Geology, Petrography, and Geochemistry of the Babalou Listvenites, (Chaldoran, West Azerbaijan)

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

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

2 Department of Earth Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran

Abstract

The Babalou area is located in northwestern Iran, east of Chaldoran County in West Azerbaijan Province, and encompasses part of the Khoy Ophiolite Complex (eastern section). The Babalou ophiolitic mélange comprises intermediate to mafic metamorphic rocks, including metagabbro–diorite, metagabbro, metamonzodiorite, and metacquartz monzodiorite. Listvenites occur as veins or lenses, mainly along faults, within the ophiolitic mélange, and formed through silicic–carbonate (listvenitic) alteration. Microscopic studies and geochemical data indicate two types of listvenites in the area: silicic–carbonate and silicic listvenites. Silicic listvenites are SiO₂-rich, with an average SiO₂ content of 78.23%, MgO of 0.88%, and CaO of 10.56%. Silicic–carbonate listvenites have lower average SiO₂ (61.60%) but higher MgO (5.1%) and CaO (14.93%). Normalized chondrite-based REE spider diagrams show that the intermediate/mafic metamorphic protoliths are enriched in LREE relative to HREE, whereas the listvenites display distinct patterns. Silicic listvenites (Lis.Si) are characterized by low REE concentrations and a strong positive Eu anomaly, while silicic–carbonate listvenites (Lis.Si-Cb) have slightly higher REE (likely due to calcite), flatter patterns, and no significant Eu anomaly. Based on textural studies and the stability fields of minerals produced by this alteration, listvenite formation occurred in three stages: 1) carbonatization, 2) silicification, and 3) mica formation.

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Petrological Journal

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 09 May 2026

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History

  • Receive Date: 04 February 2026
  • Revise Date: 07 May 2026
  • Accept Date: 09 May 2026

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