Advanced Applied Geology

Advanced Applied Geology

The investigation of geochemical characteristics of Celestite horizones in the Zagros Fold- Thrust Belt (ZFTB)

Authors
1 Geology Department, Faculty of Earth Science, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
2 Ph. D Student, Department of Geology, Faculty of Earth Sciences, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran. Madinsaed89@gmail.com
3 Assistant Professor, Department of Petroleum Geology and Sedimentary Basins, Faculty of Earth Sciences, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran.
4 Ph. D Student, Department of Geology, Faculty of Earth Sciences, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran.
Abstract
Celestite-bearing horizons are mainly developed within the carbonate–evaporite sequences of the Asmari and Gachsaran formations across the Zagros Fold–Thrust Belt (ZFTB). In the Asmari Formation (massive limestone and shale), the average Sr contents at Tartaab and Tarek are 87370 ppm and 81070 ppm, respectively. In the Gachsaran Formation, Sr contents reach 87527 ppm at Likak (gypsum, limestone, and marl) and 87133 ppm at Baba Mohammad (limestone and gypsum). Two-phase liquid-rich fluid inclusions from the Tarek and Tartaab celestite deposits exhibit homogenization temperatures of are 208.6°C and 219.4°C, with salinities of 4.77 and 1.77 wt.% NaCl eq, respectively. In contrast, inclusions from the Likak and Baba Mohammad deposits yield homogenization temperatures of 218.1°C and 185.6°C, with higher salinities of 12.16 and 16.34 wt.% NaCl eq., respectively. Raman spectroscopy indicates that both the liquid and vapor phases are composed of H₂O, where multiphase inclusions also contain sulfohalite, celestite, and sulfur. Celestite mineralization in the Asmari and Gachsaran formations reflects two main processes: epigenetic mineralization driven by intraformational brines, and 2) syngenetic mineralization related to meteoric water influx combined with evaporation of lagoonal and sabkha brines. The interplay of these processes has been crucial in strontium enrichment and the formation of celestite mineralization.
Keywords
Subjects

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