Mineralogy, geochemistry, and genesis of Mn mineralization associated with the Noorabad Delfan radiolarites, Northwestern Lorestan

زمین شناسی اقتصادی

Article 3, Volume 11, Issue 4 - Serial Number 23, 2020, Pages 603-627   

Document Type: Research Article

DOI: 10.22067/econg.v11i4.67074

Authors

Shahryar Mahmoudi^{* 1}; Pourya Geravandi¹; Majid Ghasemi Siani¹; Kazem Gholizadeh²

¹Kharazmi University

²Shahid Beheshti University

Abstract

Introduction
The Borujerd-Kermanshah ophiolite is a part of the ophiolite complex belonging to the Zagros Mountains and is a part of the Alpes-Himalayan belt (Alavi, 1994). The Boroujerd-Kermanshah Ophiolite complex consists of serpentinized peridotite, layered metagabbro, isotropic gabbro, diabase dyke, plagiogranite, pillow lavas and sedimentary rocks (Miocene radiolarite and limestone). In the upper part, the radiolarite layers are covered by jasperoid rocks and pelagic limestone (Mohajjel et al., 2003; Saccani et al., 2013). The Noorabad Delfan manganese deposit is subjected to mineralogical and geochemical studies in order to elucidate its petrogenesis. The Noorabad Delfan manganese deposit is located along the ophiolite belt of the upper Jurassic-lower Cretaceous period. Manganese mineralization occurs as syngenetic to epigenetic with jasperoid and silicified veins in the carbonate and radiolarian chert units. Geochemical studies show that some elements such as Ce, Cu, Ni are enriched in the mineralized zone. Mobile and trace elements (Sr, As, Zn, Ba, Fe, Mn, Si) and the ratio of Mn/Fe, Al/Ti, show similar characteristics with submarine hydrothermal-hydrogenous manganese deposits. In geochemical studies, SEM, XRD and EPMA results show that pyrolusite is the majar mineral in the ore deposit, and nsutite and rhodochrosite are formed as the accessory phase.
Materials and methods
During the field work, 53 samples were collected from the mineralization zone and host rocks. A total of 30 polished and thin sections were studied by Zeiss polarized microscope (Axioplan-2), in the Kharazmi University and the Iran Mineral Processing Research Center (IMPRC). Suitable sections were selected for more study by Zeiss 1450vp SEM at the Iranian Mineral Processing Research Center (IMPRC). The SEM-EDS analyses and secondary electron (SEM-SE) images at the IMPRC were acquired on beam currents between 0.05 and 5 nA, and electron acceleration potentials of 5 to 20 kV. The Electron microprobe analysis of selected points by SEM was carried out using a Cameca SX100 at IMPRC in the 20 kV and 20 nA current and 1 to 5 mm beam long. The Cameca PAP correction software was used for data reduction. Backscattered electron images were used in order to select more analytical points. A total of 15 samples were selected for whole rock chemical analysis. Samples were prepared with regular methods and finally they were analyzed for major and rare elements by the XRF and ICP-MS methods in Zarazma and Iran Minerals Processing Research Center Laboratory.
 
Discussion
Manganese deposits with hydrothermal origin are usually related to silica gels. These deposits are associated with submarine volcanic eruptions and hydrothermal-hydrogenous activity and they are rich in metal elements. This kind of deposits, is basically emplaced with interlayer marine sediments (Roy, 1992). Titanium in the hydrothermal fluids is an immobile element and can be used as an indicator for measuring the amount of continental crest sediment. The relatively high TiO2 levels in the manganese deposits indicate the composition of the material during sedimentation (Sugisaki, 1984). Therefore, in the hydrothermal deposits, the TiO2 ratio is lower than other kinds of manganese ore mineralization types. Nicholson (Nicholson, 1992a) believes that hydrothermal manganese deposits are known by enrichment of As, Ba, Cu, Pb, Sb, Sr, Li, Cd, Mo, V, Zn, Co, Cu, Ni and sedimentary deposits are distinguished by K, Na, Ca, Mg, Sr (Nicholson, 1992b). According to this statement, the manganese mineralization of the Noorabad Delfan deposit may be classified as hydrothermal to hydrogenous ore deposits related to oceanic crust ophiolitics.
 
Result
The Noorabad Delfan deposit with 5 km long is formed in radiolarite sequences in the west of Iran. Based on field observation, mineralogy and geochemistry and the major/trace and rare elements ratio, Noorabad Delfan mineralization is classified as a hydrothermal-hydrogenous deposit. In the study area, the manganese mineralization is formed with interlayer of radiolarite as syngenetic to epigenetic mineralized zones.
The hydrothermal systems are generated by submarine volcanic activity and seawater. Due to the rotation of submarine volcanic activity related fluids, the hot oceanic water carries metalliferous phases. The metalliferous phase has been deposited during cooling, pressure reductions and Eh-pH changes. The hydrothermal to hydrogenous activity is the main factor in manganese mineralization in the Noorabad Delphan deposit. Mineralogical and geochemical evidences support a primary hydrothermal source for Mn-mineralization.
 
Refreances
Alavi, M., 1994. Tectonic of the Zagros orogenic belt of Iran, new data and interpretations. Tectonophysics, 229(3–4): 211–238.
Mohajjel, M., Fergosson, C.L. and Sahandi, M.R., 2003. Cretaceous–Tertiary convergence and continental collision Sanandaj– Sirjan Zone, western Iran. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, 21(4): 397–412.
Nicholson, K., 1992a. 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.
Nicholson, K., 1992b. Contrasting mineralogical–geochemical signatures of manganese oxides; Guides to metallo genesis. Economic Geology, 87(5): 1253–1264.
Roy, S., 1992. Environments and processes of manganese deposition. Economic Geology, 87(5): 1218–1236.
Saccani, E., Allahyari, K., Beccaluva, L. and Bianchini, G., 2013. Geochemistry and petrology of the Kermanshah ophiolites (Iran): Implication for the interaction between passive rifting, oceanic accretion, and OIB-type components in the Southern Neo-Tethys Ocean. Gondwana Research, 24(1): 392–411.
Sugisaki, R., Sugitani, K. and Adachi, M., 1991. Manganese carbonate bands as anindicator of hemipelagic sedimentary environments. The Journal of Geology, 99(1): 23–40.

Keywords

Noorabad Delfan deposit; Manganese; Mineralogy; Geochemistry; stockwork texture; Kermanshah ophiolite

References

Ahmadi, A.A., 2006. Mineralogy, geochemistry, facies analysis and genesis of the Fe- Mn ore deposits in south east of Torbat Heydarieh. M.Sc. Thesis, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran, 187 pp. (in Persian with English abstract)

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

Allahyari, K., Saccan, E., Pourmoafi, M., Beccaluva, L. and Masoudi, F., 2010. Petrology of mantle peridotites and intrusive mafic rocks from the Kermanshah Ophiolitic Complex (Zagros Belt, Iran): implications for the geodynamic evolution of the Neo-Tethyan oceanic branch between Arabia and Iran. Ofioliti, 35(2): 71–90.

Amiri, A., 1995. Geology, mineralogy and controlling factors of formation and concentration of ore matter in Robat Karim manganese deposit, SW Tehran-Iran. M.Sc. Thesis, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran, 200 pp. (in Persian with English abstract)

Bolton, B.R., Frakes, L.A. and Cook, J.N., 1988. Petrography and origin of inversely graded manganese pisolite from Groot Eylandat, Australia. Ore Geology Reviews, 4(1): 47–69.

Bonatti, E.E., Kraemer, T. and Ryde, H., 1972. Classification and genesis of submarine ironman ganese deposits. In: D.R, Horn (Editor), Ferromanganese Deposits of the Ocean Floor. National science. found, Washington, D.C, pp. 149–165.

Bonyadi, Z. and Moore, F., 2006. Geochemistry and genesis of Narigan ferromanganese deposit, Bafgh, Yazd province. Scientific Quarterly Journal, Geoscinces, 15(57): 54–63. (in Persian with English abstract)

Crerar, D.A., Namson, J., Chyi, M.S., Williams, L. and Feigenson, M.D., 1982. Manganiferous cherts of the Franciscan Assemblage: I. General geology, ancient and modern analoques and implications for hydrothermal convection at oceanic spreading centers. Economic Geology, 77(3): 519–540.

Danielson, A., Möller, P. and Dulski, P., 1992. The Europium anomalies in banded iron formations and the thermal history of the oceanic crust. Chemical Geology, 97(1–2): 89–100.

Doulatkhah, R., Rastad, E. and Emami, M.H., 2005. Garab stratiform manganese deposit in the Oligo Miocene volcano-sedimentary sequence, northeast of Taleghan (Central Alborz). Scientific Quarterly Journal, Geoscinces, 14(56): 40–51. (in Persian with English abstract)

Emamalipour, A., 2010. Mineralogy and genesis of Mn-Fe mineralization in the ophiolite, Chaldoran, NW Iran. Iranian Journal of Crystallography and Mineralogy, 18(1): 3–14. (in Persian with English abstract)

Frakes, L. and Bolton, B., 1992. Effects of ocean chemistry, sea level, and climate on the formation of primary sedimentary manganese ore deposits. Economic Geology, 87(5): 1207–1217.

Hein, J.R., Koschinsky, A., Halbach, P., Manheim, F.T., Bau, M., Kang, J.K. and Lubick, N., 1997a. Iron and manganese oxide mineralization in the Pacific. In: K. Nicholson., J.R. Hein., B. Bühn. and S. Dasgupta (Editors), Manganese Mineralization: Geochemistry and Mineralogy of Terrestrial and Marine Deposits. Special Publication No. 119, Geological Society of London, pp. 123–138.

Hein, J.R., Koschinsky, A., Halbach, P., Manheim, F.T., Bau, M., Kang, J.K. and Lubick, N., 1997b. Iron and manganese oxide mineralization in the Pacific. Geological Society Special Publication London, 119(1): 123–138.

Hongo, Y. and Nozaki, Y., 2001. Rare earth element geochemistry of hydrothermal deposits and Calyptogena shell from the Iheya Ridge vent field, Okinawa Trough. Geochemical Journal, 35(5): 347–354.

Hosseini, S.R. and Mousivand, F., 2016. Major, trace and rare earth elements (REE) geochemical studies and origin of Sardar manganese deposit in the Foroumad area, East of Shahrood. 34th Symposium on Iranian Geosciences, University of Tehran, Iran. (in Persian with English abstract)

Jach, R. and Dudek, T., 2005. Origin of a Toarcian manganese carbonate/silicate deposit from the Kriˇzna unit, Tatra Mountains, Poland. Chemical Geology, 224(1–3): 136–152.

Karakus, A., Yavuz, B. and Koc, S., 2010. Mineralogy and major trace element geochemistry of the haymana manganese mineralizations, Ankara, Turkey. Geochemistry International, 48(10): 1014–1027.

Kiani, M., 2011, Geology and petrology of Aleshtar-Kermanshah ophiolitic complex, M.Sc. Thesis, Islamic Lorestan university, Khorramabad, Iran, 195 pp.

Kuleshov, V.N., 2011. Manganese deposits: communication 2. Major epochs and phases of manganese accumulation in the earth’s history. Lithology and Mineral Resources, 46(6): 546–565.

Maanijou, M., Nasiri1, A., Aliani1, A., Mostaghimi1, M., Gholipoor, M. and Maghsoodi, A.B., 2015. The study of major, trace and rare earth elements geochemistry in Shahrestanak Mn deposit, south of Qom: Implications for genesis. Journal of Economic Geology, 7(1): 1–21. (in Persian with English abstract)

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 Nodeh Deposit. M.Sc. Thesis, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran, 312 pp. (in Persian with English abstract)

Maghfouri, S., Rastad, A. and Mousivand, F., 2015. Stratigraphic position, origin and characteristics of manganese mineralization horizons in the Late Cretaceous volcano-sedimentary sequence, south-southwest of Sabzevar. Journal of Economic Geology, 6(2): 201–216. (in Persian with English abstract)

Maghfouri, S., Rastad, E., Mousivand, F., Choulet, F. and Ye, L., 2017. Geological and geochemical constraints on the Cheshmeh-Frezi volcanogenic stratiform manganese deposit, southwest Sabzevar basin, Iran. Ore Geology Reviews, 89(5): 96–113.

Maghfouri, S., Rastad, A., Mousivand, F., Lin, Y. and Zaw, Kh., 2016. Geology, ore facies and sulfur isotopes geochemistry of the Nudeh Besshi-type volcanogenic massive sulfide deposit, southwest Sabzevar basin, Iran. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, 125(8): 1–21.

Masoudi, M., 2008. Geology, mineralogy, geochemistry and genesis of Benesbourd Mn deposit in the southwest Sabzevar. M.Sc. Thesis, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran, 100 pp. (in Persian with English abstract).

Matsuoka, A., Yamakita, S., Sakakibara, M. and Hisada, K., 1998. Unit division for the Chichibu Composite Belt from a view point of accretionary tectonics and geology of western Shikoku, Japan. The Journal of Geological Society of Japan, 104(9): 634–653. (in Japanese with English abstract)

Maynard, J., 2010. The chemistry of manganese ores through time: a signal of increasing diversity of earth-surface environments. Economic Geology, 105(3): 535–552.

Mazhari, N., Malekzadeh Shafaroudi, A. and Ghaderi, M., 2015. Geology, mineralogy and geochemistry ofFerezneh ferromanganese anomaly, east of Sangan mines complex, NE Iran. Journal of Economic Geology, 7(1): 23–37. (in Persian with English abstract)

McLennan, S.M., 1989. Rare earth elements in sedimentary rocks: influence of provenance and sedimentary processes. Reviews in Mineralogy and Geochemistry, 21(1): 169–200.

Minoura, K., Nakaya, S. and Takemura, A., 1991. Origin of manganese carbonates in Jurassic red shale, central Japan. Sedimentology, 38(1): 137–152.

Moghaddasi, S.J., Ebrahimi, M. and Mohammadi, F., 2019. Minzeralogy, geochemistry and genesis of the Gozaldarreh iron skarn deposit, southeast Zanjan. Journal of Economic Geology. 11(1): 33–55. (in Persian with English abstract)

Mohajjel, M., Fergosson, C.L. and Sahandi, M.R., 2003. Cretaceous–Tertiary convergence and continental collision Sanandaj– Sirjan Zone, western Iran. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, 21(4): 397–412.

Nasrollahi, S., Mousivand, F. and Ghasemi, H., 2012. Nudeh Mn deposit in the upper Cretaceous volcano- sedimentary sequence, Sabzevar sub-zone. 31th Symposiums on Geosciences, Geological Survey of Iran, Tehran, Iran. (in Persian with English abstract)

Nazari, H. and Shahidi, A.R, 1997. Geological map of Harsien at 1/100000 scale, Geological Survey of Iran, Sheet number: 5558.

Nicholson, K., 1992a. 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.

Nicholson, K., 1992b. Contrasting mineralogical–geochemical signatures of manganese oxides; Guides to metallo genesis. Economic Geology, 87(5): 1253–1264.

Oksuz, N., 2011. Geochemical characteristics of the Eymir (Sorgun -Yozgat) manganese deposit, Turkey. Journal of Rare Earths, 29(3): 287–295.

Pedersen, T.F. and Price, N.B., 1982. The geochemistry of manganese carbonate in Panama Basin sediments. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 46(1): 59–68.

Polgari, M., Hein, J.R., Vigh, T., Szabo- Drubina, M., Forizs, I., Biro, L., Müller, A. and Toth, A.L., 2012. Microbial processes and the origin of the Úrkút manganese deposit, Hungary. Ore Geology Reviews, 47(1): 87–109.

Rahmatian, M., Lotfi, M. and Ghaderi, M., 2019. Geochemistry of the Joun Abad manganese deposit, north Khash, Sistan and Baluchestan province. Journal of Economic Geology. 11(1): 81–103. (in Persian with English abstract)

Rajabi, A., Canet, C., Rastad, E. and Alfonsa, P., 2015. Basin evolution and stratigraphic correlation of sedimentary-exhalative Zn–Pb deposits of the Early Cambrian Zarinan-Chahmir Basin, Central Iran. Ore Geology Reviews, 64: 328–353.

Roy, S., 1992. Environments and processes of manganese deposition. Economic Geology, 87(5): 1218–1236.

Roy, S., 1997. Genetic diversity of manganese deposition in the terrestrial geological record. In: K. Nicholson., J.R. Hein., B. Bühn. and S. Dasgupta (Editors), Manganese Mineralization: Geochemistry and Mineralogy of Terrestrial and Marine Deposits. Special Publication No. 119, Geological Society of London, pp. 5–29.

Ruhlin, D.E. and Owen, R.M., 1986. The rare earth element geochemistry of hydrothermal sediments from the East Pacific Risei Examination of a seawater scavenging mechanism. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 50(1): 393–400.

Sabatino, N., Neri, R., Bellanca, A., Jenkyns, H.C., Masetti, D. and Scopelliti, G., 2011. Petrography and high-resolution geochemical records of Lower Jurassic manganese-rich deposits from Monte Mangart, Julian Alps. Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology, 299(1–2): 97–109.

Saccani, E., Allahyari, K., Beccaluva, L. and Bianchini, G., 2013. Geochemistry and petrology of the Kermanshah ophiolites (Iran): Implication for the interaction between passive rifting, oceanic accretion, and OIB-type components in the Southern Neo-Tethys Ocean. Gondwana Research, 24(1): 392–411.

Shah, M.T. and Khan, A., 1999. Geochemistry and origin of Mn-deposits in the Waziristan ophiolite complex, North Waziristan, Pakistan. Minerlium Deposita, 34(7): 697–704.

Shah, M.T. and Moon, C.J., 2007. Manganese and ferromanganese oresfrom different tectonic settings in the NW Himalayas, Pakistan. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, 29(2–3): 455–465.

Stumm, W. and Morgan, J.J., 1970. Aquatic Chemistry. John Wiley and Sons, NewYork, 583 pp.

Sugisaki, R., 1984. Relation between chemical composition and sedimentation rate of Pacific Ocean-floor sediments deposited since the Middle Cretaceous: Basic evidence for chemical constraints of depositional environments of ancient sediments. The Journal of Geology, 92(3): 235–259.

Sugisaki, R., Sugitani, K. and Adachi, M., 1991. Manganese carbonate bands as anindicator of hemipelagic sedimentary environments. The Journal of Geology, 99(1): 23–40.

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 with English abstract)

Toth, J.R., 1980. Deposition of submarine crusts rich in manganese and iron. Geological Society of American Bulletin, 91(1): 44–54.

Whitney, D.L. and Evans, B.V., 2010. Abbreviations for names of rock-forming minerals. American Mineralogist, 95(1): 185–187.

Zarasvandi, A., Lentz, D., Rezaei, M. and Pourkaseb, H., 2013. Genesis of the Nasirabad manganese occurrence, Fars province, Iran: Geochemical evidences. Chemie der Erde – Geochemistry, 73(4): 495–508.

Zhang, F.F., Yan, B., Guo, Y.L., Zhu, X.K., Zhou, Q. and Yang, D.Z., 2013a. Precipitation form ofmanganese ore deposit in Gucheng, Hubei Province, and its paleo environment implation. Acta Geologica Sinica, 87(02): 245–258. (in Chinese with English abstract)

Zhang, F.F., Zhu, X.K., Gao, Z.F., Cheng, L., Peng, Q.Y. and Yang, D.Z., 2013b. Implication of theprecipitation mode of manganese and ultra-high δ34S values of pyrite in Mncarbonate of Xixibao Mn ore deposit in northeastern Guizhou Province. Geological Review, 59(2): 274–286. (in Chinese with English abstract)