Whole-rock geochemistry of hydrothermal alterations and its relationship with gold mineralization in the Shourab prospect, Isfahan

Rezaei Alishahdani, Alireza; Jafari Rad, Alireza; Alaminia, Zahra; Arian, Mehran; Jamali, Hemayat

doi:10.22034/KJES.2025.11.2.103844

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‎ 10.22034/KJES.2025.11.2.103844

Whole-rock geochemistry of hydrothermal alterations and its relationship with gold mineralization in the Shourab prospect, Isfahan

Alireza Rezaei Alishahdani¹

, Alireza Jafari Rad¹

, Zahra Alaminia ^*²

, Mehran Arian¹

, Hemayat Jamali³

1- Islamic Azad University
2- Ferdowsi University of Mashhad , alaminia@um.ac.ir
3- University of Isfahan

Abstract: (343 Views)

The Shourab prospect, located in the west of Central Iran, exhibits significant hydrothermal alteration and trace element anomalies linked to potential Iron Oxide Copper-Gold systems (IOCG) mineralization. Alteration zones are characterized by chlorite, calcite, quartz, biotite, K-feldspar, albite, actinolite, sericite, and tourmaline, with variable intensities across mafic to felsic volcanic units. Molar element ratio (MER) and alteration indices (AI and CCPI) were employed to quantify alteration processes, revealing progressive alteration from peripheral propylitic zones to core potassic and sodic-calcic assemblages. Spatial geochemical anomalies of elements such as Au, Cu, U, Mo, Ba, Sm, Ce, and La strongly correlate with specific alteration zones. Mineralogical evidence and statistical analysis of lithogeochemical indices such as iron, potassium, and rare earth element enrichment along with hydrothermal alteration indices, indicate a genetic similarity between this magmatic-hydrothermal system and IOCG type systems. Host rock composition, fluid-rock interaction, and structural controls significantly influenced alteration styles. This work provides a comprehensive framework for identifying hydrothermal footprints of IOCG mineralization in complex volcanic-intrusive terrains and contributes to future exploration strategies in the west Central Iran.

Keywords: Hydrothermal Alteration, Geochemical Anomalies, IOCG systems, Central Iran.