Lithological and Structural Controls on the Genesis of Emerald Occurrences and their Exploration Implications in and around Gurabanda Area, Singhbhum Crustal Province, Eastern India

Abstract

Emerald, the green gem variety of beryl (Be3Al2Si6O18), is the third most valuable gemstone after diamond and ruby. The green colour appearance of the crystal is due to trace of Cr3+ and V3+, which replaces Al3+ ions in the crystal lattice of beryl. The hue of green colour of emerald depends on the quantity of Cr3+ and V3+ present in the crystal. Be is incorporated along with Cr and/or V during the process of crystallization. Since Be is relatively rare in the upper continental crust, therefore specific geological and geochemical parameters are required for Be to be incorporated in the crystal lattice of emerald. The present work was carried out to understand the lithological and structural control of emerald occurrences in and around Gurabanda area within the Singhbhum shear zone (SSZ) of Singhbhum crustal province, eastern India. The biotite and serpentine schist belong to the Paleoproterozoic Dhanjori Group and constitute the major lithology of the area. Pegmatite and biotite schist contains a variety of gem minerals in abundance in the area and the gem quality emerald occur at the contact zone of quartz vein and mica-schist. Lithology and structure are the main controlling factors of gem-mineralization in the study area. The study indicates that regional metamorphism and deformation processes along the shear zone played a significant role in the formation of emerald deposits. It is inferred that Singhbhum shear zone facilitated a favourable condition, where the Be bearing pegmatites interacted with Cr bearing mica schist or ultramafic rocks to produce emerald crystal.