Mineralogical conrol on the distribution of trace elements in the Iranian karst-type bauxite deposits

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Isfahan University of Technology

2 Urmia University

10.22128/ijcm.2025.2960.0

Abstract

The Iranian bauxite deposits are hosted within karstic sinkholes of the late Paleozoic–Mesozoic marine carbonates associated with the Paleo-Tethys and Neo-Tethys Oceans. These deposits are a part of the Irano–Himalayan karst bauxite belt, and are distributed across four structural zones: (1) northwestern Iran, (2) the Alborz Mountain Chain, (3) the Zagros Simply Folded Belt, and (4) the Central Iranian Plateau. According to Al2O3–SiO2–Fe2O3 ternary diagrams, the Iranian bauxite ores with different mineral types exhibit varying degrees of laterization. The weak fractionation of Al from Fe in most Iranian bauxite ores can be attributed to factors, such as the presence of parent rocks with diverse chemical compositions, prolonged bauxitization, the formation of intermediate mineral phases, and poor drainage conditions. The median concentrations of V, Co, Nb, and Ta in the Zagros karst bauxite deposits are lower than those in other Iranian karst bauxite deposits. Iron oxides and hydroxides, such as hematite and goethite, have played a significant role in the distribution and concentration of V and Co, while anatase and rutile had a valuable role in the distribution and concentration of Nb and Ta. In contrast, the median concentrations of Al, Ga, and rare earth elements in the Zagros bauxites are higher than those in other Iranian karst bauxite deposits. The distribution and concentration of Ga in these bauxite deposits were likely controlled by diaspore and/or boehmite. Diaspore- and/or boehmite-rich horizons and lenses in the Zagros bauxite deposits could be valuable targets for further Ga exploration, while hematite- and/or goethite-rich layers in the Alborz and northwestern Iran bauxite deposits may hold potential for Co. Additionally, anatase- and/or rutile-rich layers in the Central Iran bauxite deposits could be prospective for Nb and Ta.

Keywords


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