Mineralogical and geochemical studies of gabbroids in the East Central Desert, Egypt

Abstract

Relevance of the work. The study area is limited to the Central-Eastern Desert of Egypt, represented by various rock units in addition to the gabbro rock containing iron oxides. Research Objective. This work is devoted to detailed studies of the geology of gabbroid rock minerals and iron oxides. Methodology. This work includes both field work (creation of a new geological map for various rock units in the study area) and laboratory work (preparation of thin sections for petrographic and mineralogical studies using a polarizing microscope and a scanning electron microscope SEM). Results and their application. Exploration and extraction of ore deposits and minerals in the eastern desert of Egypt is one of the most important goals for increasing the rate of mining in the country, which leads to economic recovery and meeting the needs of society. Previous work has focused on evaluating and studying economically mineral resources in the Central-Eastern Desert of Egypt. This place is considered one of the most promising mineral deposits in addition to the available iron oxide minerals. Geological studies show that the mineralization of iron oxide in the study area is mainly associated with gabbroid rocks, which carry iron oxide minerals in the form of groups and lenses in the lower part of the Earth’s layers, which is associated with magma rich in iron oxides. According to field studies, we found that iron minerals are represented by lenses up to 3 m thick, alternating with rock. Conclusions. The chemical analysis of minerals based on iron oxides was discovered using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) used to determine the chemical composition of these minerals, which are classified as minerals such as ilmenite and magnetite. Actually geochemical studies have shown that they have a high content of total iron oxides.