Petrology and Geochemistry of Ophiolitic Host Rocks of Copper Mineralization in Dowlat Abad-Tang e Hana Area (Neyriz-Iran)

Abstract

Dowlat Abad-Tang e Hana area is a part of Neyriz ophiolite zone, parallel to the Zagros thrust, SW of Iran. It is also a part of obduction thrusting belt over the edge of the Arabian continent during the late Cretaceous. Petrographic investigation indicates the main host rocks are harzburgite, dunite, pyroxenite, basalt, gabbro and pelagic marine sediments. The main magma type of this ophiolite complex is sub-alkaline. The geochemical data of analysed samples show depletion of Na and K, and enrichment in Ca. Copper mineralization in Dowlat Abad-Tang e Hana is hosted mainly in peridotite rocks. The mineralizations are vein type and are associated as copper carbonate (malachite and less azurite). The average of Cu grade is 2.3 wt%. The geochemical and mineralogical data show that the primary source of copper is ortho-magmatic (from ultra-basic rocks and ferro magnesium minerals), which later influenced by hydrothermal processes.