Advanced Applied Geology

Advanced Applied Geology

Insights into Magmatic Evolution, Oxidation State, and Fertility Potential of the Kuh-e-Esfand Porphyry Copper Deposit, Jiroft, Based on Zircon Geochemistry

Authors
ALIREZA ZARASVANDI 1
Sakine Soltani Mehr 1
Adel Saki 1
Mohsen rezaei 1
Nader Taghipour 2
Songjian Ao 3
1 Department of Geology, Faculty of Earth Science, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
2 School of Earth Sciences, Damghan University, Damghan, Iran
3 State Key Laboratory of Lithospheric Evolution, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
10.22055/aag.2026.52359.2574
Abstract
In this study, zircon trace-element geochemistry was investigated to evaluate the oxidation state and magmatic evolution of the quartz-dioritic intrusion associated with the Kuh-e-Esfand porphyry Cu deposit, southern Jiroft, southeastern Iran. Following cathodoluminescence, transmitted- and reflected-light imaging, and selection of suitable analytical spots, LA-ICP-MS analyses were conducted on 18 zircon grains. Zircon Eu/Eu* ratios (>0.4) and 10⁴(Eu/Eu*)/YbN values (5–24) suggest that the parental magma was relatively hydrous and oxidized, exhibiting geochemical characteristics comparable to those of economically fertile porphyry Cu systems. The zircon compositional trends are consistent with the evolution of the quartz-dioritic magma through amphibole and apatite fractional crystallization, followed by an increasing contribution of apatite crystallization. This interpretation is consistent with the hydrous nature of the parental melt. Zircon-based estimates of the magma oxidation state suggest an increase in oxygen fugacity from ΔFMQ = 0.24 to 1.64 during the evolution of the silicate system. This range is consistent with the oxidation conditions required for the stability of oxidized sulfur and efficient metal transport in porphyry systems. The progressive increase in oxygen fugacity may be related to several processes, including amphibole crystallization, hydrothermal fluid exsolution, and degassing of SO₂-bearing volatile phases. Zircon geochemical indices, particularly Eu/Eu* (>0.4) and 10⁴(Eu/Eu*)/YbN, show potential for assessing magma fertility, whereas Hf concentrations should be interpreted with caution. These results support the mineralization potential of the Kuh-e-Esfand deposit and highlight the southern KMCB as a prospective region for future porphyry Cu exploration.
Keywords
Zircon geochemistry
Magma evolution
Oxygen Fugacity
Kuh-e-Esfand porphyry copper deposit
LA-IC-MS
Subjects
 
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Advanced Applied Geology
Volume 16, Issue 2
Summer 2026
Pages 30-54