Geochemical patterns of the Buyukkizilcik (Kahramanmaras) fluorite deposits

Abstract

The aim of this study is to demonstrate the origin of fluorites that are located near the Dinari area in Buyukkizilcik (Kahramanmaras). Buyukkizilcik fluorites are spatially associated with the altered portion of the Permian Yoncayolu Formation and are also commonly hosted by the syenitic intrusions. Geochemical properties of the Buyukkizilcik fluorites have been investigated by characterizing their rare earth element (REE) compositions. The fluorite samples are poor in terms of their REE contents with REE abundances of the analyzed samples ranging between 0.45 and 11.99 ppm, whereas REE concentrations of the associated host-rocks vary between 0.01 and 17.30 ppm. When plotted on a Tb/La vs. Tb/Ca diagram, the fluorites lie within the field of hydrothermal stage indicating that they are likely formed by the contribution from hydrothermal fluids. The relative depletion of high-field strength elements (HFSE) and REE in the fluorites relative to their host-rocks indicates the influence of hydrothermal fluids on these elements. The negative anomalies observed in Eu and positive anomalies observed in Ce indicate low temperature (T) and low fO2 conditions during formation. In addition, Sc/Eu vs Sr, (La/Yb)n-(Eu/Eup)n, Sc-SREE, (Tb/Yb)n-(La/Yb)n, Tb/Ca-Tb/La diagrams also provide important information regarding the origin of the Buyukkizilcik fluorites. As a result, the geochemical data and related plots presented in this study imply that the fluorites were formed from hydrothermal fluids within an alteration zone of an intrusion.