Cadomian Iron ore bodies in the Bafq-Saghand metallogenic province, Iran: genetic constraints from field observations and laser ablation ICP-MS mineral studies

Abstract

ABSTRACT The volcano-sedimentary unit in the Bafq-Saghand metallogenic province (BSMP) of Central Iran hosts various types of iron ore bodies including Fe-oxides with jaspilite beds, Mn-dominated iron lenses, magnetite-apatite lenses, and massive magnetite-apatite deposits. The Fe-oxides with jaspilite beds and Mn-dominated iron lenses have limited outcrops and show volcano-sedimentary features in the field. The main features are the presence of syngenetic submarine rhyolite-hosted magnetite, lamination and bedding of iron ore body, jaspilite and dropstone. Volcano-sedimentary origin is testified by magnetite composition showing affinity to BIF and positive Eu and negative Ce anomaly. Magnetite-apatite lenses and massive magnetite-apatite deposits that having spatio-temporal correlation form the main economically important deposits. They have magmatic to high-temperature hydrothermal field characteristics (lava flow-like ore bodies, the presence of degassing tubes in ore bodies, occurrence of brecciated texture and developed Na-Ca metasomatism). Mineral composition (enrichment of LREE, magnetite and apatite negative Eu anomaly and Co/Ni < 1 in pyrites) is in agreement with magmatic and high temperature hydrothermal origin. We propose a hydrous and oxidizing mantle derived iron-rich basic magma that formed in an extensional post-collisional setting for origin of Kiruna-type IOA ore bodies of the BSMP. Fe-oxides with jaspilite beds and Mn-dominated iron lenses resulted from degassing or eruption of iron-rich magma during Ediacaran in a submarine environment. However, magnetite-apatite lenses and massive magnetite-apatite deposits formed from an Early Cambrian magmatic-hydrothermal transition system from a magnetite-crystal mush zone.