You are on page 1of 16

JOURNAL GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF INDIA

Vol.80, October 2012, pp.563-578

Intermediate Sulfidation Epithermal Pb-Zn-Cu (Ag-Au)


Mineralization at Cheshmeh Hafez Deposit,
Semnan Province, Iran

BEHZAD MEHRABI and MAJID GHASEMI SIANI


Department of Geology, Faculty of science, Tarbiat Moallem University, Tehran, Iran
Email: Majid4225@yahoo.com

Abstract: The Cheshmeh Hafez epithermal base metal deposit is located in Troud-Chah Shirin mountain range in the
Alborz magmatic belt of northern Iran. In this area, the Eocene volcanism and associated mineralization are controlled
by NW-SE trending Anjilo and Troud major faults. Geological units are composed of porphyritic andesite, andesitic
basalt, dacite, rhyodacite, trachyandesite and basalt, which are typically high-K igneous rocks transitional to shoshonites.
Alteration in Cheshmeh Hafez area comprise of propylilitization, sericitization, argillization and silicification.
Mineralization consists of three stages. Stage 1, quartz, carbonate with early pyrite I and chalcopyrite assemblages.
Stage 2, the main stage of sulfide deposition, comprises early euhedral galena I followed by galena II and sphalerite,
then galena III, chalcopyrite, tetrahedrite, pyrite II, bornite and digenite. Stage 3 involves the deposition of quartz and
calcite barren veins with minor pyrite. The average assays from 12 channel samples of Cheshmeh Hafez veins are 0.15
g/t Au, 3.23 g/t Ag, 4.47 wt % Pb, 2.64 wt % Cu, and 1.73 wt % Zn. Fluid inclusion homogenization temperatures (Th)
in quartz fall within the range of 140-280C with salinities ranging from 4.7 to 18 wt. % NaCl equivalent. Comparison
of Th versus ice melting (Tmice) values indicates fluid dilution.

Keywords: Pb-Cu-Zn Mineralization, Cheshmeh Hafez deposit, Fluid inclusion, Alteration, Geochemistry, Iran.

INTRODUCTION 5450' E in the area. The Cheshmeh Hafez district contain a


The Cheshmeh Hafez poly-metal deposit is located in small abandoned (Pb-Cu-Zn) mine. Mining in Cheshmeh
the Troud-Chah Shirin mountain range of the Alborz Hafez district commenced in 1949 and continued until the
magmatic belt (AMB) (Fig. 1a) (Aghanabati, 2003). The early 1967. Modern exploration program at the Cheshmeh
regional geochemical exploration project from 1990 to 1996 Hafez district has been conducted by the Iranian mineral
by Geological Survey of Iran (1995) covered 42,000 km2 in research and application Co. (IMRA), through a project
north-central Iran, producing 26 maps at a scale 1:100,000, entitled The Geology and Geochemistry of the Cheshmeh
including the Troud-Chah Shirin mountain range (1995). Hafez Pb-Zn-Cu-Ag-Au mineralization from 2002 to 2008.
Based on the survey, five districts were recommended for The goal of the present investigation is to propose a genetic
detailed Pb-Zn-Cu-An-Ag prospecting, and Cheshmeh model for polymetallic mineralization in the Cheshmeh
Hafez district was one of these promising districts. Though Hafez area, based on geology, alteration, geochemistry and
the mineralization in two other districts (Gandy and fluid inclusion data. The enhancement of criteria for
Abolhassani) described previously by Shamanian (2003), exploration of epithermal deposits in the Troud-Chah Shirin
and classified as poly-metal intermediate sulfidation mountain range is an additional aim of this study.
epithermal system based on wall-rock alteration,
geochemistry and vein alteration assemblages, but no work
SAMPLING AND ANALYTICAL METHODS
has been undertaken at the Cheshmeh Hafez deposit.
Therefore we focused on the Cheshmeh Hafez deposit. The In the course of exploration program for Pb-Cu-Zn in
Cheshmeh Hafez deposit, is situated approximately 22 km the Cheshmeh Hafez district, 280 samples from mineralized
(14 miles) northeast of the Moaleman town and ~ 300 km veins and altered host rock exposures were collected for
east of Tehran (Fig.1b). This paper is mainly focused on the geochemical survey. 150 samples were also taken from ten
Cheshmeh Hafez deposit, which is located at 3525'N and diamond drill holes (total 930 m). Samples were analyzed

0016-7622/2012-80-4-563/$ 1.00 GEOL. SOC. INDIA


564 BEHZAD MEHRABI AND MAJID GHASEMI SIANI

Fig.1. (a) Location map of two main Tertiary volcanic belts of Iran: The NW- trending Urmieh- Dokhtar zone (UDZ) which runs parallel
to the main Zagros Thrust (MZT), and the Alborz magmatic belt (AMB) in northern Iran, that subdivided to E. Alborz and W.
Alborz. (b) The major exposed rock unit of the Troud (T) includes the Paleogene volcano- plutonic complex, and major epithermal
and other types of mineralization occurrences in the Troud-Chah Shirin mountain range. CH, Cheshmeh Hafez (Pb-Cu-Zn); GA,
Gandy (Au-Ag-Pb-Zn); AB, Abolhassani (Pb-Zn-Ag-Au); CL, Chalo (Cu-Au); CM, Cah Messi (Cu); BG, Baghu-Darestan (Au)
and KH, Khanjar (Pb-Zn) deposits.

for major and selected trace elements by AAS (Varian, spectr with an alkaline to shoshonitic affinity (Azizi and Jahangiri,
AA, 55B) and ICP-MS techniques at Zar Kavan Co. of Iran, 2008). The Troud-Chah Shirin range lies in the eastern
and ACME Lab. of Canada (Group 1T-MS), respectively. portion of the Alborz magmatic belt (AMB), and forms an
Samples for mineralogical studies were taken from host, uplifted block bounded by the Troud fault in the south and
altered and mineralized rocks. Ninety-six polished thin- the Anjilo fault in the north (Fig.1b). Distribution of the
sections were prepared to determine the paragenetic Tertiary igneous rocks shows that the western portion of
relationships among the ore minerals and to characterize AMB merges with another Tertiary magmatic belt (Fig.1a),
the hydrothermal alteration assemblages. Mineral samples the Urmieh-Dokhtar zone (UDZ), which runs parallel to the
were analysed by optical microscopy (Zeiss, Axioplan2), main northwest-trending Zagros thrust (MZT) (Stocklin,
X-Ray diffraction (XRD, Philips Expert-Pro), X-Ray 1968). The Troud-Chah Shirin range located at AMB and
fluorescence (WD-XRF, Philips PW2404) and scanning is characterized by thick accumulations of early to middle
electron microscopy (SEM-EDS, Tescan-VEGA). Eocene submarine green tuffs (equivalent to the Karaj
Microthermometric determinations were carried on 10 Formation), followed by the late Eocene, to possibly early
doubly polished thin-sections from quartz veins using a Oligocene, submarine to subaerial lava flows which locally
Linkam, THM 600 freezing-heating stage in the Tarbiat include nepheline-normative and shoshonitic rocks. Silica-
Moallem University. The precision of the temperature saturated volcanic rocks are exposed locally.
measurements was less than 1C for heating and 0.3 C The Troud-Chah Shirin volcano-plutonic chain, which
for freezing. extends over 100 km along a NE-SW trend, hosts many
mineral deposits, particularly epithermal base metal veins.
In addition to Cheshmeh Hafez (Cu-Pb-Zn), other
REGIONAL GEOLOGY
occurrences (Fig. 1b) include Abolhassani (Pb-Zn-Ag-Au),
The Alborz magmatic belt is situated in northern Iran Gandy (Au-Ag-Pb-Zn), Chalo (Cu-Au) and Chah Messi
with an E-W orientation, and subdivided into eastern and (Cu). Other types of deposits in this range include placer
western parts (Fig. 1a). The western part consists of andesitic gold (Baghu-Darestan) and MVT type deposits (Khanjar).
to dacitic lava and granitoid bodies with calc-alkaline affinity The Baghu-Darestan gold placer is located at 10 km
(Moayyed, 2001, Azizi and Jahangiri, 2008), whereas the northwest of the district, and it is probably the product of
eastern part consists of mafic and acidic tuffs and mafic lava weathering of nearby quartz sulfide veins hosted by andesitic

JOUR.GEOL.SOC.INDIA, VOL.80, OCT. 2012


INTERMEDIATE SULFIDATION EPITHERMAL Pb-Zn-Cu MINERALIZATION, SEMNAN PROVINCE, IRAN 565

volcanic rocks. Khanjar deposit is a Pb-Zn deposit hosted (2) lava flows and pyroclastic rocks of andesite,
by carbonate rocks in the west of the district (Fig.1b). The trachyandesite and basaltic andesite composition and;
Troud-Chah Shirin range consists mainly of igneous rocks (3) subordinate dacitic-rhyodacitic rocks and hypabyssal
of Tertiary age, although there are also scattered outcrops intrusive rocks.
of metamorphosed Paleozoic and Mesozoic rocks. Peak
magmatic activity occurred from the middle to possibly late DEPOSIT GEOLOGY
Eocene and has been divided into three stages, from
oldest to youngest (Hushmandzadeh et al. 1978) include: Host Rocks and Geological Setting
(1) explosive volcanic activity represented by rhyolitic to Outcrops in the Cheshmeh Hafez deposit from the oldest
rhyodacitic tuffs and locally andesitic lava flows, with to youngest comprises of (1) pyroclastic rocks include thin-
subordinate marls, tuffaceous marlstones, and sandstones; bedded siltstones, tuffaceous sandstone, conglomerate and

Fig.2. Geological maps of the Cheshmeh Hafez and Ghardane Toto districts.

JOUR.GEOL.SOC.INDIA, VOL.80, OCT. 2012


566 BEHZAD MEHRABI AND MAJID GHASEMI SIANI

marl of lower Eocene age; (2) andesitic, basaltic andesite ratios (0.7), and high average Ce/Yb ratios (20.3), which
and trachy-andesitic flows of middle to late Eocene, and are typical of high-K igneous rocks of transitional to
(3) rhyo-dacitic and dacitic domes are the youngest rocks shoshonitic series (Muller et al. 1992; Pearce, 1982). The
in the district, which are Oligocene or younger in age relatively high CaO concentrations of the rocks (up to 12.1
(Fig. 2). Mineralization in the Cheshmeh Hafez deposit is wt.%) reflect their derivation from fertile upper mantle
hosted by andesite, trachy-andesite, rhyo-dacite and dacite. material (Schmidt et al. 2000) that was metasomatically
Whole-rock major element analyses of 25 samples from enriched during subduction processes (Kennedy et al. 1990).
volcanic and subvolcanic rocks were analyzed by Philips Spidergram for volcanic rocks from Cheshmeh Hafez
PW2404WD-XRF at the Tehran Tarbiat Moallem University (Fig. 5) shows negative anomaly for Nb, Ti and Zr elements,
in order to depict theh petrochemical characteristics and and high concentrations of large ion litophile elements and
tectonic setting. The trace and rare earth elements analysis low concentration of high field strength elements, typical
were carried out in the ACME laboratories, Vancouver, of arc igneous rocks (Muller et al. 1992; Pearce and Peate,
Canada (Tables 1 and 2) using ICP-MS (Group 1T-MS) 1995). These data indicate that the investigated volcanic
technique. The rocks (Figs. 3 and 4) are characterized by rocks were developed in a volcanic-arc environment, which
high K2O contents (up to 5.8 wt.%), high average K2O/Na2O are consistent with the other studies on the tectonic setting
of the Alborz magmatic belt (Alavi, 1996; Hassanzadeh
et al. 2002).

Structure
Four fault systems were identified in the Cheshmeh
Hafez district based on field observation and Rose diagram
schemas (Fig. 6a). Most of the poly-metal veins deposited
in the district are mainly bounded by N-S faults and fractures
system (60 SW) (Fig. 6b), while the Gardaneh Toto veins
in the northern part are mainly bounded by NE-SW fault
systems. The Other fault system is NW-SE trending set which
is insignificant (Fig. 6a). Brown and white barren carbonate
veins were mainly confined to E-W fault system. This fault
system is younger than the others. Structural patterns are
mainly controlled by two principal strike-slips faults, the
Anjilo in the north and the Troud in the south, both with
Fig.3. Total alkali vs. SiO2 biaxial plot (TAS plot) of selected
samples ranging from basalt through andesitic to northeast trend.
trachyandesite (Wilson, 1989).

Fig.5. Primitive mantle-normalized spidergram for volcanic rocks


from the Cheshmeh Hafez deposit (normalization after
Fig.4. K2O vs. SiO2 biaxial plot, (Peccerillo and Taylor, 1997), is McDonough and Sun, (1995). The patterns with apparent
illustrating the potassic composition of investigated lows at Nb, Ti, and Zr, are typical of subduction zone arc
samples. magmas.

JOUR.GEOL.SOC.INDIA, VOL.80, OCT. 2012


INTERMEDIATE SULFIDATION EPITHERMAL Pb-Zn-Cu MINERALIZATION, SEMNAN PROVINCE, IRAN 567

Table.1. Selected analysis from the Cheshmeh Hafez veins (AAS method in Zar Kavan. CO)
Samples Detection Ch-tr-17 Ch-tr-18 Ch-tr-84 Ch-74 Ch-tr-10 Ch-87-po Ch-87 Ch-88 Ch-tr-50 Ch-tr-80 Ch-tu-95 Ch-99
Limit
Pb (%) 0.01% 13.00 4.91 10.00 0.91 8.00 11.70 2.97 0.04 0.41 0.98 0.88 0.25
Cu (%) 0.01% 0.98 2.00 17.16 3.13 0.95 3.30 0.97 0.80 0.02 0.02 1.00 1.40
Zn (%) 0.01% 0.62 1.23 4.13 1.51 4.22 3.56 4.42 0.07 0.10 0.35 0.26 0.39
Au (ppm) 0.05ppm 0.06 0.33 0.70 0.16 0.10 0.09 0.03 0.03 .002 .008 0.04 0.28
Ag (ppm) 0.05ppm 8.30 8.10 3.50 0.39 0.80 4.80 2.00 0.90 0.95 0.37 0.23 8.50
Mo (ppm) 0.05ppm 20.70 14.30 14.90 17.80 0.50 1.00 8.89 1.40 2.80 14.90 0.86 19.00
Cd (ppm) 0.05ppm 153.00 17.00 16.50 3.60 1.90 5.00 64.00 5.00 2.40 2.20 12.00 13.50

Table.2. Sample analyses from the Cheshmeh Hafez district. Major oxides were analyzed by XRF at the Tarbiat Moallem University (Iran), and other elements were analyzed by
ICP-MS at ACME Labs (Canada)
Sample Detection 87CH-1 87CH-2 87CH-3 87CH-4 87CH-5 87CH-6 87CH-7 87CH-8 87CH-9 87CH-10 87CH-11 87CH-12 87CH-13 87CH-14
limit andesite basalt andesite andesite andesite andesite basalt basaltic- andesite basalt basaltic- trachy- trachy- basalt
Andesite Andesite Andesite Andesite
SiO2 0.05% 50.50 49.26 51.60 51.60 56.44 54.30 50.91 50.72 50.92 51.24 47.50 53.44 54.44 47.77
(wt %)
TiO2 0.05% 0.90 0.78 0.80 1.10 0.77 0.60 0.80 10.70 0.80 1.59 0.90 0.72 0.70 0.60
Al2O3 0.03% 16.30 15.45 16.96 16.60 14.22 13.70 16.30 13.82 14.15 11.50 14.50 14.41 15.40 11.93
Fe2O3(t) 0.03% 8.00 11.40 8.10 7.90 9.29 5.70 12.00 8.45 11.27 11.59 8.30 9.09 9.00 10.73
MnO 0.03 % 0.70 0.20 0.40 0.30 0.16 0.10 0.13 0.24 0.14 0.16 0.20 0.14 0.15 0.19
MgO 0.03% 11.20 10.10 2.10 1.30 4.00 1.10 7.04 6.11 6.73 3.75 7.60 7.80 6.20 5.39
CaO 0.02% 4.32 5.00 8.10 4.50 6.00 8.10 5.10 4.88 5.87 11.18 8.30 8.18 5.80 12.10
Na2O 0.02% 1.80 1.50 2.00 0.40 2.50 2.40 3.50 1.46 2.65 2.61 1.90 1.33 2.10 1.07
K2O 0.02% 3.03 1.10 5.70 5.80 2.70 3.40 1.10 2.46 1.30 0.19 1.90 1.00 1.10 0.95
P2O5 0.02% 0.70 0.14 0.80 0.60 0.12 0.30 0.19 0.25 0.21 0.24 0.30 0.15 0.17 0.24
LOI 3.50 5.20 2.20 8.50 2.96 7.80 3.77 2.25 5.60 5.60 7.30 3.22 3.50 8.40
Total 100.95 100.13 98.76 98.60 99.16 100.9 100.84 101.34 97.03 99.65 98.70 99.48 98.56 99.37

Ppm
Au 0.1 ppm <0.10 <0.10 <0.10 <0.10 <0.10 <0.10 <0.10 <0.10 0.30 <0.10 <0.10 <0.10 <0.10 <0.10
Ag 20.00 ppb 5458.00 1811.00 85.00 2906.00 19.50 24.40 20.80 32.00 410.00 14.20 18.00 22.20 11.40 10.10
As 0.2 ppm 3.40 15.10 6.40 106.60 3.10 4.00 26.70 15.20 16.90 8.20 11.80 12.70 2.70 74.20
Ba 1.0 ppm 2.71 23.00 441.00 622.00 515.00 58.00 492.00 932.00 94.00 409.00 432.00 837.00 1204.00 19.00
Bi 0.04 ppm 0.33 4.23 0.06 0.08 0.04 5.68 <0.04 0.07 0.41 0.18 0.03 0.13 0.10 0.37
Co 0.2 ppm 18.90 10.80 14.80 26.50 29.60 18.40 20.80 20.00 16.10 20.40 22.00 15.80 6.90 2.80
Cr 1.0 ppm 31.00 14.00 44.00 44.00 45.00 14.00 29.00 27.00 14.00 39.00 28.00 27.00 17.00 11.00
Ni 0.1 ppm 12.80 9.40 15.80 19.50 24.40 20.80 32.00 14.20 8.90 18.00 22.20 11.40 10.10 5.40
Nb 0.04 ppm 4.57 0.74 7.09 5.99 6.56 1.27 4.11 4.32 0.55 7.00 6.45 6.90 2.97 1.44
Rb 0.1 ppm 69.50 12.30 90.40 100.50 50.50 18.10 108.90 148.40 9.90 71.60 62.90 81.50 102.30 21.90
Sb 0.02 ppm 1.60 16.05 0.92 6.39 0.97 3.36 4.21 1.75 15.12 1.02 0.94 1.91 1.43 0.48
Sc 0.1 ppm 13.90 2.00 19.00 14.40 25.50 6.90 13.60 14.80 1.80 17.80 10.90 11.20 13.40 4.90
Sn 0.1 ppm 0.70 0.60 1.10 1.20 1.20 0.40 0.80 0.80 0.40 1.00 1.00 1.30 0.60 0.10
Sr 1.0 ppm 142.00 38.00 334.00 80.00 766.00 29.00 202.00 204.00 55.00 406.00 448.00 143.00 334.00 215.00
Th 0.1 ppm 3.80 0.50 4.20 2.60 5.00 0.80 1.60 3.30 0.40 4.80 4.10 4.30 1.90 0.70
U 0.1 ppm 1.10 0.50 1.00 1.80 1.50 0.50 0.70 1.10 0.60 1.30 1.10 1.20 0.60 0.50
Zn 0.2 ppm 158.60 559.80 102.50 >10000 90.10 195.70 441.30 197.70 65.00 107.30 134.40 180.60 169.70 16.80
Pb 0.02 ppm 36.01 7320.00 18.34 >10000 36.71 13.75 273.00 85.90 280.70 32.44 47.67 21.09 40.86 34.34
V 1.0 ppm 124.00 30.00 222.00 195.00 274.00 52.00 185.00 160.00 35.00 215.00 150.00 119.00 137.00 68.00
Y 0.1 ppm 20.00 2.60 16.20 5.90 18.70 3.00 8.03 12.70 2.70 18.00 14.30 11.80 13.10 22.40
Cu 0.02 ppm 4504.00 2496.00 103.50 746.30 39.98 >10000 49.86 121.60 772.10 528.00 12.58 1319.00 77.22 200.70
Mn 2.0 ppm 3722.00 897.00 1737.00 381.00 1001.00 318.00 2000.00 3375.00 2265.00 1003.00 1111.00 1731.00 6380.00 6712.00
Fe% 0.02 % 5.69 2.97 4.60 4.67 5.90 8.94 5.51 5.03 4.11 4.86 4.68 5.16 3.58 4.11
Mg% 0.02 % 2.71 0.05 1.13 1.03 1.89 0.53 0.55 2.24 0.05 2.37 1.10 0.89 0.73 0.20

REE
La 0.1 ppm 16.00 2.00 14.07 9.06 19.30 11.10 7.40 14.20 1.80 17.50 15.70 12.10 29.30 20.00
Ce 0.02 ppm 34.30 4.16 33.76 17.57 38.52 16.14 17.41 27.19 4.68 37.40 31.37 27.86 46.75 73.33
Nd 0.1 ppm 25.50 2.80 22.00 12.80 22.50 5.90 10.80 16.50 3.60 20.50 16.30 15.30 23.00 30.60
Sm 0.1 ppm 5.50 0.50 4.40 2.60 4.40 1.10 2.40 2.80 0.80 4.10 3.01 2.90 3.70 7.30
Eu 0.1 ppm 1.80 0.20 1.20 0.50 1.30 0.30 0.60 0.80 0.30 1.00 0.80 0.70 1.60 2.40
Hf 0.02 ppm 1.95 0.28 2.45 1.48 3.15 0.38 1.51 2.08 0.11 2.70 2.98 2.36 1.12 0.11
Yb 0.1 ppm 1.60 0.20 1.70 0.80 1.90 0.30 0.90 1.40 0.20 1.60 1.40 1.10 1.00 0.90
Lu 0.1 ppm 0.20 <0.10 0.20 0.10 0.30 <0.10 0.10 0.20 <0.10 0.30 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.10
Er 0.1 ppm 1.60 0.30 1.70 0.80 2.20 0.30 1.00 1.40 0.20 1.80 1.50 1.20 1.10 1.30

JOUR.GEOL.SOC.INDIA, VOL.80, OCT. 2012


568 BEHZAD MEHRABI AND MAJID GHASEMI SIANI

Fig.6. Rose diagrams for the fault/joint (a) and mineralized veins (b).

Wall Rock Alteration and dip of N10 to 20 E and 50 to 60 SW respectively,


Hydrothermal alteration is intense adjacent to veins and with 30 to 150 m length. Thickness ranges from 0.5 to
is 2 m wide, but variable intensity of hydrothermal alteration 7 m. The Gardaneh Toto vein has strike and dip of N30 to
is noticed in scattered outcrops. Hydrothermal alteration 45 E and 30 to 40 SW respectively, with 20 to 120 m
includes silicification, sericitization, argillization and length. The veins consist mainly of quartz, calcite and
propylitization. The propylitic alteration occupies the outer sulfides such as galena, sphalerite, pyrite, chalcopyrite, tetra-
most part of the deposit, whereas the silicic alteration is hedrite, bornite and digenite. Supergene minerals are
found in the inner part of the deposit and is commonly chalcocite, covellite, cerussite, malachite and Fe-oxy-
associated with ore minerals. Gemmell (2006) argued that hydroxides
in the mafic-hosted systems the distal propylitic alteration Ore and gangue mineral assemblages identified in
is well developed compare to the felsic-host systems. In the Cheshmeh Hafez deposit are typical of intermediate-
Cheshmeh Hafez district, propylitic alteration is more sulfidation epithermal deposits including quartz, calcite,
widespread than other types of alteration. Propylitic chalcopyrite, pyrite, sphalerite, galena, tetrahedrite, digenite,
alteration consists of chlorite, epidote and minor albite and bornite which are associated with illite and illite-smectite
(Fig. 7c). Silicification in Cheshmeh Hafez ore body is in mixed-layer clays (e.g., Einaudi et al. 2003 and Kouzmonov,
the form of pervasive replacement and veins and veinlets. et al. 2009). Pyrite is one of the most common and earliest-
Silicified rock is characterized by equigranular micro- formed sulfides in the Cheshmeh Hafez deposit. Pyrite I
crystalline quartz, sericite, illite, hematite and sulfide occurs as euhedral crystals accompanied with chalcopyrite
minerals (Fig.7a). Sericitic alteration usually consists of within early quartz-carbonate filled fractures in stage 1.
sericite, quartz (Fig.7b) and ankerite which was identified Pyrite II occurs as subhedral to anhedral crystals
by X-ray diffraction analysis. Plagioclase phenocrysts are accompanied with galena III and chalcopyrite (stage 2c).
almost completely replaced by fine-grained carbonate and Galena is generally the second most abundant sulfide mineral
white mica. Argillic alteration zones, next to quartz-base in these veins. Galena I occurs as euhedral crystals in stage
metal veins are dominated by kaolinite, and chlorite with 2a, and in most cases, galena II appears to have co-
minor mixed layer illite/smectite minerals (Fig. 7a and d). precipitated with sphalerite (stage 2b). Galena III filled
fractures and co-precipitated with chalcopyrite, bornite,
Ore Bodies and Ore Mineralogy digenite and tetrahedrite. Sphalerite in Cheshmeh Hafez is
The Cheshmeh Hafez Pb-Zn-Cu-Ag-Au vein deposit is very Fe-poor (0.4 to 0.8 wt. % Fe or 0.6 to 1.1 FeS mol %).
hosted by the Eocene andesitic to dacitic volcanic rocks In some parts of the deposit chalcopyrite replaces pyrite
with open space filling and replacement textures (Fig. 8a). along crystal boundaries and fractures. The chalcopyrite is,
Mineralized zones were studied in two old tunnels, namely in turn, replaced by secondary chalcocite, covellite and
Cheshmeh Hafez and Gardaneh Toto, where the mineralized goethite. Minor bornite and digenite occurs at the edge of
area are exposed. The Cheshmeh Hafez vein have strike chalcopyrite grains in some samples (stage 2c). Einaudi et

JOUR.GEOL.SOC.INDIA, VOL.80, OCT. 2012


INTERMEDIATE SULFIDATION EPITHERMAL Pb-Zn-Cu MINERALIZATION, SEMNAN PROVINCE, IRAN 569

Fig.7. (a) Plagioclase phenocrysts replaced by kaolinite, and chlorite in argillic alteration, and silicification alteration (si). (b) Plagioclase
phenocrysts replaced by fine-grained carbonate and white mica due to sericitic alteration. (c) Propylitic alteration consists of
sericite (altered plagioclase) and chlorite (chl). (d) Pyroxene phenocrysts replaced by kaolinite, and chlorite. (pl, plagioclase;
py, pyroxene; chl, chlorite; si, silicification alteration; Ser, sericite).

al, (2003) suggested, albeit with caution, that the FeS mol% paragenesis of the vein mineralization can be divided into
content of sphalerite coexisting with pyrite or pyrrhotite at stage 1, stage 2 main sulfide stage and stage 3 supergene
intermediate-sulfidation states should range from 0.2 to 1%. stage (Fig. 9). The stage 1 alteration is represented by
The FeS contents of sphalerite in intermediate-sulfidation epidote, chlorite (clinochlore), calcite and quartz with pyrite
epithermal PbZnCu-AgAu deposits (Gandy and I and chalcopyrite. Main sulfide stage is characterized by
Abolhassani) in the Eocene arc of the Troud-Chah Shirin deposition of medium and coarse-grained quartz, initially
mountain range in northern Iran (near to Cheshmeh Hafez euhedral galena I (Fig. 8b) followed by galena II and
deposit) ranged from 0.8 to 1.6 mol% (Shamanian et al. sphalerite (Fig. 8e), and finally galena III, pyrite II,
2003). The FeS contents of Cheshmeh Hafez deposit chalcopyrite, tetrahedrite, bornite and digenite were
sphalerite (0.6 to 1.1 mol% FeS) is comparable to those of deposited in main sulfide stage (Fig. 8f). The alteration
the Troud-Chah Shirin intermediate-sulfidation epithermal assemblage accompanying main sulfide stage is muscovite/
PbZnCu-AgAu deposits (Gandy and Abolhassani illite and montmorillonite whereas ankeritedickite
deposits), and Sahinli and Tespih Dere intermediate- kaolinite may have formed in the later part of main sulfide
sulfidation epithermal PbZnAgAu deposits in Lapseki / stage and/or during the supergene stage. Stage 3 involves
Western Turkey (Yilmaz et al. 2010). The mineral the deposition of quartz and calcite barren veins with minor

JOUR.GEOL.SOC.INDIA, VOL.80, OCT. 2012


570 BEHZAD MEHRABI AND MAJID GHASEMI SIANI

Fig.8. Veins outcrop (a), Reflected light photomicrographs (b, c, d and f), and backscattered electron image (e) of quartz-sulfide veins.
(a) Mineralized vein in andesitic host rocks. (b) Euhedral galena I (stage 2, a) which altered to cerussite from rim. c) Recrystalized
galena II during later tectonic events exhibit moderately deformed arrays of triangular cleavage pits. (d) Fractured pyrite I in
mineralized veins, as result of post mineralization deformation event. (e) Galena II and sphalerite of stage 2, b. (f) Galena III,
pyrite II and chalcopyrite (stage 2, c). (Ga, galena; Sph, sphalerite; Qa, quartz; Py, pyrite; Cpy, chalcopyrite; Cer, cerussite)

JOUR.GEOL.SOC.INDIA, VOL.80, OCT. 2012


INTERMEDIATE SULFIDATION EPITHERMAL Pb-Zn-Cu MINERALIZATION, SEMNAN PROVINCE, IRAN 571

Stage 2 veins, resulting in fracturing of pyrite (Fig. 8d) and


Stage 1 Post ore/
Mineral (Main sulfide stage) Stage 3
Supergen chalcopyrite and deformation of galena.
a b c
Quartz
Pyrite GEOCHEMISTRY
Chalcopyrite
Galena Sampling of altered rocks in this study provides the
Sphalerite opportunity to investigate possible systematic variations in
Bornite precious and base metals, REE, minor element and major
Tetrahedrite oxides in hydrothermal altered volcanic rocks that host the
Digenite Cheshmeh Hafez deposit. The element content of the host
Calcite rocks, and the ore veins were analyzed at ACME analytical
Fe-oxy-
hydroxides
laboratories (Canada) by ICP-MS methods (Group 1T-MS).
Covellite Data for all samples are presented in Table 1 and 2. The
Chalcosite average assay varies from 12 channel samples (present in
Malachite Table 1) collected across the width (10-70 cm) of the
Cerussite Cheshmeh Hafez and Gardaneh Toto veins are 0.15 g/t Au,
Fig.9. Paragenetic sequence of sulfide and gangue minerals at 3.23 g/t Ag, 4.47 wt % Pb, 2.64 wt% Cu, and 1.73 wt% Zn.
Cheshmeh Hafez deposit Geochemical relationship between base metal and Au-Ag
elements from mineralized epithermal quartz veins are
pyrite. The supergene mineral assemblage consists of presented in Table 3 and Fig.10.
chalcocite, covellite, cerussite, malachite and Fe-oxy- In the Cheshmeh Hafez district, Pb correlates positively
hydroxides. with Zn (r= 0.94), Cd (r= 0.88), and Cu (r= 0.59), and as
Moderately deformed arrays of triangular cleavage pits correlates positively with Sb (r= 0.35). Geochemical zoning
are commonly present within galena (Fig. 8c), suggesting is partly developed along main ore veins. Along the axis of
that galena has undergone some deformation without the veins Zn, Pb and Cu increase and Ag and Au decrease
complete recrystallization during later tectonic events. towards the north. The highest Pb and Zn values were
Subsequently, the Cheshmeh Hafez mineral system found in samples from Gardaneh Toto in northern part, and
underwent moderate deformation resulting in folding of the highest Cu and Au-Ag were found in samples from
host rock sequence, evident by faulting of some mineralized Cheshmeh Hafez veins in southern part. Geochemical

Table 3. Matrix of correlations between measured variable for Cheshmeh Hafez data
Au Ag Cu Pb Zn As Sb Cd Bi Mo Ba Rb Sr Co Sn Nb K2O SiO2 MgO CaO Na2O La
La -0.30 -0.26 0.15 0.45 0.20 0.81 0.08 -0.17 0.05 0.02 0.02 0.95 0.35 0.84 0.80 0.71 0.94 -0.85 0.85 0.84 0.74
Na2O -0.23 -0.60 -0.22 -0.57 -0.80 -0.44 -0.21 -0.15 -0.05 -0.15 0.03 -0.22 0.27 -0.01 -0.36 0.08 -0.42 0.16 0.29 0.42
CaO -0.15 -0.56 -0.17 -0.50 -0.46 -0.02 -0.44 -0.17 -0.26 -0.14 0.31 -0.10 0.30 0.10 0.03 0.30 -0.36 0.18 -0.36
MgO -0.11 0.04 -0.16 0.02 -0.34 -0.23 0.61 -0.19 0.01 -0.12 -0.21 -0.02 0.16 -0.32 0.30 0.08 -0.42 -0.40
SiO2 0.25 -0.54 -0.13 -0.50 -0.22 -0.31 -0.42 -0.15 -0.13 -0.05 -0.29 0.07 0.30 -0.06 0.17 0.13 0.15
K2O -0.25 0.43 -0.02 0.09 0.32 -0.37 0.01 0.14 0.26 0.04 -0.01 0.08 -0.17 0.22 -0.05 0.01
Nb -0.31 -0.21 0.28 -0.13 -0.10 0.10 -0.24 -0.18 -0.75 0.03 0.37 0.09 0.41 0.44 0.40
Sn -0.31 0.04 -0.44 -0.04 0.21 0.15 -0.54 -0.18 -0.70 0.00 0.15 0.67 0.64 0.13
Co -0.33 0.26 0.04 0.16 0.13 0.05 0.08 -0.20 -0.28 0.01 0.68 -0.13 -0.30
Sr -0.10 -0.34 0.79 -0.45 -0.36 -0.19 -0.82 -0.02 -0.73 -0.04 -0.06 0.64
Rb -0.20 0.05 -0.49 -0.23 0.19 0.10 -0.64 -0.14 -0.53 0.07 -0.34
Ba -0.21 0.08 -0.13 0.41 0.13 0.22 0.29 0.11 -0.22 0.07
Mo -0.17 0.20 -0.05 0.11 0.20 0.09 -0.08 -0.06 0.05
Bi -0.05 0.28 0.53 0.18 0.09 -0.32 0.48 -0.03
Cd 0.15 0.33 0.78 0.88 0.75 0.17 0.15
Sb 0.22 0.30 0.47 0.76 0.42 0.38
As 0.10 0.13 0.17 0.56 0.57
Zn 0.13 -0.40 0.66 0.94
Pb 0.11 -0.38 0.59
Cu 0.10 -0.26
Ag 0.23
Au

JOUR.GEOL.SOC.INDIA, VOL.80, OCT. 2012


572 BEHZAD MEHRABI AND MAJID GHASEMI SIANI

Fig.10. Log plot of concentrations of Pb-Zn, Zn-Cu, Pb-Cu, Ag-Zn, Ag-Pb, Ag-Cu in the Cheshmeh Hafez. Altered host rock samples
(Circles), and Mineralized vein samples (squares).

anomalies of wall rock around the veins in the Cheshmeh FLUID INCLUSIONS
Hafez were determined over an area of 1 km 2. All
Morphology and Petrography of Fluid Inclusions
elements show a log normal distribution and indicate
enrichment and Pb, Zn and Cu. Both linear and cluster Fluid inclusion studies were carried out on 10 doubly
analysis, not reported here, show positive correlation polished sections chosen from different veins at Cheshmeh
between Zn and Ag and between Cu and Pb. Geochemical Hafez. Fluid inclusions in sphalerite crystals are very small
distribution of elements show good spatial correlation and are not suitable for study, whereas, quartz crystal
with the distribution of exposed veins and alteration contains inclusions suitable for study. Based on the criteria
zones. of (Rodder, 1984; Shepherd et al. 1985), morphology and

JOUR.GEOL.SOC.INDIA, VOL.80, OCT. 2012


INTERMEDIATE SULFIDATION EPITHERMAL Pb-Zn-Cu MINERALIZATION, SEMNAN PROVINCE, IRAN 573

petrographic characteristics of the fluid inclusions were formation was observed in any of the fluid inclusions during
recorded at room temperature. Primary, pseudosecondary freezing. Homogenization temperature (Th) of primary
and secondary inclusions were identified which are mostly inclusions ranges from 140-280C, with peaks at about
aqueous liquid rich with no daughter minerals. Most 180C and 250C (Fig. 12a). The salinity was calculated
inclusions are two phase (L+V) at room temperature (Fig. from the Tmice values according to Bodnar (1993) equation.
11a). The size of fluid inclusions ranges from 5 to 25 m The salinity of the fluid inclusion range is from 4.7 to
and are elliptical, irregular, tabular and rod in shape (Figs. 18 wt.% NaCl equivalent (Fig. 12b). Eutectic temperatures
11c and d). Primary fluid inclusions occur in growth zones are between -18.8 and -21.6 C for most samples, indicating
parallel to crystal faces, as single inclusions or as isolated an H2O-NaCl composition. A diagram of the Th versus
assemblages of inclusions. The latter are randomly salinity of all the fluid inclusions (Fig.13) reveals the
distributed. Pseudosecondary inclusions as trail are observed existence of two fluids; (1) moderate-salinity fluid
along sealed micro fractures (Fig. 11b). inclusions, of 4.7 to 8 wt.% NaCl equivalent and (2) fluid
inclusions with salinities higher than 10 and up to 18 wt.%
Homogenization Temperature and Salinities NaCl equivalent., that are postulated to represent different
Fluid inclusions in the poly-metalic veins were mineralizing fluids, possibly dominated by meteoric and
investigated at Tehran Tarbiat Moallem University (Iran). magmatic fluids, respectively. Th versus Tmice diagram
Reproducibility was within 0.3 and 1C for Tmice and Th shows a large variation indicating linear dilution trend.
values, respectively. Homogenization and ice-melting Limited homogenization data were also obtained for
temperatures were obtained for 80 fluid inclusions in ten secondary calcite (data not presented) (barren stage), in range
samples, and are summarized in Table 4. No clathrate of 100 to 190 C (mean, 160 C, N=25). Determinations

Fig.11. Photomicrographs showing the distribution pattern of fluid inclusions in quartz from Cheshmeh Hafez deposit (a) primary fluid
inclusion (L+V) in quartz (Qz); (b) trailed of fluid inclusions along sealed microfractures (pseudosecondary fluid inclusions;
(c and d) shape of observed fluid inclusion.

JOUR.GEOL.SOC.INDIA, VOL.80, OCT. 2012


574 BEHZAD MEHRABI AND MAJID GHASEMI SIANI

Table 4. Microthermometric data of fluid inclusion from poly-metallic veins. Homogenization temperature Th; Eutectic
temperature Te; Final ice melting temperature Tmice; Number of analyses n; not- measurable n.m.
Sample Mineral Inclusion type Th range Te Tmice Salinity
(C) (c) range (wt%)
NaCl equiv
87-Ch-68 Quartz Primary 140-235 -19.6 to -20.5 -5 to -13.2 7.8 to 17.5
(Three samples) (n=23) (n=19)
87-Ch- Tu Quartz Primary 160-260 -19.8 to -21.6 -2.9 to -8.2 4.7 to 12
(Three samples) (n=22) (n=18)
87-Ch-23 Quartz Primary 157-255 -18.8 to -21.1 -4 to -14.3 6.2 to 18.0
(Three samples) (n=26) (n=20)
87-Ch-33S Quartz Secondary 140-190 n.m n.m n.m
(One sample) (n=10)

made on secondary inclusions in quartz show that the hydrothermal Pb-Zn-Cu-Bi deposit at Bulancak (Sawkins,
homogenization temperatures are very close to those of 1990), and the Pb-Zn-Cu-Au-Ag deposit at Mayflower
calcite. (Olade and Morton, 1985).
Some authors (Roedder, 1984; Bodnar, 1985; Muchez,
DISCUSSION 2002) distinguish different types of epithermal ore deposits,
a gold-rich type (1-8 wt.% NaCl equivalent), and a silver,
Characteristics of Hydrothermal Fluids and Depths of base metal-rich type with higher salinity. For example, at
Formation Fresnillo (Simmons, 1988) and other Mexican deposits
Homogenization temperatures versus salinity data for (Albinson, 2001), salinity ranges are from ~ 5 to 20 wt.%
primary fluid inclusions in quartz are plotted in Fig. 14. In NaCl equivalent, or even higher. Salinity determinations
order to understand the characteristics of hydrothermal fluids indicate that quartz-hosted fluid inclusions at Cheshmeh
at Cheshmeh Hafez, the results have been compared with Hafez veins vary from 4.5 to 18 wt.% NaCl equivalent. The
other hydrothermal deposits containing lead, zinc, copper Cheshmeh Hafez samples (Table, 1) have average Ag/Au
and some precious metal (Roedder, 1977; Olad and Morton, ratios of ~28 and Pb+Zn contents with average of 6.8 wt%
1985; Sawkins, 1990). The high-salinity and high- (Fig. 15), consistent with the maximum salinity at Cheshmeh
temperature values of the inclusions from the porphyry Hafez (18 wt. % NaCl equivalent). Such a relationship
copper deposits suggest that a fluid of probable magmatic between silver and base metal ores with relatively higher
origin circulated in the porphyry systems, or magmatic and salinities and gold-silver ores with lower salinities has been
meteoric fluids were mixed (Arribas et al. 1995). It is clear previously noted by Henley (1985) and later confirmed by
that the salinity values could have been associated with a Simmons (1988, 1991) and Albinson (2001) for Mexican
magma source, but they could also have been generated by epithermal deposits.
heated basinal brines. The Cheshmeh Hafez quartz samples The depth of formation below the paleowater table can
partly yield microthermometry data similar to those of be estimated from hydrostatic boiling point curves (Hass,

Fig.12. (a) Histograme of homogenization temperatures and (b) salinity of fluid inclusions in the Cheshmeh Hafez deposit.

JOUR.GEOL.SOC.INDIA, VOL.80, OCT. 2012


INTERMEDIATE SULFIDATION EPITHERMAL Pb-Zn-Cu MINERALIZATION, SEMNAN PROVINCE, IRAN 575

Fig.13. Homogenization temperature (Th) vs. salinity for fluid


inclusions in quartz of the Cheshmeh Hafez poly-metalic
deposit, showing intermittent injection of mineralizing
Fig.15. Ternary diagram showing relative precious and base metal
brine that was subsequently diluted.
contents of the Cheshmeh Hafez deposit (averages of veins
from Table 3). Ranges for Mexican epithermal deposits
1971), assuming hydrostatic pressure. However, because of are shown for comparison after Albinson, (2001).
the lack of evidence for boiling, such an estimate will provide
a minimum value. The average temperature of the second it is suggested that the mineralization occurred at moderate
group in the histogram, which represents an intermediate epithermal depths in this district, with the present surface
250C, ~15 wt. % salinity fluid (Fig. 12), was fitted to the being at a minimum of 380 m below the paleowater
15 wt.% calculated boiling curve. The 25 wt.% boiling curve (Fig. 16).
is also shown for reference. Based on the fluid compositions
Ore Deposit Model
Important features of the Cheshmeh Hafez mineral
system include a Pb-Zn-Cu (Ag-Au-Bi-Sb-Mo)
mineralization, open space filling and replacement textures
including crustiform banding, vugs with comb quartz, an
ore assemblage of pyrite, galena, sphalerite, chalcopyrite,
tetrahedrite, bornite and digenite and alteration assemblages,
typical of epithermal systems with average Ag/Au ratios of
~ 28 and Pb+Zn contents with average of 6.8 wt.%. Gemmell
(2004) compared the key features of intermediate-sulfidation
and low-sulfidation epithermal systems. Important features
of intermediate-sulfidation epithermal system include;
(1) a pyrite, sphalerite, galena, tetrahedrite, chalcopyrite ore
assemblages; (2) silver and base metal rich with high silver
to gold ratios (10-1500); (3) the economic mineralization
occurs over a wide vertical range of 300-800 m; (4) a greater
abundance of sulfide minerals (5-20 vol.%) compared to
Fig.14. Homogenization temperatures (Th) versus salinity for low-sulfidation systems; (5) the presence of crustiform
primary fluid inclusions. Data from porphyry copper banding and comb quartz; (6) Zn-Pb-Cu-Ag-Au with minor
deposits, Providencia, Mississippi valley type, Mayflower Mo, As, and Sb metal signature; and (7) a proximal alteration
and Bulancak are from (Sawkins, 1990; Olade and Morton,
assemblage that includes sericite but adularia is generally
1985; Akande et al, 1988). Diagonal grid lines show fluid
uncommon (Sillitoe and Hedenquist, 2003; Gemmel, 2004;
densities in gm/cm3 from the system NaCl-H2O (Hass,
1970). Inclusions in Cheshmeh Hafez quartz occupy a Dowens, 2006). Many of these features are present within
range of 140-280 C and 4.7-18 (wt% NaCl equivalent) the Cheshmeh Hafez epithermal system i.e., (1) a pyrite,
which is shared by data from the Mayflower, Bulancak sphalerite, galena, tetrahedrite, chalcopyrite, bornite and
and Providencia deposits containing lead-zinc and copper. digenite ore assemblages; (2) base metal rich with Ag/Au~28;

JOUR.GEOL.SOC.INDIA, VOL.80, OCT. 2012


576 BEHZAD MEHRABI AND MAJID GHASEMI SIANI

Hafez, geochemical data (Table 2) presents some


information about the source of the metals. At Cheshmeh
Hafez, the base metal content of the host rock namely
andesitic, trachy-andesite, andesitic basalt and basalt is
high. These geochemical results suggest that the host
rocks could have been an important source of metal for the
sulfide veins, although the veins could also have been
derived from a magmatic fluid enriched in Pb-Zn and Cu.
Silver and base metal transport in the epithermal
environment is dominated by chloride complexes (Seward
and Barnes, 1997; Palyanova, 2008). These complexes are
more important for silver and base metal transport rather
than for gold, under the relatively reduced, neutral pH
conditions (Seward and Barnes, 1997) that characterized
the epithermal systems of Cheshmeh Hafez. In contrast, the
Au (HS) 2- bisulfide complex is most important species for
gold transportation in the epithermal environment (Benning
Fig.16. Fluid inclusion data from Cheshmeh Hafez (all samples)
and Seward, 1996; Seward and Barnes, 1997), and thus gold
plotted on boiling point for depth curves of H2ONaCl (15
wt % NaCl equiv). The curves of pure H2O and 25 wt transport is not affected by salinity in the same way as silver
percent NaCl are shown for reference from Haas, (1971). and base metals. Boiling and mixing are the two principal
Cheshmeh Hafez data is fitted at 250 C Th values of the physical processes affecting mineral deposition in
15 wt percent NaCl curve. hydrothermal systems (Giggenbach and Stewart, 1982).
Boiling occurs in the up flow of most high permeability
(3) moderate depth of formation i.e. 380 m below the systems, whereas linear thermal profiles are common on the
paleowater table; (4) alteration assemblage; (5) Pb-Zn-Cu margins (due to mixing or low permeability; Hedenquist et
(Ag-Au-Bi-Sb-Mo) elements. Based on the aforementioned al.1992). The relationship between fluid inclusion Th and
features, the Cheshmeh Hafez mineral system is classified Tmice data from the Cheshmeh Hafez district clearly shows
as an intermediate-sulfidation deposit (Hedenquist et al. a trend of strong dilution due to the mixing of hot saline
2000; Einaudi et al. 2003; and Sillitoe and Hedenquist, fluid with a cooler less saline fluid. Considering the
2003). Intermediate-sulfidation epithermal system shares paragenetic sequence of mineralization, and the systematic
many of the sulfide assemblages characteristic of high- variation of Th and Tm ice between fluid inclusion
sulfidation systems, with the exception of enargite-bearing assemblages in individual crystals of quartz from the
assemblages and the high Ag/Au ratio (Einaudi, 2003). Cheshmeh Hafez district, it appears that the high-salinity
Enargite has not been observed at Cheshmeh Hafez. fluid was periodically injected and mixed with lower salinity
Furthermore, alteration assemblages characteristic of high- fluid over short periods of time. The main mechanism of
sulfidation epithermal deposits, such as quartz-alunite, base metal mineralization at Cheshmeh Hafez may have been
quartz-pyrophyllite and; or quartz-dickite Sillitoe and dilution and cooling caused by the mixing of brines with
(Hedenquist, 2003), are not present at Cheshmeh Hafez the more dilute solutions. The lack of fluid inclusion
district. Low-sulfidation epithermal system tends to have evidence for boiling does not preclude this mechanism.
adularia, smectite and illite-bearing alteration assemblages. Indeed, abundant occurrence of muscovite and illite
Presence of sericite (fine-grained muscovite) in Cheshmeh assemblage within the proximal alteration zone suggest that
Hafez district rather than adularia or quartz-alunite, quartz- boiling conditions may have existed at the Cheshmeh Hafez
pyrophyllite is characteristic of intermediate-sulfidation epithermal system. Presence of lower and higher salinity
epithermal systems. Arsenopyrite is rare in intermediate- fluids in the same deposit has also been noted in the silver
sulfidation epithermal deposits and is more characteristics and base metal deposits of Fresnillo district (Simmons, 1991)
of low-sulfidation epithermal deposits. Arsenopyrite is not and in other intermediate-sulfidation epithermal deposits of
present in Cheshmeh Hafez district. Mexico (Albinson, 2001). High-salinity brines may evolve
The host units and veins at Cheshmeh Hafez eroded in a magmatic environment (Simmons, 1991; Albinson,
after the deposition, and resulted in the development of 2001).
extensive supergene mineralization. In the Cheshmeh The presence of illite, muscovite as alteration minerals

JOUR.GEOL.SOC.INDIA, VOL.80, OCT. 2012


INTERMEDIATE SULFIDATION EPITHERMAL Pb-Zn-Cu MINERALIZATION, SEMNAN PROVINCE, IRAN 577

adjacent to mineralized veins suggests that the mineralizing within the Cheshmeh Hafez veins were deposited during
fluid were weakly acidic to near neutral. In summary, base periodic injection of high- temperature metalliferous brines.
metal mineralization of the Cheshmeh Hafez deposit appears Dilution and cooling were the main precipitation mechanism
to have been caused by periodic introduction of a high- at Cheshmeh Hafez, caused by the mixing of brines with
salinity fluid, with clear evidence of mixing between this the more dilute fluids. The mineralogy of ore, gangue, and
fluid with fluid of moderate salinity. alteration products combined with fluid inclusion data from
Cheshmeh Hafez indicates an intermediate-sulfidation
epithermal mineralization and share characteristics with
CONCLUSIONS
those of major districts in Mexico, western United States,
At Cheshmeh Hafez, Pb-Zn-Cu-Ag-Au veins occurred and Peru. The presence of geochemical anomalies and
along the major faults, and the general morphology, occurrence of ores in the abandoned mines (Fig. 1b) with
paragensis and the location of the mineralization are similar epithermal characteristics suggests that the Troud-
structurally controlled. The Cheshmeh Hafez poly-metal Chah Shirin mountain range is prospective for precious and
system is related to calc-alkaline magmatism of the Tertiary base metal epithermal deposits. The recognition of alteration
age. Host rocks are mainly Tertiary andesitic, trachy- and sulfide mineralogy at a deposit-scale may provide
andesite, rhyo-dacitic and dacitic. initiatives for exploring intermediate-sulfidation epithermal
The mineral paragenesis of the vein mineralization can deposits. The Troud-Chah Shirin mountain range is an
be subdivided into stage 1, main sulfide stage 2, and stage 3 important exploration target, as the area may have the
supergene stage. The stage 1 alteration is represented by potential at depth for high-grade veins, particularly where
epidote, chlorite (clinochlore), calcite and quartz with pyrite there is evidence for the presence of relatively low salinity
I and chalcopyrite. Main sulfide stage is characterized by hydrothermal systems. In addition, the presence of other
deposition of medium and coarse-grained quartz, initially types of deposits indicates that this region has potential for
euhedral galena I, followed by galena II and sphalerite, variety of volcanic-hosted mineralization. Much of the
followed finally by the deposition of galena III, pyrite II, epithermal mineral potential of this area, and the adjacent
chalcopyrite, tetrahedrite, bornite and digenite. Stage 3 regions remain unexplored.
involves the deposition of quartz and calcite barren veins
with minor pyrite. The supergene mineral assemblage
consists of chalcocite, covellite, cerussite, malachite and Fe- Acknowledgement: This study was financially supported
oxy-hydroxides. by Iranian mineral research and application (IMRA) Co.,
The district is dominated by base metal mineralization for their assistance in the analytical aspects; we would like
and gold is relatively low in the veins. Base metal sulfides to thank, Mr. Hedayati and Mr Eghbali.

References
AGHANABATI, A. (2003) Geology of Iran. Geol. Surv. Iran, pp.123- BARNES, H.L. (Ed.), (1979) Solubilitys of ore minerals. Geochem-
147. istry of hydrothermal ore deposits. Wiley, NY, pp.404-460.
AKANDE, S.O., HORN, E.E. and REUTEL, C. (1988) Mineralogy, fluid BENNING, L.G. and SEWARD, T.M. (1996) Hydrosulfide complexing
inclusion and genesis of the Arufu and Akwana Pb-Zn-F of Au in hydrothermal solutions from 150 to 400 C and 500 to
mineralization, middle Benue Trough, Nigeria. Jour. African 1500 bars, Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta, v.60, pp.18491871.
Earth Sci., v.7, pp.167-180. BODNAR, R.J. (1993) Revised equation and table for determining
ALAVI, M. (1991) Tectonic Map of Middle East. Geol. Surv. Iran. the freezing point depression of H2O-NaCl solutions, Geochim.
ALBINSON, T., NORMAN, D.I. COLE, D. and CHOMIAK, B. (2001) Cosmochim. Acta, v.57, pp.683-684.
Controls on formation of low-sulfidation epithermal deposits COLLINS, P.L.F. (1979) Gas hydrate in CO2-bearing fluid inclusions
in Mexico: Constrains from fluid inclusion and stable isotope and the use of freezing data for estimation of salinity. Econ.
data. Soc. Econ. Geol., Spec. Publ. no.8, pp.1-32. Geol., v.74, pp.1435-1444.
ARRIBAS, A., CUNNINGHAM, C.G., RYTUBA, J.J., RYE, R.O., KELLY, COOKE, D.R. and SIMMONS, S.F. (2000) Characteristics and genesis of
W.C., PODWYSOCKI, M.H., MCKEE, E.H. and TOSDAL, R.M., epithermal gold deposits. Rev. Econ. Geol., v.13, pp.221-244.
(1995) Geology, geochronology, fluid inclusion and isotope DOWNES, P.M. (2006) Yerranderie a Late Devonian SilverGold
geochemistry of the Rodalquilar Au alunite deposits, Spain. Lead intermediate sulfidation epithermal district, Eastern
Econ. Geol., v.90, pp.795-822. Lachlan Orogen, New South Wales, Australia: Resource
AZIZI, H. and JAHANGIRI, A. (2008) Cretaceous subduction-related Geology, v.57, pp.1-23.
volcanism in the Northern Sanandaj Sirjan zone, Iran. Jour. EINAUDI, M.T., HEDENQUIST, J.W. and INAN, E.E., (2003) Sulfidation
Geodyn, v.45, pp.178-190. state of fluids in active and extinct hydrothermal systems:

JOUR.GEOL.SOC.INDIA, VOL.80, OCT. 2012


578 BEHZAD MEHRABI AND MAJID GHASEMI SIANI

Transitions from porphyry to epithermal environments. Soc. Canakle, Turkey. Jour. Asian Earth Sci., v.25, pp.629-642.
Econ. Geol. Spec. Publ., no.10, pp.285-313. PALYANAOVA, G. (2008) Physicochemistry modeling of the coupled
GEMMELL, J.B. (2004) Low and intermediate-sulfidation epithermal behavior of gold and silver in hydrothermal processes, gold
deposits, ARC- AMIRAP, Australia, pp.57-63. fineness, Au/Ag ratios and their possible implications. Chem.
GEMMEL, B. (2006) Exploration implication of hydrothermal Geol., v.255, pp.399-413.
alteration associated with epithermal Au-Ag deposits, ARC- PEARCE, J.A. (1982) Trace element characteristics of lavas from
AMIRAP 588, pp.1-5. destructive plate boundaries. In: R.S. Thorpe (Ed.), Wiley,
GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF IRAN (1995) Explanatory text of geochemical New York, pp.525-548.
map of Moaleman (6960), Report No. 9, v.1, 33 p. PEARSE, J.A. and PEATE, D.W. (1995) Tectonic implications of the
GIGGENBACH, W.F. and STEWART, M.K. (1982) Processes controlling composition of the volcanic arc magmas. Annual Revi. Earth
the isotopic composition of steam and water discharges from Planet. Sci., v.23, pp.251-285.
steam vents and steam-heated pools in geothermal areas: ROEDDER, E. (1972) Composition of fluid inclusions. USGS Prof.
Geothermics, v.11, pp.71-80. Paper Jj-440, p.164.
GRANCEA, L. and BAILLY, L. (2002) Fluid evolution in the Baia ROEDDER, E. (1984) Fluid inclusions: Reviews in Mineralogy,
Mare epithermal gold- poly-metalic district. Carpathians, v.12, 644p.
Romania, Mineralium Deposita, pp.630-647. SAWKINS, F.J. (1990) Metal deposits in relation to plate tectonics.
HAAS, J.L. (1971) The effect of salinity on the maximum thermal Springer, New York, 461p.
gradient of a hydrothermal system at hydrostatic pressure: SEWARD , T.M. and BARNES , H.L. (1997) Metal transport by
Econ. Geol., v.66, pp.940-946. hydrothermal ore fluids. In: H.L. Barnes (Ed.) Geochemistry
HASSANZADEH, J., GHAZI, A.V. AXEN, G. and GUEST, B. (2002) of hydrothermal ore deposits. New York, John Wiley and Sons,
Oligomiocene mafic-alkaline magmatism in north and pp.435-486.
northwest of Iran: Evidence for the separation of the Alborz SCHMIDT, G., PALME, H. KRATZ, K.L. and KURAT, G. (2000). Are
from the Urumieh-Dokhtar magmatic arc. Geol. Soc. Amer. highly siderophile elements ZPGE, Re and Au, fractionated
Abs. with Program, v.34, no.6, p.331. in the upper mantle of the earth, new results on peridotites
HEDENQUIST, J.W., ARRIBAS R., A. and GONZALEZ-URIEN, E. (2000) from Zabargad, Chem. Geol., v.163, pp.167-188.
Exploration for epithermal gold deposits: Reviews in Econ. SHAMANIAN, H., GEFFREY, W., HEDENQUIST, J., HATORI, K. and
Geol., v.13, pp.245-277. GHADERI, M. (2003) The Gandy and Abolhassani epithermal
HUSHMANDZADEH, A.R., ALAVI NAINI, M. and HAGHIPOUR, A.A. prospects in the Alborz magmatic arc, Semnan province,
(1978) Evolution of geological phenomenon in Troud area: Northern Iran. Econ. Geol., v.99, pp.691-712.
Geol. Surv. Iran, Report No.H5, 136 p (in Persian). SHEPHERD , T.J., R ANKIN , A.H. and Alderton, D.H.M. (1985)
JIMENEZ, F.A., YUMEL, G.P. and MAGLAMBAYAN, V.B. (2002) Shallow A practical guides to fluid inclusion studies. Blackie Press,
to near- surface, vein type epithermal gold mineralization at Lalab 239p.
in the Sibutad gold deposit, Zambanaga Del North, Mindanao, SILLITOE, R.H. and HEDENQUIST, J.W. (2003) Linkages between
Philippines. Jour. Asian Earth Sci., v.21, pp.119-133. volcano-tectonic settings, Ore-fluid compositions and
K ENNEDY , A.K., G ROVE , T.L. and J OHNSON , R.W. (1990) epithermal precious metal deposits. Soc. Econ. Geol., Spec.
Experimental and major element constraints on the evolution Publ., No.10, pp.315-343.
of lavas from Lihir Island, Papua New Guinea. Contrib. SIMMONS, S.F., GEMMELL, B. and SAWKINS, F.J. (1988) The Santo
Mineral. Petrol., v.104, pp.722-734. Nino silver-lead-zinc vein, Fresnillo district, Zacatecas,
KOUZMANOV, K., MORITZ, R., VON QUADT, A.V., CHIARADIA, M., Mexico: Part II. Physical and chemical nature of ore-forming
PEYTCHEVA, I., FONTIGNIE, D., RAMBOZ, C. and BOGDANOV, K. solutions: Econ. Geol., v.83, pp.1619-1641.
(2009) Late Cretaceous porphyry Cu and epithermal Cu Au SIMMONS, S.F. (1991) Hydrothermal implications of alteration and
association in the Southern Panagyurishte District, Bulgaria: fluid inclusion studies in the Fresnillo district, Mexico:
the paired Vlaykov Vruh and Elshitsa deposits. Mineralium Evidence for a brine reservoir and a descending water table
Deposita, v.44, pp.611-646. during the formation of hydrothermal Ag-Pb-Zn ore bodies.
MOAYYED, M. (2001) Geochemistry and petrology of volcano- Econ. Geol., v.86, pp.1579-1601.
plutonic bodies in Tarum area, PhD thesis (in Persian), p.256. SIMMONS, S.F., WHITE, N.C. and JOHN, D.A. (2005) Geological
MULLER, D., ROCK, N.M.S. and GROVES, D.I. (1992) Geochemical characteristics of epithermal precious and base metal deposits,
discrimination between shoshonitic and potassic volcanic rocks Econ. Geol. 100th Anniversary Volume, Soc. Econ. Geologists,
in different tectonic settings, a pilot study. Mineral. Petrol., Littleton, CO, pp.485-522.
v.46, pp.259-289. STOCKLIN, J. and NABAVI, M.H. (1973) 1/250000 Sheet Tectonic
OLADE, M.A. and MORTON, R.D. (1985) Origin of lead-zinc map of Iran, Geological Survey of Iran.
mineralization in the Southern Benue Trough, Nigeria-fluid STOCKLIN, J. (1968) Structural history and Tectonic of Iran, a review,
inclusion and trace element studies. Mineralium Deposita, v.20, Amer. Assoc. Petrol Geol. Bull., v.52, pp.1229-1258.
pp.76-80. WILKINSON, J.J. (2001) Fluid Inclusion in hydrothermal ore deposit,
ORGAN, Y. and GULTEKIN, A. (2004) Geology, mineralogy and fluid Lithos 55, 229-272.
inclusions data from the Arapucan Pb-Zn-Cu-Ag deposit, WILSON, M. (1989) Igneous petrogenesis, Unwin Hyman, 466p.

(Received: 19 May 2010; Revised form accepted: 7 June 2011)

JOUR.GEOL.SOC.INDIA, VOL.80, OCT. 2012

You might also like