a geological map were prepared. About 20 thin sections were supplied for petrological studies. Mineral chemical analyses were carried out by a JEOL JXA-8800R electron probe micro-analyzer (EPMA) at the Cooperative Center of Kanazawa University, Japan. The analyses were performed under an accelerating voltage of 15 kV and a beam current of 15 nA with 3µm probe beam diameter. The Fe3+ contents of minerals were estimated by assuming ideal mineral stoichiometry. The representative mineral compositions are given in Tables 1-3. Major oxides, rare earth elements (REE) and trace elements of five blueschists samples were analyzed by the ICP-MS method (Kanpanzhouh Research Company, Tehran, Iran) of the SGS laboratory of Canada. Whole rock chemical data are presented in Table 4.

Results and discussion
Petrographical and geochemical characteristics of Turkmeni blueschists reveal that they were derived from a similar mantle source and underwent analogous melt extraction and post magmatism occurrences. According to the trace and rare earth elements contents, the protolith of blueschists should be formed by crystallization of tholeiitic basalt and have sub-alkali basalt nature. Blueschists have LREE values more than HREE. High amounts and evident variations of LIL elements are obvious. Negative anomalies of HFSE such as Nb, Hf, Zr and Ti are evident in Turkmeni blueschist. REE trends of these rocks resemble as the back arc basin basalts. Based on the Nb/La ratio and REE contents, the original magma has been generated by low to medium degree of partial melting of a lithospheric mantle spinel lherzolite. Geochemical characteristics and normalized diagrams reveal that primary magma of protolith has been nature near to IAB and E-MORB. The related processes to subduction of Paleo-Tethys oceanic crust led to mantle enrichment and carbonate metasomatism. The Paleo-Tethys Ocean spreading in CEIM commenced in Late Ordovician and terminated in the Late Paleozoic-Triassic. Association of meta-greywackes with blueschist and LILE/HFSE contents shows that Paleo-Tethys oceanic crust subduction zone at Turkmeni region was been immature. Mineral chemistry and assemblages of the blueschists and meta-greywackes units reveal that they suffered different metamorphic evolution: (M1) greenschist metamorphism by existence of actinolite and albite in basaltic rocks, and then they passed a prograde metamorphism in the blueschist facies by existence of winchites (M2) which is followed by a retrograde metamorphism P-T condition in the greenschist facies (M3). Variscan tectono-metamorphism occurrence has been main metamorphic phase in Anarak region and it has led to metamorphism in blueschist facies of Turkmeni rocks.

Acknowledgments
The authors wish to thank the University of Isfahan University for financial supports.

Reference
Bagheri, S., 2007.The exotic Paleo-tethys terrane in Central Iran: new geological data from Anarak, Jandaq and Posht-e-Badam areas. Ph.D. thesis, Faculty of Geosciences and Environment. University of Lausanne, Switzerland, 208 pp.
Bayat, F. and Torabi, G., 2011. Alkaline lamprophyric province of Central Iran, Island Arc, 20(3): 386-400.
Torabi, G., 2011. Late Permian blueschist from Anarak ophiolite (Central Iran, Isfahan province), a mark of multi-suture closure of the Paleo-Tethys ocean. Revista Mexicana de Ciencias Geológicas, 28(3): 544-554.
Volkova, N.I., Travin, A.V. and Yudin, D.S., 2011. Ordovician blueschist metamorphism as a reflection of accretion-collision events in the Central Asian orogenic belt. Russian Geology and Geophysics, 52(1): 72-84.
Zanchi, A., Zanchetta, S., Garzanti, E., Balini, M., Berra, F., Mattei, M. and Muttoni, G., 2009. The Cimmerian evolution of the Nakhlak – Anarak area, Central Iran, and its bearing for the reconstruction of the history of the Eurasian margin. Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 312: 261-286.

259-276

Authors: Mohammad Ali Rajabzadeh and Fatemeh Al Sadi

Introduction
Worldwide, Ni-Cu and PGE magmatic sulfide deposits are confined to the lower parts of stratiform mafic and ultramafic complexes. However, ophiolite mafic and ultramafic complexes have been rarely explored for sulfide deposits despite the fact that they have been extensively explored and exploited for chromite. Sulfide saturation during magmatic evolution is necessary for sulfide mineralization, in which sulfide melts scavenge chalcophile metals from the parent magma and concentrate them in specific lithological zones. The lack of exploration for sulfides in this environment suggests that sulfide saturation is rarely attained in ophiolite-related magmas. Some ophiolites, however, contain sulfide deposits, such as at Acoje in Philippines, and Cliffs in Shetland, U.K. (Evans, 2000; Naldrett, 2004). The Faryab ophiolite complex in southern Kerman Province, the most important mining area for chromite deposits in Iran, is located in the southwest part of the Makran Zone. Evidence of sulfide mineralization has been reported there by some authors (e.g. Rajabzadeh and Moosavinasab, 2013). This paper discusses the genesis of sulfides in the Faryab ophiolite using mineral chemistry of the major mineral phases in different rocks of the ophiolite column in order to determine the possible lithological location of sulfide deposits.

Materials and methods
Seventy three rock samples from cumulate units were collected from surficial occurrences and drill core. The samples were studied using conventional microscopic methods and the mineralogy confirmed by x-ray diffraction. Electron microprobe analysis was carried out on different mineral phases in order to determine the chemistry of the minerals used in the interpretation of magma evolution in the Faryab ophiolite.
Lithologically, the Faryab ophiolite complex is divided into two major parts: the northern part includes magmatic rocks and the southern part is comprised of rocks residual after partial melting of the upper mantle. Sulfide mineralization in the complex is confined to cumulate rocks in northern part of ophiolite column. The mineralization is olivine-rich clinopyroxene and wehrlite. Petrographic investigation of sulfides in host ultramafics indicated two sulfide generations. In the first generation, primary magmatic sulfides occurred as interstitial disseminations, generally as anhedral grains. In the second generation, sulfides formed as veinlets along host rock fractures. The primary sulfides include pyrrhotite, pentlandite, and secondary digenite and pyrite. The primary sulfide content increases with increasing size and amount of clinopyroxene in host rocks. Associated chromian spinels in host ultramafics display disseminated and massive textures.

Discussion
Generally, mineralization in ophiolites is controlled by two major steps: a) partial melting of upper mantle rocks and b) crystal fractionation in a magma chamber (Rajabzadeh and Moosavinasab, 2013). The chemical compositions of the analyzed minerals were then used in estimating the conditions in these two steps. The composition of chromian spinel corresponds to chromite of boninitic melts formed in supra-subduction zone environments. Boninitic melts are produced at high degrees of partial melting of mantle peridotites in the presence of water (Edwards et al., 2002). Silicates of the host rocks are mainly clinopyroxene (diopside and augite) of the composition Wo47.50 En45.48 Fs3.4, olivine Fo92 and orthopyroxene (enstatite - bronzite) of En85 to En88. The main host ultramafic rocks of sulfides are wehrlite and clinopyroxenite, indicating that the sulfide saturation occurred during magmatic evolution of these rocks. This suggests that sulfide mineralization will occur in the northern part the ophiolite. The sulfide grains are anhedral, amoeboidal in shape, and appeared as disseminated interstitial phases, indicating that they were trapped as liquid phases during increase in sulfur fugacity and decrease in FeO content and temperature of crystallization of clinopyroxene-rich rocks (Talkington et al., 1984; Von Gruenewaldt et al., 1990). Nickel-rich pentlandite is the main sulfide in the Faryab complex. The composition of this is mineral is consistent with the crystallization in an equilibrium condition (Song et al., 2008). The sulfide may have been introduced from external sources during upward movement and emplacement of parent magma.

Acknowledgments
The authors are grateful to the Research Council of Shiraz University for financially supporting this study.

References
Edwards, S.J., Pearce, J.A. and Freeman, J., 2002. New insights concerning the influence of water during the formation of podiform chromitite. Geological Society of America, Special Paper, 349 (3) 139-147.
Evans, A.M., 2000. Ore geology and industrial minerals. An Introduction. Black well Pub, Oxford, London, 389 pp.
Naldrett, A.J., 2004. Magmatic Sulfide Deposits: Geology, Geochemistry and Exploration. Springer, New York, 727 pp.
Rajabzadeh, M.A., Moosavinasab, Z., 2013. Mineralogy and distribution of Platinum-Group-Minerals (PGM) and other solid inclusions in the Faryab ophiolitic chromitites, Southern Iran. Mineralogy and Petrology, 107 (6): 943-962.
Song, X., Zhou M., Tao Y., and Xia, J., 2008. Controls on the metal compositions of magmatic sulfide deposits in the Emeishan large igneous province, SW China. Chemical Geology, 253 (1-2): 38-49.
Talkington, R.W., Watkinson, D.H, Whittaker P.J., Jones P.C., 1984. Platinum group minerals and other solide inclusions in chromite of ophiolitic complexes: occurrences and petrological significance. Tschermakes Mineralogische und Petrographische Mitteilungen, 32 (4): 285-301.
Von Gruenewaldt, G., Dicks, D., Wet J. and Horsch, H., 1990. PGE mineralization in the western sector of the Eastern Bushveld complex. Mineralogy and Petrology, 42 (1): 71-95.

307-325

Authors: Arash Gorabjeiri Puor and Mohsen Mobasheri

Introduction
The Mahour exploration area is a polymetallic system containing copper, zinc and silver. The mineralization can be seen in two forms of veins and disseminations. This area is structurally within the Lut block, west of Deh-salm Village. Recent exploration work and studies carried out by geologists on this volcanic-plutonic area of Lut demonstate its importance indicating new reserves of copper, gold, and lead and zinc.
Several articles have been published on the Mahour deposit in recent years, including work on fluid inclusions (Mirzaei et al., 2012a; Mirzaei et al., 2012b).
The present report aims at completion of previous studies on Mahour. During the course of this research, the IP/RS geophysical methods were used to locate the extent and depth of sulfide veins in order to locate drill sites. The IP/RS method has been used extensively worldwide in locating sulfide mineralization at deposits such as Olympic Dam in Australia (Esdale et al., 1987), Hishikari epithermal gold deposit in Kagoshima, Japan (Okada, 1995) and Cadia-Ridgeway copper and gold deposit in New South Wales, Australia (Rutley et al., 2001).

Materials and Methods
1. Determination of mineralogy of ore and alteration by examination of 70 thin sections and 45 polished sections.
2. Compilation of geological and mineralization maps of the studied area at a scale of 1:1000.
3. Geological, alteration, mineralization and trace element geochemical studies of 6 drill holes.
4. IP/RS measurements for 2585 points on a rectangular grid with profile intervals of 50 meters and electrode intervals of 20 meters.
5. Interpretation of IP/RS results.

Discussion
The Mahour area is covered by a volcanic sequence of basalt, andesite, dacite, rhyolite and pyro-clastics. During the Late Eocene through Early Oligocene this volcanic complex was intruded by several diorite and quartz-diorite bodies, which were responsible for mineralization of the area. Mineralized veins hosted by dacite show NNE trends with 85 t0 90° dips, and which are accompanied by argillic, silicic, quartz-sericite-pyrite and propylitic alteration zones. The primary minerals include pyrite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite, galena, tetrahedrite, and quartz along with supergene minerals such as malachite, atacamite, azurite and goethite. High anomalies of copper (up to 103062 ppm), zinc (up to 213520 ppm) and silver (up to 1988 ppm) are present in the studied area.
The IP/RS surveys were carried out on profiles perpendicular to the veins. The chargeability levels reached 40 msce, indicating the presence of sulfide minerals in the area. Two especially anomalous resistivity zones, high and low, were detected within the deposit. The high resistivity zone, up to 350 ohm.m, occurs along geophysical profiles in association with less-crushed zones, whereas the low anomaly zone is related to highly crushed zones.
The geophysical anomalies agree with drilling results indicating zones of highest mineralization.

Results
Generally, the chargeability surveys have clearly revealed two anomalous zones: one in the northeast and the other in the southwest of the studied area. Six holes have been drilled through these anomalous zones and geochemical samples taken at intervals of 1 meter in each hole. Most of the anomalies are associated with quartz-sericite-pyrite, silicification and chloritic alteration as well as the intense distribution of secondary iron oxides.
Geochemical results from the drill holes show the highest anomalies as follows:
GBH-1, 78-92 m, 246-281 m GBH-3 20-40 m and 133-152 m
GBH-7 20-32 m and 57-65m
PB-1 85-94 m. and 133-140 m
PD-1. 50-55 m, 298-301 m and 360-365 m
PA-1 48-57 m, 152-161 m and 212-218 m

References
Esdale, D.J., Pridmore, D.F., Coggen, J.H., Muir, P.M., Williams, P.K. and Fritz, F.P., 1987. Olympic Dam deposite- Geophysical case history. Journal of the Australian Society of Exploration Geophysics, 18(2): 47- 49. Mirzaei Rayni, R., Ahmadi, A. and Mirnejad, H., 2012a. The origin of ore-forming fluids in the Mahour polymetal ore deposit, using electron microprobe data and sulfur isotopes, East of Lut block, Central Iran. Journal of Petrology, 3(10): 1-12. (in Persian with English abstract)
Mirzaei Rayni, R., Ahmadi, A. and Mirnejad, H., 2012b. Study of mineralogy and fluid inclusions in the Mahour polymetal ore deposit, East of Lut block, Central Iran. Iranian Journal of Crystallography and Mineralogy, 20(2): 307-318.(in Persian)
Okada, K., 1995. Geophysical exploration for epithermal gold deposits: Case studies from the Hishikari gold mine, Kagoshima, Japan. Journal of the Australian Society of Exploration Geophysics, 26(3): 78- 83.
Rutley, A., Oldenburg, D.W. and Shekhtman, R., 2001. 2-D and 3-D IP/resistivity inversion for the interpretation of Isa-style targets. Journal of the Australian Society of Exploration Geophysics, 32(4): 156-159.

343-367

Authors: Mohammad Maanijou, Masoumeh Vafaei Zad and Farhad Aliani

Introduction
The Ahangaran Pb-Ag deposit is located in the Hamedan province, west Iran, 25 km southeast of the city of Malayer . . The deposit lies in the strongly folded Sanandaj-Sirjan tectonic zone, in which the ore bodies occur as thin lenses and layers. The host rocks of the deposit are Early Cretaceous carbonates and sandstones that are unconformably underlain by Jurassic rocks. Ore minerals include galena, pyrite, chalcopyrite, pyrrhotite and supergene iron oxide minerals. Gangue minerals consist of barite, dolomite, chlorite, calcite and quartz. The mineralization occurs as open-space fillings, veins, veinlets, disseminations, and massive replacements. Alteration consists of silicification, sericitization, and dolomitization. In this study, we carried out studies of mineralogy, microthermometry of fluid inclusions and sulfur isotopes to determine the source of sulfur and the physico-chemical conditions of formation.

Materials and methods
Seventy samples of different host rocks, alteration, and mineralization were collected from surface outcrops and different tunnels. Twenty of the samples were prepared for mineralogical studies at Tarbiat Modarres University in Tehran and 25 for petrological studies at the University of Bu-Ali Sina. Fluid-inclusion studies were done on 5 samples of quartz and calcite at Pouya Zamin Azin Company in Tehran using a Linkam THM 600 model heating-freezing stage (with a range of -196 to 480ºC). The accuracy and precision of the homogenization measurements are about ±1°C. Salinity estimates were determined from the last melting temperatures of ice, utilizing the equations by Bodnar and Vityk (1994) and for CO2 fluids using equations by Chen (1972). Nine samples of sulfides and barite were crushed and separated by handpicking under binocular microscope and powdered with agate mortar and pestle. About one gram of each sample was sent to the Stable Isotope and ICP/MS Laboratory of Queen’s University, Canada for sulfur isotope analysis. The sulfur isotopes in sulfides and sulfates were run on a Thermo Finnigan Delta Plus XP IRMS mass spectrometer. The analytical uncertainty for δ34S is ±0.2‰.

Results and Discussion
The main types of fluid inclusions in quartz and calcite are as follows: I: dominant liquid + less vapor (L+V); II: dominant vapor + less liquid (V + L); III: liquid + vapor+ CO2 (L+V+CO2 )(L+V)); IV: CO2 (L+V); V: liquid + vapor + sylvite (L+V+Sy). Homogenization temperatures of primary fluid inclusions indicate that mineralization occurred at temperatures ranging from 130 to 320 °C (ave., 200°C) and their salinites range from 10 to 15 wt % NaCl equiv. The temperatures and salinities of the mineralizing fluids of the Ahangaran deposit are similar to the Irish type Zn-Pb deposits, and suggest a similar origin. The δ34S values of pyrite and galena are within the range of -25.5 to +11.6 ‰ and -6.3 to -8.5 ‰, respectively and for barite are in the range of 26 to 27.2 ‰. These values indicate that the δ34SH2S values of fluids in that deposited the pyrite and galena are within the range of -6.4 to-2.9 ‰ and 9.4 to 27.9 ‰, respectively. The δ34S values of marine sulfate were 13 to 20 ‰ during the Cretaceous (Hoefs, 2009). The δ34S values of barite are near to that of marine sulfate in the Cretaceous which indicate that the sulfate of the barite may have a marine origin. On the other hand, the δ34SH2S values of galena lie within a narrow range, suggesting that the main source of sulfur may be from thermochemical sulfate reduction (TSR).

Acknowledgments
In this research, we thank Sormak Mines Company for its support during field work. We also thank Sormak Mines Managers, especially Mr. Khakbaz for his cooperation and support of this research. Parts of this research were supported by the research department of Bu-Ali Sina University. We also wish to express our appreciation of the isotopic analyses by Queen's University, Canada.

References
Bodnar, R.J. and Vityk, M.O., 1994. Interpretation of microthermometric data for H2O-NaCl fluid inclusion. In: B. De Vivo and M.L. Fezzotti (Editors), Fluid inclusions in minerals, Methods and Applications. Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, pp. 117-130.
Chen, H.S., 1972. The thermodynamics and composition of carbon dioxide hydrate. M.Sc. Thesis, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, 67 pp.
Hoefs, J. (translated by Alirezaei, S.), 2009. Stable Isotope Geochemistry. Springer Verlag, Berlin, 332 pp. (in Persian)

385-402

Authors: Alireza Zarasvandi, Babak Samani, Houshang Pourkaseb, Zahra Khorsandi and Yaghoub Jalili

Introduction
Two main principal aspects for the genesis of porphyry copper deposits have been determined. The first genetic model concerns the petrologic and geochemical processes and the other relates the genesis to crustal deformation and geodynamic conditions (Kesler, 1997). Recent studies (e.g., Padilla Garza et al., 2001) show that the generation and emplacement of porphyry copper deposits may not only be dependent on magmatic and hydrothermal processes, but also that the regional and local tectonic setting plays an important role. Therefore in determining the suitable setting for emplacement of copper and other porphyry intrusions, determination of location of partial melting of the lower crust, generation of batholiths, and their volatile-rich derivative intrusions in the crust seems to be necessary (Carranza and Hale, 2002). Almost all porphyry copper deposits in Iran are located in the Urumieh-Dokhtar magmatic belt. These deposits show distinct spatial and temporal relationship with Miocene granodiorite plutonic rocks emplaced along strike slip faults (Mehrabi et al., 2005). Accordingly, the tectonic setting of ore deposits seem to be the most important factor for regional exploration of porphyry copper systems (Vearncombe and Vearncombe, 1999). There are several methods for analysis of distribution of ore deposits. In this research the role of structural control in the spatial distribution of porphyry deposits has been studied using Fry and Fractal methods. Here, the Fry method is used as a complementary method for Fractal analysis.

Materials and methods
Fry analysis is a self-adaptive method that is used for point objects. Fry analysis offers a visual approach to quantify the spatial trends in groups of point objects. Fry analysis can also be used to search for anisotropies in the distribution of point objects. More specifically it can be used to investigate whether a distribution of point objects occurs along linear trends, and whether such linear trends occur at a characteristic spacing. There is 37 and 42 copper point's index in the Khezr-Abad and Shar-B-Babak areas. The Fry patterns of copper index for two areas were determined with application of Dot Proc software. Fractal analysis is another technique for determination of regional distribution of faults. In this research the fractal dimension of joints and faults was determined in different locations using box-counting fractal method and drawing the logarithmic graphs.

Results
- The major faults show NW/SE trends in the Khezr-Abad area. They have a similar trend with Dehshir-Baft fault. Other sets of faults show NE/SW trend. These faults are younger than the Dehshir-Baft and release sinistral sense of shear.
- Intrusion of two intrusive bodies leads to the accumulation of strike-slip faults in the vicinity of intrusive rocks. In this region faults and joints mainly show NW/SE and NE/SW trends.
- The results of Fry analysis show that the mineralization in the Khezr-Abad occurred in the Cretaceous (and younger) rocks with NE/SW and NW/SE orientations. In the other words, these areas of mineralization are mainly related to the secondary faults or (P faults) in the pull basins and cross cutting points of these faults which have similar strike with the Dehshir-Baft fault. NE/SW mineralization is probably related to the tensional stress direction or faults having the general trends of central Iran structures.
- The calculations of fractal dimension show that the southeastern parts of the Khezr Abad have higher amounts of fractal dimension (Db= 1.7002). Also there is a relatively higher copper index in this part, indicating a logical relation between fault structures and mineralization.
-The generated maps indicate that the mineralization in the Shahr-e-Babak area occurred at the intersection of faults and volcanic system and the Fry analysis shows a NE/SW and NW/SE trend of ore concentration.
- Northwestern parts of the Share-e-Babak show higher fractal dimension (Db= 1.748) that occurs in the areas with more volcanic rocks and copper indexes.
- Results show that the porphyry copper mineralization mainly occurs near the great faults and related to the fault structures and shear zones in the Urumieh-Dokhtar structural zone. In the other word fault lineaments are the main factors in the local concentration of the ore deposits.

Discussion
The Study of geometry and mechanism of faults related to porphyry copper deposits is very important for determining the suitable location of ore concentration (Zarasvandi, 2004). For example, shear zones, pull apart basins, and step over along the strike slip faults are proper locations for concentration of porphyry ore deposits (Carranza and Hale, 2002). In this research the Khezr-Abad and Shahr-e-Babak areas have been studied. Plotted rose diagrams show the main role of the Dehshir-Baft shear zone for generating the joints and faults in the KhezrAbad area. In this area faults with NNW/SSE and NW/SE trends are the main direction of ore concentration. They are mainly related to the Dehshir-Baft fault. NE/SW faults show sinistral sense of shear and generally are younger than before mentioned sets. Finally the latest fault sets show N/S trend. The Shahre-e-Babak area is mainly dominated with Eocene igneous rocks. Volumetrically, andesite units are more abundant. Rose diagrams represent the existence of two main conjugate fault sets with NW/SE and NE/SW trends. The main copper indexes are located in the intersection of volcanic rocks with these two fault sets. Also the results of Fractal analyses reveal the higher Fractal dimension in the Northwestern part of the Shahr-e-Babak area. In the other words the most density of joint and faults occurred in this region.

References:
Carranza, J.M. and Hale, M., 2002. where are porphyry copper deposits spatially localized? A case study in Benguet province, Philippines. Natural Resources Recearch, 11(13): 45-59.
Kesler, S.E., 1997. Metallogenic evolution of convergent margins: Selected ore deposit models. ore Geology Reviews, 12(3): 153-171.
Mehrabi, A., Rangzan, K. and Zarasvandi, A., 2005. Where is significant location for the porphyry copper Deposits? A case study in south centeral Iranian volcanic belt. 9th symposium of Geological Society of Iran, The teacher Training University, Tehran, Iran.
Padilla Garza, R.A., Titley, S.R. and Francisco Pimentel, B., 2001. Geology of the scondida porphyry copper deposit, Antofagosta region, Chile. Economic Geology, 96(2): 307-344.
Vearncombe, J. and Vearncombe, S., 1999. The Spatial Distribution of Mineralization: Applications of Fry Analysis. Economic Geology, 94(4) :475-486.
Zarasvandi, A., 2004. Magmatic and structural controls on localization of the Darreh-Zerreshk and Ali-Abad porphyry copper deposits, Yazd Province, Central Iran. Ph.D. thesis, Shiraz University, Shiraz ,Iran, 280 pp.

1-21

Authors: Mohammad Maanijou; Abbas Nasiri; Farhad Aliani; Mohammad Mostaghimi; Meisam Gholipour; Abbas Maghsoudi

Introduction
The Shahrestanak Mn deposit is located in southern Qom province, 12 km southwest of the city of Kahak. Based on geological-structural divisions of Iran, the deposit belongs to central volcanic belt or Urumieh-Dokhtar zone. The Venarch deposit is one the most important known manganese deposits in Iran. The Sharestanak and Venarch deposits are spatially and temporally related to each other, and have similar geology, mineral texture and structure, host rocks, relationships with faults, and depositional environment. So, their magmatism and deposition conditions can be related to each other. Since no systematic study on the Shahrestanak deposit had been performed before discussing its geological and geochemical characteristics, here it is being attempted to study the geology, petrography, geochemistry of major, minor and trace elements, and Rare Earth Elements (REE) of ore, to distinguish the depositional environments and genesis of this deposit and to compare REE of ore in this deposit with other deposits.

Sampling and method of study
Fourteen samples of manganese ore were selected for geochemical study and analyzing of major, minor, trace elements and REE by ICP-AES and ICP-MS and were sent to SGS Co., Toronto. Detection limits for major elements and trace elements are 0.01% and 0.05ppm, respectively.

Result and discussion
The deposit is characterized by various lithology and stratigraphy units, consist of: 1) Middle to -Upper Eocene volcano-sedimentary rocks, 2) Oligocene lower red conglomerate and sandstone, 3) Oligo-Miocene limestone and marl (Qom Formation), and 4) Eocene and Lower Miocene basic to intermediate dykes. The most abundant minerals of the deposit are braunite, hausmannite, pyrolusite, and manganite. Evidences such as high Mn/Fe (11.33) and Si/Al (4.86) ratios, low contents of trace elements specially Co (11.40 ppm), Ni (24 ppm), Cu (81.85 ppm), and Ce, with high amounts of SiO2, Mn, Fe, Ba, Zn, As and Sr, all represent hydrothermal processes. It seems that hydrogenous processes have not had significant role on the genesis of the Shahrestanak Mn deposit.
During deposition of Fe and Mn from hydrothermal solution, they separated from each other and produced different Fe/Mn ratios in sedimentary exhalative deposit (SEDEX). The Fe/Mn ratios are 5.7 to 40.35 (ave., 11.33). Very high and very low ratios of Fe/Mn can be interpreted as fractionation and separation of these two elements from transportation during hydrothermal activities and mineralization. So, high Fe/Mn ratios here can be considered as in submarine hydrothermal deposits. Cann et al. (Cann et al., 1977) suggested that Fe/Mn ratios in volcano-sedimentary and hydrothermal deposits are so variable and characteristic. Hydrothermal deposits are in close relationships with ferruginous silica gel which itself formed from submarine hydrothermal outpouring and discharging of metals in marine sediments. So, Si wt. % versus Al wt. % is high in exhalative activities. The average Si/Al ratio is 4.86 in the Shahrestanak deposit which is in the range of hydrothermal deposits (SEDEX). Nicholson (Nicholson, 1992) suggested Na versus Mg content diagram for distinction between fresh water, shallow and deep marine environments. Bonatti et al. (Bonatti et al., 1992) introduced Fe-Mn-(Co+Cu+Ni)*10 ternary diagram for distinction between marine sedimentary and hydrothermal Fe-Mn deposit. According to this diagram, hydrothermal oxides depleted in Ni, Cu, Co and zinc relative to sedimentary-marine deposits. Nicholson (Nicholson, 1992) suggested that hydrothermal Mn deposit distinguished with Zn, V, Mo, Cd, Li, Sr, Sb, Pb, Cu, Ba, and As and sedimentary deposit with enrichment in Ni, Cu, Co, Sr, Mg, Ca, Na and K. Hydrogenetic ferromanganese deposit has higher enrichment of Ni, Cu and Co relative to hydrothermal (exhalative) deposit. Low contents of Cu, Co and Ni indicate low input of these elements from hydrothermal activities and derivation of Zn from hydrothermal source. As (Co/Zn)-(Co+Cu+Ni) diagram, the samples from Shahrestanak deposit show close similarities with hydrothermal deposits which in turn show common genesis. Using Pb versus Zn diagram, dubhite (deposits derived from previous mineralized sequence) can be distinguished from other Mn oxide (hydrothermal or supergene) deposits. The dubhite deposits have high Pb/Zn ratios and more than 1 percent Pb and Zn contents. Meanwhile, other types of deposits like shallow marine deposit, hot springs, SEDEX, weathered deposits have lower contents of Pb and Zn. The Shahrestanak deposit has more similarities with SEDEX and shallow marine deposits.

Conclusion
Geological and geochemical evidences show that deposition of ore occurred by submarine hydrothermal activities in Neotethys oceanic basin during Middle to Upper Eocene in calcareous tuff with intercalation of micrite and calcareous limestone. For the genesis of the deposit, it can be stated that the pillow basalt and andesite lavas were leached by hydrothermal activities and Mn, Fe, Si, Ba, Sr and As entered in sedimentary basin by exhalative – volcanic activities through faults, then by regression of the sea and forming oxidizing condition, primary oxide-hydroxide Mn-minerals are deposited.

Acknowledgement
We gratefully thank the Research and Technology Department of Bu-Ali Sina University for supporting the research.

References
Bonatti, E., Kraemer, T. and Rdell, H., 1972. Classification and genesis of submarine iron- manganese deposits of the ocean floor. In: D.R. Horn (Editor), Ferromanganese Deposits of the Ocean Floor. Aren House Harriman, pp. 149-166.
Cann, J.R., Winter, C.K. and Pritchard R.G., 1977. A hydrothermal deposit from the floor of the Gulf of Aden. Mineralogical Magazine, 41(318): 193-199.
Nicholson, K., 1992. Genetic types of manganese oxide deposits in Scotland: Indicators of paleo-ocean-spreading rate and a Devonian geochemical mobility boundary. Economic Geology 87(5): 1301-1309.

39-53

Authors: Abdolnaser Fazlnia; Fariborz Khodadadi; Hosseen Pirkharrati

Introduction
Heavy metals are the most toxic pollutants in aquatic ecosystems. This contamination can result from the release of heavy metal elements during alteration and weathering of ultramafic and mafic rocks (ophiolite zones). Among the important metals and pollutants in the ophiolite; chromium, cobalt, nickel, iron, magnesium, manganese, zinc and copper could be noted. Basically, a mass of serpentine consists of serpentine, amphibole, talc, chlorite, magnetite, and the remainder of olivine, pyroxene and spinel (Kil et al., 2010). In such areas, the prevailing cold climate, during the serpentinization, chloritization and epidotiization, the activity of the solvent, such as chloride, fluoride, carbonates, sulfide, sulfosalt would be able to import the elements such as magnesium and iron, copper and zinc into the soil and groundwater. The study area is located in northwestern Iran. This area is located in the northwest of the city of Khoy.
Because of the proximity to the north and northwest Khoy plains with ophiolite rocks, the soil of this region could possibly show the potential of contamination with heavy metals. Due to the toxicity and disease of unauthorized grades of these elements in groundwater in the study area, this study is focused on the more contaminated groundwater of the areas.

Materials and methods
In this study, over a period of 5 days, sampling from 42 water sources, including fountains, aqueducts, wells, piezometers and wells in operation, was performed. The container was washed with acid and then rinsed 3 times with the water sample. The pH and temperature of the water in the samples was measured in the field. Then to each of the samples was taken from 2 to 5 ml of concentrated nitric acid (This causes that the metal elements would not adsorbed or precipitated by these particles) and pH of the samples was measured with litmus paper to reach level 2. This was done to ensure the consolidation of the water samples. Analysis of samples carried out in the chemistry laboratory of the University of Urmia. All water sampling procedures were performed based on standard protocols (SMEWW, 2010). The maximum concentration of heavy metal contamination of drinking water with EPA, WHO and national standards were compared. In this study, the chemical analysis of heavy metals, were used by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (at ppb) for the elements Cu, Mg, Fe and Zn. Concentration of the heavy metals in acidified water samples (pH value of 2), using a flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer were analyzed.

Discussion
There are enormous amounts of Fe and magnesium in groundwater from the north and northwest Khoy plain, and the amount of Cu and zinc are in the normal range in water resources. The source of iron and magnesium in the groundwater of the study area is ultramafic and mafic rocks of the Khoy ophiolite complex. Weathering of ultramafic and mafic igneous rocks such as peridotite, olivine basalt, gabbro and pillow lava and then soil formation, high concentrations of the elements Mg and Fe were transferred to soil. Ferromagnesian olivine is formed Mg2+ and Fe2+ ions and tetrahedral silicon. If sufficient amount of Mg2+ and Fe3+ ions combine with silicon and oxygen, silicon into the soil, forms silicic acid (H4SiO4), or magnesium or iron smectite (clay minerals) (Alexander et al., 2007). Several types of pyroxene are more stable than olivine. Orthopyroxene during weathering decompose into talc and smectite. Magnesite (MgCO3) is present in some serpentine soils.
With respect to the empirical relationship (Kierczak et al., 2007) and based on temperature and rainfall, the study area with a drought index of 12.48 places in the category of semi-arid-cold climate between 10 and 19.9. Temperature changes in the condition cause weathering and leaching of serpentine soils, and subsequently can remove large amounts of magnesium. Weathering and leaching serpentine soils, releases immediately magnesium and its concentration in soil decreases. As a result, the concentration of the element in the water increases.

Results
Based on the charts and maps of iron, magnesium, zinc and copper contaminations, it is found that the concentrations of Fe and Mg in the north and northwest Khoy plain are higher than the permissible limit for drinking water. In some parts of the sample, the concentrations of Cu and Zn are exceeded WHO. However, based on EPA standard, the amount of copper is less than the limit. On the basis of three criteria: EPA, WHO and national standards, except for the village Ghez Ghaleh, zinc concentration is below the standard. According to the geological map of Khoy, the Khoy ophiolite complex containing mafic rocks and ultramafic is a source of iron and magnesium in groundwater.

Acknowledgements
Editor of the Journal of Economic Geology, Professor Mohammad Hassan Karimpour and reviewers of this article are acknowledged for their unwavering assistance. Also, the authors thank Deputy of Research of the University of Urmia for the support required for this study.

References
Alexander, E.B., Coleman, R.G., Keeler-Wolf, T. and Harrison, S., 2007. Serpentine Geoecology of Western North America, Geology, Soils, and Vegetation. Oxford University Press, London, United Kingdom, 512 pp.
Kierczak, J., Neel, C., Bril, H. and Puziewicz, J., 2007. Effect of mineralogy and pedoclimatic variations on Ni and Cr distribution in serpentine soils under temperate climate. Geoderma, 142(2): 165–177.
Kil, Y., Lee, S.H., Park, M.H. and Wendlandt, R.F., 2010. Nature of serpentinization of ultramafic rocks from Hero Fracture Zone, Antarctic: Constraints from stable isotopes. Marine Geology, 274(1): 43–49.
SMEWW, 2010. Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater (SMEWW). American Public Health Association (20th Edition), New York, 2671 pp.

69-90

Authors: Alireza Almasi; Mohammad Hassan Karimpour; Khosrow Ebrahimi Nasrabadi; Behnam Rahimi; Urs KlÖTzli; Jose Francisco Santos

Introduction
The study area is located in central part of the Khaf- Kashmar-Bardeskan belt which is volcano-plutonic belt at the north of the Dorouneh fault in the north of Lut block. The north of the Lut block is affected by tectonic rotation and subduction processes which occur in the east of Iran (Tirrul et al., 1983). The magmatism of Lut block begins in Jurassic and continues in Tertiary (Aghanabati, 1995). Karimpour (Karimpour, 2006) pointed out the Khaf-Kashmar-Bardeskan belt has significant potential for IOCG type mineralization such as Kuh-e-Zar, Tannurjeh, and Sangan (Karimpour, 2006; Mazloumi, 2009). The data gathered on the I-type intrusive rocks include their field geology, petrography, U–Pb zircon dating and Sr–Nd isotope and also alteration and mineralization in the study area.

Materials and methods
- Preparation of 150 thin sections of rock samples for study of petrography and alteration of the intrusive rocks.
- Magnetic susceptibility measuring of intrusive rocks.
- U-Pb dating in zircon of I-type intrusive rocks by Laser-Ablation Multi Collector ICP-MS method. - Sr-Nd analysis on 5 samples of I-type intrusive rocks by Multi-Collector Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometer (TIMS) VG Sector 54 instrument. - Mineralography and paragenetic studies of ore-bearing quartz veins and geochemical analysis for 28 samples.
- Production of the geology, alteration and mineralization maps by scale: 1:20000 in GIS.

Results
Oblique subduction in southern America initiated an arc-parallel fault and shear zones in the back of continental magmatic arc (Sillitoe, 2003). Because of this event, pull-apart basins were formed and high-K to shoshonitic calc-alkalineI- and A-type magmatism occur (Sillitoe, 2003). Most important deposits accompany with this magmatism are Au-Cu deposits types and Fe-Skarns (Sillitoe, 2003). We have similar scenario to Neotethys subduction. Khaf-Kashmar-Bardeskan volcano-plutonic belt is located between Neotethys suture and Alborz- Sabzevar Back- arc (Asiabanha and Foden, 2012). We suggest Khaf-Kashmar-Bardeskan volcano-plutonic belt forms at the arc-parallel fault and shear zones in the back of continental magmatic arc. In the basis of all evidences (Shear zone system, high-K to shoshonitic calc-alkaline I- and A-type magmatism, typical alterations related to upper zones of IOCG deposits and IOCG mineralization), we suggest IOCG (Au-Cu) mineralization in Kashmar.

Discussion
On the basis of former regional (Muller and Walter, 1983) and local structural studies (this research), regional compression causes sinistral strike-slip movements of Dorouneh and Taknar faults, shear zone, pull-apart and Riedel fractures (P, R and R' types) in the study area. These events cause magma intrusion and circulation of hydrothermal fluids. On the basis of geology, geochemistry and magnetic susceptibility measuring of intrusive rocks, several high K to shoshonitic calc-alkaline to alkaline I-type and one A-type intrusive rocks are intruded in Kashmar area. Swarm dykes are the youngest and the agent for alteration and mineralization. U-Pb dating related to quartz monzonite body (preventative sample for I-type intrusive rocks which are older than A-type series) show 40 Ma (Middle Eocene) for this rock group in Kashmar. The mean of initial 87Sr/86Sr and 143Nd/144Nd are 0.705-0.707 and 0.5135-0.5126 for I-type series, respectively. εNd(i) amounts for I-type series are in negative to positive limit ranges (-1.65 to 1.33). These amounts show subduction source with contamination to continental crust.
Two type alteration and mineralization occur in Kashmar: 1) primary alterations (advanced argillic+ sericite+ silicification) which are synchronous with sulfide base-metal veins (chalcopyrite+ pyrite± galena± quartz± chloride) and 2) Lateral alterations (carbonatization+ Fe-oxides+ silicification+ epidotization+ chloride+ sericite+ barite) which are synchronous with IOCG veins (specularite+ chalcopyrite+ pyrite± galena± sphalerite± barite± siderite ± etc.). Primary centralized and sulfide base-metal veins in crosscutting points between Dorouneh fault and minor faults. Bahariyeh, Uchpalang and Sarsefidal areas are located in these crosscutting points. Tourmaline (demorterite) ±chloride fill the fractures in the intrusive rocks of southern part of area next to the Dorouneh fault occasionally. Lateral alteration synchronous with IOCG veins occur in Kamarmard area. Geochemical data of all veins show Cu, Pb, Zn anomalies (>1%) in two type veins, Au anomalies (to about 15 ppm) only in IOCG veins, Mn anomalies in two type veins and Ba anomalies in IOCG veins.
Alteration and mineralization in the world-class IOCG deposits identified by sodic-calcic and potassic (hydrothermal actinolite and biotite) and magnetite± gold in deep parts (Sillitoe, 2003) and advanced argillic+ pyrite+ sericite+ toulrmaline (demorterite) in shallow parts (Ray and Dick, 2002). Generally, alteration in the study area is similar to shallow parts of world-class IOCG deposits. Tanourjeh is a IOCG deposit next to the northwest of the study area. In Tanourjeh, the gold-bearing magnetite is synchronous to potassic alteration (hydrothermal biotite) and other alterations are advanced argillic, silicification and sericite. These characteristics are similar to deep parts of world-class IOCG deposits. Bahariyeh, Uchpalang and Sarsefidal have similarities to alterations in Tanourjeh. Considering Tanourjeh lie in the lower level rather to Bahariyeh, Uchpalang and Sarsefidal, we believe they erosion surface in Tanourjeh is lower. Kamarmard lies in the highest erosion surface in the study area. Alterations and Mineralization as similar to Kuh e Zar IOCG deposit (specularite+chalcopyrite+gold) which is next to the Kamarmard area in Northeast of study area. In Bahariyeh-Uchpalang areas we can see only one IOCG vein but in Sarsefidal area exist several IOCG vein. Because of current surface in Bahariyeh-Uchpalang areas is lower than Sarsefidal current surface in Sarsefidal is lower than Kamarmard, we believe that IOCG vein in Bahariyeh-Uchpalang area have been eroded. We Believe to two circulation of oxidized Fe-bearing hydrothermal fluid in Kashmar. During the first circulation, Potassic alteration and gold-bearing magnetite bodies in depth and primary alterations with sulfide base-metal veins was formed. At the second circulation, lateral alterations and IOCG veins was formed at the near of paleo-surface.

References
Aghanabati, A., 1995. Geology of Iran. Geological Survey of Iran, Iran, 606 pp.
Asiabanha, A. and Foden, J., 2012. Post-collisional transition from an extensional volcano-sedimentary basin to a continental arc in the Alborz Ranges, N-Iran. Lithos, 148: 98-111.
Karimpour, M.H., 2006. Cu-Au mineralizaion accompany with magnetite-specularite (IOCG) and examples in Iran. 9th Geological Society of Iran Conference, Tarbiat Moallem University, Tehran, Iran.
Mazloomi Bajestani, A., 2009. Mineralization, Geochemistry and Au-W mineralization in Koh e Zar of Torbat e Heydarieh area. Ph.D. Thesis, University of Shahid Beheshti, Tehran, Iran, 291 pp.
Muller, R. and Walter, R., 1983. Geology of the Precambrian-Paleozoic Taknar inlier, northwest of Kashmar, Khorasan province, northeast Iran. Geological Survey of Iran, Tehran, Report 50, 252 pp.
Ray, G.E. and Dick, L.A., 2002. The Productora prospect in north-central Chile: An example of an intrusion-related Candelaria type Fe-Cu-Au hydrothermal system. Porter GeoConsultancy Publishing, Adelaide, 2:131–151.
Sillitoe, R.M., 2003. Iron oxide-copper-gold deposits: An Andean view. Mineralium Deposita, 38(7): 787–812.
Tirrul, R., Bell, I.R., Griffis, R.J. and Camp, V.E., 1983. The Sistan suture zone of eastern Iran. Geological Society of America Bulletin, 94(1): 134-150.

111-127

Authors: Mohammad Ebrahimi; Hossein Kouhestani; Ehsan Shahidi

Introduction
Mesgar iron occurrence is located in northwestern part of the Central Iran, 115 km south of Zanjan. Although there is a sequence of volcanic-pyroclastic rocks accompanied by iron mineralization, no detailed works had been conducted in the area. The present paper provides an overview of the geological framework, the mineralization characteristics, and the results of geochemical study of the Mesgar iron occurrence with an application to the ore genesis. Identification of these characteristics can be used as a model for exploration of this type of iron mineralization in the Central Iran and elsewhere.

Materials and methods
Detailed field work has been carried out at different scales in the Mesgar area. About 16 polished thin and thin sections from host rocks and mineralized and altered zones were studied by conventional petrographic and mineralogic methods at the Department of Geology, University of Zanjan. In addition, a total of 3 samples from least-altered volcanic host rocks and 2 samples from ore zones from the Mesgar occurrence were analyzed by ICP-MS and ICP-OES for whole-rock major and trace elements and REE compositions at the Zarazma Laboratories, Tehran, Iran.

Results and Discussion
Based on field observation, rock units exposed in the Mesgar area consist of Miocene sedimentary rocks and volcanic-pyroclastic units (Rādfar et al., 2005). The pyroclastic units consist of volcanic breccia and agglomerate. They lie concordantly on the Miocene sedimentary units, and are in turn concordantly overlain by andesitic basalt lavas. The lavas show porphyritic texture consisting of plagioclase (up to 3 mm in size) and pyroxene phenocrysts set in a fine-grained to glassy groundmass. Seriate, cumulophyric, glomeroporphyritic and trachytic textures are also observed.
Iron mineralization occurs as vein and lens-shaped bodies within and along the contacts of pyroclastic (footwall) and andesitic basalt lavas (hanging wall). The veins reach up to 150 m in length and average 1.5 m in width, reaching a maximum of 3 m. Two stages of mineralization identified at Mesgar. Stage-1 mineralization formed before the hydrothermal brecciation events. This stage is characterized by disseminated fine-grained hematite in the andesitic basalt lavas. Clasts of stage-1 mineralization have been recognized in the hydrothermal breccias of stage-2. Stage-2 is represented by quartz, hematite and chlorite veins and breccias cement. This stage contains abundant hematite, together with minor magnetite and chalcopyrite.
The hydrothermal alteration assemblages at Mesgar grade from proximal quartz and chlorite to distal sericite and chlorite-calcite. The quartz and chlorite alteration types are spatially and temporally closely associated with iron mineralization. The sericite and chlorite-calcite alterations mark the outer limit of the hydrothermal system. Supergene alteration (kaolinite) is commonly focused along joints and fractures.
The ore minerals at Mesgar formed as vein and hydrothermal breccia cements, and show vein-veinlet, massive, brecciated, clastic and disseminated textures. Hematite is the main ore which is accompanied by minor magnetite and chalcopyrite. Goethite is a supergene mineral. Quartz and chlorite are present in the gangue minerals that represent vein-veinlet, vug infill, colloform, cockade and crustiform textures.
The Mesgar volcanic host rocks are characterized by LILE and LREE enrichment coupled with HFSE depletion. They have positive U, Th and Pb and negative Ba, Nb, P and Ti anomalies. Our geochemical data indicate a calc-alkaline affinity for the volcanic rocks (Kuster and Harms, 1998; Ulmer, 2001), and suggest that they originated from mantle melts contaminated by the crustal materials (Chappell and White, 1974; Miyashiro, 1977; Harris et al., 1986). The ore zones show lower concentrations of REE, except Ce, relative to fresh volcanic host rocks. LREE are more depleted than HREE. These signatures indicate high rock-fluid interaction in Mesgar.
Comparison of the geological, mineralogical, geochemical, textural and structural characteristics of the Mesgar occurrence with different types of iron deposits reveals that iron mineralization at Mesgar is originally formed as volcano-sedimentary, and then reconcentrated as vein mineralization by hydrothermal fluids (Barker, 1995; Marschik and Fontbote, 2001, Shahidi et al., 2012).

Acknowledgements
The authors are grateful to the University of Zanjan Grant Commission for research funding. Journal of Economic Geology reviewers and editor are also thanked for their constructive suggestions on alterations to the manuscript.

References
Barker, D.S., 1995. Crystallization and alteration of quartz monzonite, Iron Spring mining district, Utah, relation to associated iron deposits. Economic Geology, 90 (8): 2197–2217.
Chappell, B.W. and White, A.J.R., 1974. Two contrasting granite types. Pacific Geology, 8(2): 173–174.
Harris, N.B.W., Pearce, J.A. and Tindle, A.G., 1986. Geochemical characteristics of collision-zone magmatism. In: M.P. Coward, and A.C. Ries (Editors), Collision Tectonics. Geological Society of London, Special Publication, pp. 67–81.
Kuster, D. and Harms, U., 1998. Post-collisional potassic granitoids from the southern and northern parts of the Late Neoproterozoic East Africa Orogen: a review. Lithos, 45(1): 177–195.
Marschik, R. and Fontbote, L., 2001. The Candelaria-Punta Del Cobre iron oxide Cu-Au (-Zn-Ag) deposits, Chile. Economic Geology, 96(8): 1799–1826.
Miyashiro, A., 1977. Nature of alkalic volcanic series. Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology, 66(1): 91–110.
Rādfar, J., Mohammadiha, K. and Ghahraeipour, M., 2005. Geological map of Zarrin Rood (Garmab), scale 1:100,000. Geological Survey of Iran.
Shahidi, E., Ebrahimi, M. and Kouhestani, H., 2012. Structure, texture and mineralography of Mesgar iron occurrence, south Gheydar. 4th Symposium of Iranian Society of Economic Geology, University of Birjand, Birjand, Iran. (in Persian with English abstract)
Ulmer, P., 2001. Partial melting in the mantle wedge- the role of H2O in the genesis of mantle-derived arc-related magmas. Physics of the Earth and Planetary Interiors, 127(1): 215–232.

147-163

Authors: Farid Moore; Abbas Etemadi; Sina Asadi; Nasim Fattahi

Introduction
One of the first principles in the formation of a reserve is mineralogical, construction and mineral textures studies and investigation of paragenetic relations in the ore minerals. In addition, to petrographic studies, isotopic investigates have wide applications in economic geology. In general, copper isotope variability in primary (high temperature) mineralization forms a tight cluster, in contrast to secondary mineralization, which has a much larger isotope range. A distinct pattern of heavier copper isotope signatures is evident in supergene samples, and a lighter signature characterizes the leached cap and oxidation-zone minerals. This relationship has been used to understand oxidation–reduction processes (Hoefs, 2009). Also for a better understanding of the origin of the Jian Cu deposit, this research focuses on the origin and composition of the fluid and elucidation of its evolution during the mineralization process. In order to achieve this end, field observations, vein petrography, microthermometry of fluid inclusions and stable isotope analyses of veins and minerals were investigated. The present study also compares high and low temperature sulfide samples in an attempt to document and explain diagnostic δ65Cu ranges in minerals from the Jian deposit.

Materials and methods
The samples were taken from different depths to measure Cu isotope variations within each reservoir. Mineralogical composition was determined using X-ray diffractometry. In addition, chromatographic separation was carried out on all samples (except for native Cu samples) in a clean lab and was conducted as outlined in Mathur et al. (Mathur et al., 2009). These samples were measured into a Multicollector Inductively-Coupled-Plasma Mass Spectrometer (MC-ICPMS, the Micro mass Isoprobe at the University of Arizona) in low resolution mode using a microconcentric nebulizer to increase sensitivity for the samples with lower concentrations of copper. Preparation and analysis of quartz for oxygen isotopes was performed using the standard techniques detailed by Clayton and Mayeda (Clayton and Mayeda, 1963). Fluid inclusions were extracted for δD measurement from quartz samples selected as far as possible to avoid late inclusions. The methods were standard and similar to those published in Fallick et al. (Fallick et al., 1987). Stable isotope analysis for oxygen and hydrogen isotopes was undertaken at the isotope geochemistry laboratory, University of Queensland.

Results
δ65Cu values for analyzed samples range from -0.45 to +0.49 ‰ in the secondary copper minerals (malachite). The δ18O values for analyzed quartz samples, collected from different quartz veins of the Jian deposit, fall in a narrow range varying from +15.8 to +18.4‰ (avg. +16.7‰) for type A veins and +16.6 to +17.9‰ (avg. +17.2‰) for type B veins. The δ18O values of the fluids calculated from the Jian quartz samples range from +7.6 to +10.7‰ (avg. +9.1 ‰) for type A veins and +4.7 to +5.1‰ (avg. +4.9 ‰) for type B veins. The δD values of the fluid inclusions hosted by quartz samples range from -33.1 to -41.2‰ (avg. -37.6‰) for type A and -52.3 to -54.9‰ (avg. -53.1‰) for type B veins.

Discussion
Based on mineralization style and structures, Th, salinity and composition of fluid inclusions, stable isotope systematics, timing of the mineralization with respect to deformation and metamorphism, host rocks, ore and gangue minerals, the Jian deposit can be classified either as a metamorphogenic or mesothermal Cu-bearing quartz deposit. Precipitation of secondary Cu+-sulfide minerals from the Cu+ complexes present in this fluid would result in sulfide minerals with low copper isotopic variations (-0.45 to +0.49‰) in the Jian copper deposit. This could explain why a low variation in the isotopic composition of Cu is observed in a horizontal plane. Isotopically, mineralization is most probably the result of varied isotopic fractionation processes including low copper leaching, Cu+ to Cu2+ oxidation-reduction reactions, and fluid-mineral fractionations. Oxygen and hydrogen isotope compositions suggest that the main metallization occurred from a metamorphic dehydration in type A veins. These sulfide-bearing quartz veins are interpreted as a small-scale example of redistribution of mineral deposits by metamorphic fluids. This study suggests that mineralization at Jian is interpreted as metamorphogenic in style, probably related to a deep-seated mesothermal system.

Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank Managing director of the Jian Corporation Ltd. for his help during fieldwork and sampling. Logistical and financial supports were provided by Department of Earth Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Shiraz University.

References
Clayton, R.N., and Mayeda, T.K., 1963. The use of bromine pentafluoride in the extraction of oxygen from oxides and silicates for isotopic analysis. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 27(1): 43-52.
Fallick, A.E., Jocelyn, J., and Hamilton, P.J., 1987. Oxygen and hydrogen stable isotope systematics in Brazilian agates, In: R. Rodriguez-Clemente (Editor), Geochemistry of the earth surface and processes of mineral formation. Instituto de Geologia (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Spanish National Research Council), Madrid, pp. 99-117.
Hoefs, J., 2009. Stable Isotope Geochemistry. Springer, Amsterdam, 203 pp. Mathur, R., Titley, S., Barra, F., Brantley, S., Wilson, M., Phillips, A., Munizaga, F., Maksaev, V., Vervoort, J. and Hart, G., 2009. Exploration potential of Cu isotope fractionation in porphyry copper deposits. Journal of Geochemical Exploration, 102(3): 1–6.

201-216

Authors: Sajjad Maghfouri; Ebrahim Rastad; Fardin Mousivand

Introduction
The Mn mineralization occurs in the northeastern segment of the Sabzevar zone (SZ), north of the Central Iranian Microcontinent (CIM). This Zone (SZ) is located between the CIM fragmentation in the south and the Kopeh dagh sedimentary sequence in the north. The ore deposits of the northeastern segment of the Sabzevar zone can be divided into three groups, each with different metal association and spatial distribution and each related to a major geodynamic event. The first mineralization with associated Ordovician host rock is characterized by Taknar polymetallic (Fe-rich) massive sulfide deposit. The Cretaceous mineralization consists of Cr deposits associated with serpentinized peridotites, Cyprus type VMS, Mn deposit in pillow lava, volcano-sedimentary hosted Besshi type VMS and Mn deposit. Paleogene mineralization in eastern segment of the Sabzevar zone began with porphyry deposits, Cu Red Bed mineralization occurs in the Paleogene sandy red marl.

Materials and methods
A field study and sampling was performed during the autumn of 2012. To assess the geochemical characteristics of 48 systematic samples (least fractured and altered) of ore-bearing layers and host rocks were collected from the deposit for polished thin section examination. In order to correctly characterize their chemical compositions, 15 least-altered and fractured samples were chosen for major elements analysis.

Results
The Late Cretaceous volcano-sedimentary sequence in south-southwest of Sabzevar hosts numerous manganese mineralization. The sequence based on the stratigraphic position, age and composition of the rocks, can be divided into two lower and upper parts. The lower part or K2tv unit mainly formed from marine sediments interbedded with volcanic rocks. The sedimentary rocks of this part include silicified tuff, chert, shale and sandstone, and the volcanic rocks involve pyroclastic rocks of various composition, rhyolite, dacite and andesitic lava. The upper part or LMV unit comprised of limestone, marl and volcanic rocks, overlies concordantly on the lower part (K2tv). The manganese mineralization within the host volcano-sedimentary sequence, based on stratigraphic position, relative age and type of host rocks involved the two horizons: the first horizon (Mn Ia, Ib) consisting of Benesbourd (Masoudi, 2008), Nudeh (Nasrolahi et al., 2012), Homaie (Nasiri et al., 2010), Goft and Manganese Gostar Khavar Zamin deposits, occurred in the lower part of the sequence (K2tv unit) and is hosted by red tuffs. The second horizon (Mn II) comprising of Zakeri (Taghizadeh et al., 2012), Cheshmeh Safeid, Mohammad Abad Oryan and Chah Setareh deposits, is hosted by marly-carbonate tuffs and locates within the upper part of the sequence (LMV unit) (Maghfouri, 2012). Geometry and shape of the ore bodies in various deposits are as stratiform, layered, parallel and concordant with layering of the host rocks.
Textures of the ores include massive, lenticular, banded, laminated and disseminated. Mineralogy of the ores in the two ore horizons is simple and similar and is dominated by pyrolusite, psilomelane and braunite. Gangue minerals are predominantly the host rock-forming minerals including quartz, chlorite and feldspar.

Discussion
Geochemical data, structures and textures, stratigraphic position and lithologic characteristics of the host rocks represent that manganese reserves in south-southwest Sabzevar were formed as sedimentary-exhalative.

Acknowledgements
The authors are grateful to the Tarbiat Modares University Grant Commission for research funding.

References
Maghfouri, S., 2012. Geology, Mineralogy, Geochemistry and Genesis of Cu Mineralization within Late Cretaceous Volcano-Sedimentary Sequence in Southwest of Sabzevar, with emphasis on the Nudeh Deposit. M.Sc. Thesis, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran, 312 pp. (in Persian)
Masoudi, M., 2008. Geology, mineralogy, geochemistry and genesis of Benesbourd Mn deposit in the Southwest Sabzevar. M.Sc. Thesis, Tehran Islamic Azad University, Iran, 100 pp. (in Persian)
Nasiri, F., Lotfi, M. and Jafari, M., 2010. Mineralogical studies on the Homaei manganese deposit in southwest of Sabzevar. 30th Symposium on Geosciences, Geological Survey of Iran, Tehran, Iran. (in Persian)
Nasrollahi, S., Mousivand, F. and Ghasemi, H., 2012. Nudeh Mn deposit in the upper Cretaceous volcano- sedimentary sequence, Sabzevar subzone. 31th Symposium on Geosciences, Geological Survey of Iran, Tehran, Iran. (in Persian)
Taghizadeh, S., Mousivand, F. and Ghasemi, H., 2012. Zakeri Mn deposit, example of exhalative mineralization in the southwest Sabzevar. 31th Symposium on Geosciences, Geological Survey of Iran, Tehran, Iran. (in Persian)

235-257

Authors: Mehrdad Barati; Meisam Gholipoor

Introduction
The Zafar-abad iron ore deposit, situated in the NW part of Divandarreh (lat. 36°01'14" and long. 46°58'22"). The ore body is located on the northern margin of the Sanandaj-Sirjan igneous metamorphic zone. The Zafar-abad Fe-skarn deposit is one of the important, medium- size mineral deposits in western Iran. REE patterns of skarn magnetite were among others studied in Skarn deposit by (Taylor, 1979) Hydrothermal alteration and fluid-rock interaction significantly affect total contents of REE and their patterns in fluids. Moreover, fractionation of REE by chemical complication, adsorption effects and redox reactions are characteristic processes determining REE behavior during crystallization. Stable isotope data for oxygen and sulfur have been widely used with great success to trace the origin and evolution history of paleo-hydrothermal fluids of meteoric, magmatic, and metamorphic.

Materials and methods
The present study investigates REE and stable Isotope geochemistry of magnetite and pyrite in Zafar-abad deposit and temperature of trapped fluid inclusions based on geothermometry analysis. In order to study the major, trace and REE compositions of Zafar-abad magnetite, twelve samples were collected from surface of ore exposures. The emphasis during sampling was on ores with primary textures.

Discussion
The Zafar-abad district is situated in Mesozoic and Cenozoic sedimentary, meta-sedimentary and meta-igneous rocks in Sanandaj-Sirjan igneous metamorphic zone. Sedimentary sequences dominantly composed of calcareous and conglomerate rocks. Various meta-sedimentary rocks are intercalated with the sedimentary rocks, and comprise biotite and muscovite-rich schist, calc-schist, calc-silicate rock. Several distinct ductile tectonic fabrics have been identified around the Zafar-abad deposit. The main ore body at Zafar-abad is in the form of a roughly horizontal, discordant, lens to tabular-shaped body plunging 10° NW, where it appears to interfinger with meta-sedimentary and fragmental wall-rock. The thickness of the ore body is 25 to 35 m with 40 m wide and around 130 m in elongate.
The chondrite normalized REE distribution pattern of Zafar-abad magnetite shows V shape. The analyzed samples display similar patterns. The average (La/Yb)cn ratio of 6.8 indicates a high degree of fractionation. The fractionation is more pronounced in HREE part of diagram, where the average (Gd/Yb)cn ratio is 1.07, whereas the average (La/Sm)cn ratio in the LREE part of the diagram is only 5.9. This indicates that the REE content in Zafar-abad magnetite is not affected by hydrothermal alteration. The ΣREE content varies between 2.09 and 15.02 ppm with an average of 8.4 ppm. These REE values are equal to those reported for the type of Skarn- type iron deposits (Bowman et al., 1985).
Other features include pronounced negative Eu and Ce and positive Pr and Gd anomalies. Six purified magnetite samples used for Isotope Studies and δ18O values are measured in them. The units of results are permil (‰) relative to SMOW for oxygen. The δ18O values content varies between -5.93 and -0.28 ‰ with an average of -2.26 ‰. Considering that the magnetites formed at two stages (Meinert, 1995), the first one about 370 °C, and the second one about 240°C which is a reasonable guess bearing in mind that they are associated with intrusive and extrusive granitoids, then the fluid from which they formed, would yield δ18O values that range from 4.1 to 8.1 ‰ which will fall in the boundary of magmatic water box and hence provide further support for a mixed magmatic and meteoric origins of Zafar-abad magnetite deposit.
In the Zafar-abad deposit, sulfur isotope composition was studied on six pyrite samples. The δ34S values for this mineral in Zafar-abad vary from +1.2 to +1.9 ‰, with an average value of +1.61‰. Zafar-abad isotopic temperatures have been determined from the δ34S values in pyrite. This temperature range is from 204 to 350°C. Fluid inclusion studies illustrate the presence of two different types of hydrothermal fluids at Zafar-abad iron deposit. The earliest hydrothermal fluid with high salinity (11 to 49 wt % NaCl equiv) and high temperature (> 320°C) had a magmatic origin. This magmatic fluid moved upward to shallower levels, and its temperature subsequently decreased.
The meteoric water circulated in the peripheral parts of magnetic lens and layers this water moved inside the earth and after interaction with magmatic water, the magmatic fluid gradient decreased and then produced a mixture of magmatic and meteoric fluid with salinity of 15 to 25 wt % NaCl equiv.

Results
Geochemistry and REE studies indicate that the iron has magmatic origin and the REE content in Zafar-abad magnetite is not affected by hydrothermal alteration. The ΣREE content indicate Skarn-type for this deposit.
The δ34S values of pyrite at Zafar-abad ranging from +1.2 to +1.9‰ that suggest a predominant magmatic origin for sulfur. The δ18O values of magnetite at Zafar-abad ranging from between -5.93 and -0.28 ‰ with an average of -2.26‰ that suggest the magnetites formed at two stages. Fluid inclusion studies show the presence of two hydrothermal fluids at Zafar-abad deposit. The fluid 1, originated from high temperature and pressure magma. The fluid 2, is a mixture of magmatic fluid with meteoric water which has low temperature and salinity, these fluids were responsible for genesis of ore body.

References
Bowman, J.R., O,Neil, J.R. and Essene, E.J., 1985. Contact skarn formation at Elkhorn, Montana.1I Origin and evolution of C-O-H skarn fluids. American Journal of Science, 285(7): 621- 660.
Meinert, L.D., 1995.Coppositional variation of igneous rocks associated with skarn deposits- Chemical evidence for a genetic connection between petrogenesis and mineralization. In: J.F.H. Thompson (Editor), Magmas, fluids and ore deposits. Mineralogical Association of Canada, Canada, pp. 401- 418.
Taylor, H.P., 1979. Oxygen and hydrogen isotope relationships in hydrothermal mineral deposits. In: H.L. Barnes (Editor), Geochemistry of Hydrothermal Ore Deposits. Wiley, New York, pp. 229-302.

277-289

Authors: Forough Malek Mahmoudi; Mahmoud Khalili

Introduction
Agates are presumed as a kind of precious stone that could be formed in magmatic, metamorphic and even sedimentary environment. Mechanism for agate formation is not clear and is produced in laboratories. Some hot springs and geothermal activity or white chimneys in the ocean floor, have some deposits like chalcedony but never produce agate. Agate formation temperature varies between 50 and 400 °C (Hopkinson et al., 1998).

Materials and Methods
Following field studies, 6 unaltered samples from the parent rock and silicic zone were collected. Analytical data were obtained by X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) for major elements and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) for selected trace elements at the School of Earth and Environmental Science, Washington State University (WSU), USA. The stable isotope analysis was performed at the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Oregon University, USA. Silica samples mineralogy was determined by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), using Rigaku Ultimate III advance powder equipped; operating at 50 kV and 50 mA, using a Ni filtered Cu Kα radiation.

Results
Tashtab Mountain is a part of the Central Iranian micro-continent which belongs to Cenozoic. The study area is located in northeastern Isfahan province and is in the Yazd block surrounded by three major faults as a graben, consisting of Doruneh fault in the north, Torkmani-Ordib in the south, and Posht-e-Badam fault on the right side. The study area is dominated by Eocene volcanic rocks ranging from alkali basalt, trachybasalt, trachy-andesite to trachyte with minor subvolcanic and plutonic rocks. The Darreh Anjir conglomerate at the base and the Qom Formation at the top, consisting mostly of sandstone and limestone, enclosed the Eocene volcanics. Khur bentonite horizon forms as a result of alteration of these volcanic rocks.
In an overall field observation, the volcanic parent rock appears as short hills surrounded by bentonite deposits, which formed as a result of alteration of volcanic rocks. Outcrops of silicic compositions have been developed as agates, geodes, jasperoids, and siliceous veins.
The volcanic rocks are plotted on the discrimination diagrams proposed by (Winchester and Floyd, 1977). The projection of the volcanic samples on the Nb/Y against Zr/TiO2 diagram shows the composition from andesite to andesite basalt.
The XRD analysis revealed that assemblage of these silicic rocks composed of quartz, calcite, dolomite and hematite. These silica compounds have been mostly formed near the faults and fine joints, also some agates can show the growth during fault activities.
Formation of calcite adjacent to quartz in a geode, with a serrate margin is something unusual. Silica and calcite could not be formed in the same pH condition; therefore, it seems that silicic hydrothermal fluids flow outward alternatively in an alkaline aqueous basin. Calcite macles show a temperature of below 200°C in (Burkhard, 1993). Rare earth elements in the silicic samples show a similar trend with host rock. A strong removal of all elements has occurred. HREEs removal happens more than LREEs. The relation between REEs in the silicic samples and host rock happens as a result of fluid circulation inside the host rock during and after alteration. Strontium and Zr depletion represents less than other elements. Strontium can replace the calcium carbonate compounds. Uranium is not changed and has the same amount of silica and host rock. High concentrations of some elements such as Ge, U, and B especially in agates indicate that hydrothermal fluids can play a role in the alteration of volcanic rocks, the mobilization and transport of SiO2. Cesium is enriched in the silicic samples and is one of the products of U decay. Concentration of Cs and formation of violet agates could happen due to the weak effect of radioactive elements in the region.
Two silicic samples from agate and silicic vein were selected for oxygen-deuterium stable isotopic analysis. The isotopic distribution of mineral-fluid is affected by temperature changes. A variety of methods for determining the oxygen isotope distribution coefficient between quartz and fluid at different temperatures are presented. The Clayton et al. (Clayton et al., 1972) equation was used to calculate the oxygen distribution coefficient between water and quartz. 103lnα (Qz−H2O) = (3.38* 1010) /T2* – 2.9 Due to the lack of water in quartz structure, all deuterium could be estimated as hydrothermal fluids deuterium. Therefore, no correction is needed. Study of oxygen and deuterium stable isotopes in two samples of silica and comparing the results with normal reservoirs of silica samples, determines the type of atmospheric water. Analysis of two silicic samples and comparison with some natural reservoirs suggests that hydrothermal fluids has atmospheric source. Discussion The Khur agates formed in the cavities of Eocene volcanics with andesitic basalt composition within the Khur bentonite horizon. Field observation indicates that the Khur agates formed independent of faults and joints. According to the XRD analysis, their composition mainly consists of silica and calcite, as well as dolomite and barite in lower quantities. Trace elements and REEs in both silicic samples and andesitic host rock has same trend with large amount of depletion in the silicic samples. Mineralogical evidence suggests that Tashtab agates formed as a result of periodic eruption of low temperature hydrothermal fluids. Also, oxygen and deuterium stable isotope data resemble hydrothermal fluids with atmospheric origin.

Acknowledgments
This paper stems from M.Sc. thesis carried out by the first author. It has financially been supported by the University of Isfahan.

References
Burkhard, M., 1993. Calcite twins, their geometry, appearance and review. Journal of Structural Geology, 15(3-5): 351-368.
Clayton, R.N., O’Neil, J.R. and Mayeda, T.K, 1972. Oxygen isotope exchange between quartz and water. Journal of Geophysical research, 77(17): 3057-3067.
Hopkinson, L., Roberts, S., Herrington, R. and Wilkinson, J., 1998. Self-organization of submarine hydrothermal siliceous deposits: Evidence from the TAG hydrothermal mound, 26°N Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Geology, 26(4): 347-350.
Winchester, J.A. and Floyd, P.A., 1977. Geochemical classification of different magma series and their differentiation products using immobile elements. Chemical Geology, 20: 325–343.

305-314

Authors: Farid Moore; Sharareh Dehghani; Behnam Keshavarzi

Introduction
High concentrations of metals are usually encountered in surface soil and vegetation in areas affected by mining activity (Liu et al., 2006). Different distribution of elements in chemical fractions result in different bioavailability; therefore knowledge of the total content of an element in soil is not a sufficient criterion to estimate the environmental implications of trace metal presence (Maiz et al., 2000).
Sequential extraction analysis gives information on the element distribution among different phases of soil. Several schemes of sequential extraction are used for the determination of commonly distinguished metal species, which are in general: (1) easily exchangeable or water soluble; (2) specifically sorbed; e.g., by carbonates or phosphates; (3) organically bound; (4) occluded by Fe-Mn oxides and hydroxides; and (5) structurally bound in minerals or residual (Kabata-Pendias and Mukherjee, 2007). The main objectives of this study are: (1) to describe the distribution pattern of elements in rocks and soils of the Miduk area; (2) to assess the fractionation of elements in soil and the mining impact on the mobility of trace elements; (3) to investigate the uptake of analyzed elements by selected indigenous plant species.

Materials and Methods
In this study, 32 soil samples at two depths (0-5 cm and 15-20 cm), were analyzed for total concentration of 45 elements. In order to assess the possible bioaccumulation of the elements, the roots and the overground parts of 3 plant species (Astragalus-Fabaceae, Acanthophyllum -Caryophyllaceae, Artemisia -Asteraceae) were also collected and analyzed.
Enrichment factors (EFs) were calculated to assess whether the concentrations observed represent background or contaminated levels. The Tessier et al. method (Tessier et al., 1979) was chosen for sequential extraction of 6 subsoil samples. Correlation analysis was used to examine the relationship between the analyzed elements in soil. The plant’s ability to take up chemical elements from growth media was evaluated by calculating transfer factor (TF) (Kabata-Pendias and Pendias, 2001).

Results
Topsoil samples displayed higher mean levels of Mo, Cd, Se, Fe, As, Pb, Cu and Zn compared to subsoil samples. Generally, Cu is accumulated in the upper few centimeters of the soil, but in deeper soil layers it has a tendency to be absorbed by organic compounds and oxy-hydroxides of Mn and Fe (Kabata-Pendias and Mukherjee, 2007). The total mean concentrations of Cu (201.19 mg kg-1), As (26.90 mg kg-1) and Pb (83.87 mg kg-1) are higher than those recorded for natural uncontaminated soils worldwide (Kabata-Pendias and Pendias, 2001).
The strongest correlation (higher than 0.80) is observed in samples taken from two depths for Zn and Pb, Zn and Cd, Cr and Ni, and Ni and Mg. The geochemical behavior of Pb and Zn is known to be similar in most natural processes (Reinmann and Caritat, 1998).
Element concentrations in the roots and leaves of plants differ considerably between the three analyzed plant genuses. Element concentrations in Astragalus genus are higher than Artemisia and Acanthophyllum, expect for Pb and Cd, which displayed the highest concentration in Artemisia. Astragalus is the most contaminated species among the collected plants. The lowest concentration for all elements is found in the leaves of Acanthophyllum species. The results probably demonstrate the influence of the plant’s genetics on element uptake.
The following decreasing order shows median transfer factor in plants with little differences between the three plant species: Cd>Mo>Cu>As>Mg>Mn>Pb>Fe>Ni>Ag>Co>Cr.
The results of sequential extraction analysis showed that more than 54.01% of extracted Cu is bound to Fe-Mn oxides fraction, followed by the organic matter and residual fractions. The hydrous oxides of Fe and Mn control Cu fixation in soil (Davies, 1997).
Arsenic and chromium mostly remained in the residue of the sequential extraction process. The high Pb concentration in the residual and Fe-Mn oxides fractions indicated that the soil may be considered unpolluted by lead.

Discussion
Among the measured elements, soil contamination is mostly observed for Cu, Pb, and As. The soil of the study area is also significantly polluted by lead, especially in the old mining areas. The high concentrations of Mg, Se, and Cd extracted into the first three fractions of sequential extraction showed that the metals could be easily mobilized upon changes in ionic strength or decrease in pH and redox potential.
Artemisia leaves are significantly contaminated by Cu. Arsenic and copper also accumulate in Astragalus leaves. The consumption of Artemisia and Astragalus leaves can constitute an exposure risk, especially for small domestic animals. Miduk inhabitants consume Artemisia leaves for treatment of digestive upsets. It is suggested to keep this area inaccessible to domestic animals and preferably to collect plants from distant areas. Obviously, systematic monitoring during mining should be instituted, and continuous environmental surveys should be performed to prevent future pollution problems.

Acknowledgement
The authors would like to thank the Research and Development Department of Sarcheshmeh Copper Complex and the Shiraz University research committee for making this study possible.

References
Davies B. E., 1997. Heavy Metal Contaminated Soils in an Old Industrial Area of Wales, Great Britain: Source identification through statistical data interpretation. Water, Air, and Soil Pollution, 94 (1-2): 85–98.
Kabata-Pendias, A. and Mukherjee, A.B., 2007. Trace Elements from Soil to Human. Springer, Berlin, 550 pp.
Kabata-Pendias, A. and Pendias H., 2001. Trace Elements in Soils and Plants. CRC Press, Florida, 413 pp.
Liu, J., Zhong, X.M., Liang, Y.P., Luo, Y.P., Zhu, Y.N. and Zhang, X.H., 2006. Fractionation of Heavy Metals in Paddy Soils Contaminated by Electroplating Wastewater. Journal of Agro-Environment Science, 25(2): 398-401.
Maiz, I., Arambarri, R. and Garcia, E.M., 2000. Evaluation of Heavy Metal Availability in Polluted Soils by two Sequential Extraction Procedures using Factor Analysis. Environmental Pollution, 110(1): 3- 9.
Reinmann, C. and Caritat, P.D., 1998. Chemical Elements in the Environment. Factsheets for the Geochemist and Environmental Scientist. Springer, Verlag, 596 pp.
Tessier, A., Campbell, P.G.C. and Bison, M., 1979. Sequential Extraction Procedure for the Speciation of Particulate Metals. Analytical chemistry, 51(7): 844-851.

331-353

Authors: Mohammad Ali Rajabzadeh; Kiamars Hoseini; Zohreh Moosavi Nasab

Introduction
Iron-apatite ore deposits well known as Kiruna iron type formed in association with calc-alkaline volcanism from Proterozoic to Tertiary (Hitzman et al., 1992). Liquid immiscibility in an igneous system was proposed to explain the formation of the iron oxides accompanying apatite in mineralized zones (Förster and Jafarzadeh, 1994; Daliran, 1999). The mode of ore formation however, is a matter in debate. Bafq region in Central Iran is one of the greatest iron mining regions in Iran with 750 million tons of reservoir. The majority of the iron deposits contains apatite as minor mineral and underwent metamorphism-alteration in varying degrees. The mode of formation and geological setting of Esfordi iron-apatite deposit in this region with an average of 13.9 wt% apatite are discussed using geochemical and mineralogical data along with field description.

Materials and methods
Fifty-three samples of mineralized zones and host rocks collected from 7 cross sections were studied by conventional microscopic methods. Seven representative samples were determined by XRD at Department of Physics, Shiraz University. Fifteen and six samples were also analyzed for major and trace elements using XRF at Binaloud Co. Iran, and ICP-MS at Labwest Minerals Analysis, Australia, respectively. Microprobe analyses were carried out on apatite in Geo Forschungs Zentrum Telegrafenberg at Potsdam University, Germany.

Results
Field observation shows that igneous host rocks in Esfordi were intensively altered by hydrothermal fluids. The ores are surrounded by wide altered halos. Petrographic investigation indicated that the most important alterations are of potassic, carbonatitic and silicification types. Magnetite and apatite occur as major minerals, accompanied by minor hematite and goethite in the mineralized zones. Rare Earth Element (REE) minerals are present as minor phases in the ores. Three apatite mineralization types (vein, massive, and disseminated) were recognized. Petrographic data represent three apatite generations: stage 1 which is recognized in the massive and disseminated ore types, stage 2 occurred in brecciated zones and stage 3 which is formed by dissolution and redeposition of the 1 and 2 apatite types in vein-shaped bodies. The correlations among major elements and SiO2 correspond to magmatic differentiation. Cerium is the most abundant REE in the studied samples. Similar REE distribution patterns were observed in the apatite, magnetite and host rhyolite. Electron Probe Micro Analysis (EPMA) shows that the apatites are of fluoroapatite type, enriched in LREE. Low content of Sr was detected in apatites of Esfordi. Low Cd and Na concentrations but high U and Th values were also detected in the studied ore samples.
v Discussion
Esfordi iron-apatite deposit is located NE of Bafq, Yazd Province, and in the Central Iran structural zone hosted by mainly Infracambrian rhyolites. Field evidence such as flow structure of ore and dendritic texture of some minerals, e.g., actinolite reveal the magmatic origin of iron-apatite deposit. The trends of major element concentrations in ores from different rocks are consistent with magmatic origin of the ores. The absence of sulfides shows an oxidized condition of magma at the time of ore formation. Low Sr in the apatite however, rejects any carbonatitic magma at Esfordi (Belousova et al., 2002). Similar REE distribution patterns in the apatite, magnetite and host rhyolite indicates the same origin for them. Cerium concentration in the ores from Esfordi is also consistent with magmatic ore types and negatively sloped REE distribution pattern and negative Eu anomaly resemble to the Kiruna type iron-apatite deposits (Hsieh et al., 2008). Low Cd and variable Th/U in the apatite along with low Na are contradicting with sedimentary environment (Jami, 2005; Alves, 2008). The Esfordi deposit probably formed in an extensional arc-related setting associated with syn-collision granitoids.

Acknowledgements
The authors appreciate Shiraz University Research Council that supported this work. The Director General of the Esfordi Mine Company is acknowledged for his assistance in the fieldwork.

References
Hitzman, M.W., Oreskes ,N. and Einaudi, M.T., 1992. Geological characteristics and tectonic setting of Proterozoic Iron oxide (Cu-U-Au-LREE) deposits. Precambrian Research, 58(1-4): 241-287.
Förster, H. and Jafarzadeh, A., 1994. The Bafq mining district in Central Iran a highlymineralized Infracambrian volcanic field. Economic Geology, 89(8):1697-1721.
Daliran, F., 1999. REE geochemistry of Kiruna –type iron ores. In: C. J. Stanley (Editor), Mineral Deposite, processes to processing. Balkema, Rotterdam, pp. 631-634.
Belousova, E.A., Griffin, W.L., O Reilly, S.Y. and Fisher, N.I., 2002. Apatites as indicator mineral for mineral exploration: trace-element compositions and their relationship to host rock type. Journal of Geochemical Exploration, 76(1): 45-69.
Hsieh, P.S., Chen, C.H., Yang, H.J. and Lee, C.Y. 2008. Petrogenesis of the Nanling Mountains granites from South China: Constraints from systematic apatite geochemistry and whole-rock geochemical and Sr–Nd isotope compositions. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, 33(5-6): 428–451.
Jami, M., 2005. Geology, Geochemistry and Evolution of theEsfordi Phosphate – Iron Deposit, Bafq Area, Central Iran. Ph.D. thesis, The University of New South Wales, Australia, 220 pp.
Alves, P.R., 2008. The carbonatite-hosted deposit of Jacupiranga, SE Brazil: styles of mineralization, ore characterization, and association with mineral processing. M.Sc. thesis, Missori University of Sciences and Technology, USA, 140 pp.

375-392

Authors: Reza Zarei Sahamieh; Sara Ebrahimil

Introduction
The study area is a small part of the Urumieh-Dokhtar structural zone in the Markazi province, located in the northeastern part of the Farmahin, north of Arak (Hajian, 1970). The volcanic rocks studied from the area include andesite, dacite, rhyodacite, ignimbrite and tuff of Middle to Late Eocene age (middle Lutetian to upper Lutetian) (Ameri et al., 2009). It seems that folding and faulting is caused in sedimentary basin and volcanic activities. On the other hand, except of orogeny maybe rifting had rule in eruption so that this case has seen in the other area such as Taft and Khezrabad in central Iran (Zarei Sahamieh et al., 2008). The oldest formation in the studied area is Triassic limestones. The dominant textures of these rocks are porphyritic, microlite porphyritic, microlitic and rarely sieve-texture. Sieve texture and dusty texture (dusty plagioclases) indicates magma mixing. Mineralogically, they contain plagioclases, clinopyroxenes, amphiboles, quartz and biotite as the main constituents and zircon, apatite, and opaque minerals as accessories. Plagioclases in the andesitic and basaltic- andesite rocks are labradorite, bytownite and anorthite (based on electron microprobe) .Moreover, plagioclases in andesitic rocks show that H2O is lesser than 2.5 precent. Amphibole is found in both plagioclases and groundmass.

Materials and methods
In this article are used different analyses methods such as XRF, ICP-MS and EPMA.
Whole-rock major and trace element analyses were determined with ICP-MS method.
The major and trace element composition of some rock was determined by electron probe micro-analysis (EPMA) using a Cameca SX100 instrument in Iran Mineral Processing Research Center (IMPRC). Moreover, whole-rock major and some trace element analyses for some samples were obtained by X-ray fluorescence (XRF), using an ARL Advant-XP automated X-ray spectrometer.

Results
Chemical data based on electron micro probe studies of minerals indicate the presence of labradorite, bytownite, anorthite as the plagioclases in volcanic rocks, as well as augite, pigeonite and clinoenstatite among the pyroxenes are abundant. Microscopic study of these lavas and pyroclastic rocks show evidences of magmatic contamination in the form of oscillatory zoning, resorption rims in plagioclase and presence of basic inclusions. The presence of oxidized amphibole rims (in hornblende) indicates the high temperature of the magma at the time of eruption.
Based on geochemistry especially the ratio of Eu/Eu* is variable between liquid and solid phases. The calculated of this ratio in studied rocks show negative anomaly (Eu<1) (Tabatabai Manesh et al., 2010).
According to classification diagrams is used of different diagrams for example TAS/SiO2, R1-R2 and Zr/TiO2-Nb/Y. TAS/SiO2 diagram show that the rocks are of basaltic-andesite, andesite and dacite. R1-R2 diagram show these rocks are andesite, andesi-basalt, dacite and rhyodacite. Finally, based on Zr/TiO2-Nb/Y the rocks in area under study are andesite, basalt, dacite and rhyodacite type.
The geochemical diagrams (such as AFM) for identify of mama series show that the rocks studied are calc-alkaline and A/NK-A/CNK show magma is peraluminous to metaluminous in nature. Enrichment of incompatible and LILE elements such as Ba, K and Rb show that contamination of magma with continental crust have been occurred in this area. Similarity between REE patterns in all samples is related to common source for all volcanic rocks in the studied area.

Discussion
The tectonic setting diagrams show that these rocks belong to the continental margin which have been involved in a subduction zone and belong to the orogenic andesite belt.
The position of the samples on the major elements-SiO2 diagrams indicate that magma differentiation has been occurred. Spider diagrams show depletion and enrichment that the type of rocks in studied area have positive anomalous of Rb and negative anomalous of Nb and Ti, this phenomenon shows contamination between magma and crustal rocks (Ghasemi and Talbot, 2006; Rollinson, 1993). Comparison of spider diagrams normalized to chondrite or MORB also show that the parent magma has been contaminated. It appears that assimilation and fractional crystallization (AFC) were the dominant processes in the genesis of the studied volcanic rocks (Roozbehani and Arvin, 2010). As a conclusion and regarding to what we said in this article ,the area under study are included both lava and pyroclastic rocks such as andesite, dacite, rhyodacite, ignimbrite ,tuff and tuffits that cut by younger dykes and belong to Middle to Late Eocene age(middle Lutetian to upper Lutetian).There is no rocks older than Triassic age. Volcanic rocks have been occurred in two environments, dry and water together. From volumetric point of view, Aciditic and intermediate rocks such as dacite, rhyodacite and andesite are the most in the area under study (Ahmadian et al., 2010). Basitic rocks are a lesser amount than the others.
Regarding to all evidences such as field works, structurally, texturally, mineralogically, geochemically and petrologically show that rocks in studied area belong to subduction zone and magma that created of these rocks have been originated from mantle and contaminated with continental crust during eruption and rising.

Acknowledgments
The authors wish to thank Journal Manager and reviewers who critically reviewed the manuscript and made valuable suggestions for its improvement.

References
Ahmadian, J., Bahadoran, N., Torabi, G. and Morata, M., 2010. Geochemistry and petrogenesis of volcanic rocks in Aroosan Kabood (north-east of Anarak). Journal of Petrology, 1(1): 103-120. (in Persian)
Ameri, A., ashrafi, N. and Karimi qarebaba, H., 2009. Petrology, Geochemistry and tectonics environment of Eocene volcanic rocks in east of Herris, east Azerbayjan, north-west of Iran. Journal of geosciences, 18(71): 85-90. (in Persian)
Ghasemi, A. and Talbot, C.J., 2006. A new scenario for the Sanandaj-Sirjan zone (Iran). Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, 26(6): 683-693.
Hajian, J., 1970 . Geological map of Farmahin (1/100000). Geological Survey of Iran. Rollinson, H.R., 1993. Using Geochemical Data: Evaluation, Presentation and Interpretation. Longman scientific and technical, London, 352 pp.
Roozbehani, L. and Arvin, M., 2010. Petrography, geochemistry and petrogenesis of ryolitic and andesitic rocks in Nasir Abad, south-west, Kerman .Journal of Petrology, 1(2): 1-16. (in Persian).
Tabatabai Manesh, M., Sayed Safai, H. and Mirlohi, A.S., 2010. Study of mineralogy and effective process on volcanic rocks in Jahaq anticlinal (south of Kashan). Journal of Petrology, 1(2): 61-76. (in Persian)
Zarei Sahamieh, R., Tabasi, H. and Jalali, M., 2008. Petrology and tectonomagmatic investigation of volcanic rocks of Ashtian. Journal of Science Kharazmi University, 8(3):227-240. (in Persian)

1-22

Authors: Behzad Mehrabi; Nafise Chaghaneh; Ebrahim Tale Fazel

The base (Cu–Pb–Zn) and precious metals (Ag±Au) mineralization at the No. 4 anomaly of Golojeh deposit occurred in volcanic and sub–volcanic Eocene–Oligocene host rocks, in the central part of the Tarom–Hashtjin zone. Basic to intermediate volcanic, volcaniclastic and sub–volcanic rocks are dominated in the area and include andesite, basaltic andesite, trachy-andesite, dacite and tuff with affinity to sub–alkaline to high–potassic calc–alkaline series. The mineralization in the area with average grade of Au (0.15 ppm), Ag (0.24%), Cu (0.6%), Zn (4%) and Pb (6%) occurred in two major NW–SE trending quartz–sulfide veins (A and B) with crustiform, breccia, vein–veinlet and open-space filling structure and texture. The sulfide content varies from 5 to 60% and is dominated by galena, sphalerite, chalcopyrite and pyrite. SEM studies indicated presence of Ag (0.47 to 0.66 wt.%) and Cd (0.33 to 0.72 wt.%) in galena and Fe (0.23 wt.%) in sphalerite. Hydrothermal alteration of phyllic (quartz–sericite–pyrite), argillic (quartz–illite/muscovite) and silicification are related to mineralization. Correlation coefficient of metal pairs of Cd–Zn (0.86), Cd–Pb (0.82), Pb–Ag (0.80), Au–Ag (0.75), Pb–Zn (0.70) and Cd–Bi (0.74) was recorded in the quartz–sulfide ore–bearing veins. Microthermometric studies on two phases liquid–vapor fluid inclusions in ore–bearing veins, shows homogenization temperature to liquid (Thlv→l) in the range of 223 to 287°C and salinity of 6.5 to 17 wt.% NaCl eq. (quartz-hosted) and homogenization temperature ranging from 175 to 244°C and salinity from 1.5 to 12 wt.% NaCl eq. (sphaerite-hosted). First ice–melting temperature (Tmf) ranges of fluid inclusion in sphalerite-hosted of quartz–sulfide ore–bearing veins were recorded between −23 and −18°C in NaCl–H2O system. Vein–breccia and crustified structure and texture, presence of illite/muscovite alteration assemblage accompanied by high contents of galena, sphalerite and minor chalcopyrite and tennantite, low to moderate temperature and salinity of ore-bearing fluid, low depth of mineralization and Fe–bearing sphalerite features at the No. 4 anomaly of Golojeh deposit, are similar to those of intermediate sulfidation (IS) epithermal base and precious metals vein–type deposit that probably might be related to Cu–Au porphyry system in depth.

49-70

Authors: Nargess Shirdashtzadeh; Ghodrat Torabi; Ramin Samadi

The Nain and Ashin ophiolites are located in northeastern Isfahan province, in western Central-East Iranian Microplate. Pillow lavas are one of the most significant Cretaceous rock units. The lower partial melting degree in mantle peridotites of Ashin ophiolite, and the derived melt by melting their clinopyroxene caused a more basic (basalt) and enriched nature for the Ashin pillow lavas, whereas higher partial melting degree and consequently incongruent melting of orthopyroxene and increment of silica in the ascending melt, together with aqueous fluids led to formation of more acidic (andesite – basaltic andesite) and depleted melts (in trace elements) in Nain ophiolite. The REE content of Nain samples have IAT chemical affinity, but the samples from Ashin show MORB characteristics. Based on petrograhic observations, lower Eu/Eu* of clinopyroxene phenocrystals of Ashin, calculated Kd of clinopyroxene together with HREE enrichment in the melt in equilibrium with clinopyroxene (especially in Ashin when compared with Nain), the plagioclase crystallization was primer and higher in comparison with clinopyroxene, especially in Ashin compared with Nain. The melt in equilibrium with clinopyroxene in Ashin was similar to MORB composition, whereas it is similar to IAT in Nain. Thus, despite the proximity of these two ophiolitic series and some field and petrographic similarities, pillow lavas from them are different from each other in both primary melt composition and the processes of differentiation and the tectonic setting.

87-105

Authors: Mojgan Salavati; Reza Fahim Guilani

Mafic and ultramafic plutonic igneous bodies, with small and big outcrops, between Shemshak rock units (Jurassic) are observed in east of Imam Zadeh Hashem, in southern Guilan province. Ultramafic cumulates consist of clinopyroxenite, and plagiofer clinopyroxenite, olivine clinopyroxenite, and mafic rocks, based on mineralogy consist of gabbros, olivine gabbros, biotite gabbros and amphibole gabbros. According to geochemical data, studied rocks have tholeiitic nature and in the tectonic setting diagrams, display arc characteristic. The chondrite normalized REE patterns show low enrichment in LREEs relative to HREEs. The negative Nb and Ti anomalies in primitive mantle and MORB-normalized multi-element diagrams of the rocks are characteristic of island arc magmas. Also, enrichment in LILE and depletion of HFSE may indicate a subduction-related tectonic setting. According to geological and geochemical evidence, Imam-Zadeh Hashem ultramafic and sub-alkaline gabbro rocks can be as a part of the Southern Caspian Sea Ophiolite sequence (SCO) that formed in a suprasubduction tectonic system.

137-148

Authors: Jafar Abdollahei Sharif; Ali Immalipour

Qareh Qeshlaq marble quarry as one of the valuable resources of ornamental stones in West Azarbaijan province formed through thermal carbonate springs while its mineral deposit thickness is limited in comparison with surface extension. In the present research, geological and blocky modeling of the marble deposit was carried out in order to develop a production planning for this quarry, identifying the position of single-marketable-block extracted from it and increasing its economical aspects for exploitation. During the study, in addition to preparing a geological and blocky model for the quarry, firstly the optimum dimensions of its extractable single marketable-block were quantified and then through representing the confining surfaces equation of marble strata in the computer, the optimal maximum dimension and the number and exact location of the single marketable-blocks were determined and presented to the operating team. Based on the findings of these studies and according to the existing 83 exploratory boreholes data, it is possible to extract 183 single marketable-block pink marble and 103 single marketable-block malachite both with 1.5 × 2.5 × 2.5 m raw dimensions while only 2 single marketable-block alabaster layer with 1.3 × 2.5 × 2.5 m dimensions. The results also show that with applying extraction consideration, regarding the productivity coefficient of the layers, and removing the gradual color changes zone, the maximum thickness of the single marketable-blocks for the pink marble, malachite, and alabaster will become 1.65, 1.65 and 1.4 m, respectively.

163-176

Authors: Elham Habibzadeh; Gholamhossein Shamanian; Hadi Omrani

The Jajarm karst bauxite deposit is located about 175 km southwest of Bojnourd. The deposit has been developed as a stratiform horizon along the contact of Triassic dolomites and the Jurassic shales and sandstone. In this study, the textural elements of the Jajarm bauxites are classified into matrix and separated textures based on morphological and genetic criteria. Pelitomorphic and microgranular textures are the most abundant matrix textural elements and ooids, pisoids, pelletsand secondary occurrences are the main separated textural elements. Textural analyses indicated both allochthonous and autochtonous origins for the Jajarm bauxites. Detailed petrographic studies allowed the recognition of two types of ooids and pisoids based on morphological features and laminations. Type A is characterized by thin, regular and continuous lamination, whereas type B has thick, irregular and discontinuous lamination. Ooids and pisoids are mainly composed of alternating kaolinite-hemetite and diaspore-geothite laminae in which Al2O3 concentration increases towards the outer laminae. Fine-scale alternation of these laminae in the ooids and pisoids implies the climatic fluctuations of wet and dry seasons. Secondary textural elements are mainly observed as veins enriched in SiO2 and Al2O3.