Mineralogy, geochemistry and genesis of corundum-amesite rich meta-bauxites in the Lavand Deposit, Mahallat, Central Iran

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Earth Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran

2 2. Exploration Department Expert, Magma ma`dan Arya Company, Shiraz, Iran

Abstract

Lavand bauxite deposit is located about 11 km west of the Mahallat city, in the north of 1:100000 Mahallat Sheet; structurally, it is a part of the Central Iran zone and parts of the Precambrian metamorphism of Golpayegan. Two main bauxite-laterite zones of the Permian age are enclosed between layers of Arkosic sandstone units and yellow marble limestone. This deposit has a wide variety of minerals, including aluminum and iron oxides-hydroxides, silicates, titanium oxides, and carbonates. Corundum and Amesite are the main minerals in this deposit. The index textures of these specimens include oolitic-pisolitic, oolitic-spheroidal and oolitic-spastolitic textures. Lavand bauxites contain 48-56% Al2O3, 3 to 25% Fe2O3, 4 to 18% SiO2 and 1 to 6% TiO2. Based on the Al2O3-Fe2O3-SiO2 Ternary diagrams, this deposit is classified as bauxite and iron bauxite. These Al₂O₃-rich samples formed during the lateritization process. Based on this studiy, Permian basalts and diabase dykes can be considered as the source rock of Lavand meta-bauxite. According to the Eh-pH diagram of natural atmospheric environments and the stability environment of minerals, during the lateritization process, the oxidizing conditions have changed to reducing conditions in a cross-sectional manner. Also, the mineralogical diversity in the region confirms several phases of reduction and oxidation in environment during the evolution process of the Lavand deposit. Therefore, weathering of the source rock and subsequent bauxitization processes have led to the leaching of alkaline and alkaline earth elements from the environment and the bauxite is formed; resulting in the formation of bauxite through diagenetic processes and subsequent metamorphism

Keywords

References

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History

  • Receive Date: 01 May 2025
  • Revise Date: 09 August 2025
  • Accept Date: 09 August 2025

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