Geochemistry and Metallogenic Significance of Pillow Lavas Associated with Cretaceous mafic intrusive bodies in the Arghash area, East of Sabzevar

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Geology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran

2 -Research Center of Geographical Sciences and Social Studies, Hakim Sabzevari University, Sabzevar, Iran -Heavy Metals Research Center, University of Hakim Sabzevari, Sabzevar, Iran

Abstract

The Arghash region, situated in the southern sector of the Sabzevar ophiolitic belt, represents a key area for investigating tectonomagmatic evolution and mineralization potential within paleo-oceanic settings. This study examines the geochemical characteristics, petrogenesis, and alteration signatures of the volcanic and plutonic rocks in the region, with the aim of constraining their tectonic environment of formation and assessing their relationship to submarine hydrothermal systems. The findings indicate that the pillow lavas exhibit geochemical affinities akin to E-MORB (enriched mid-ocean ridge basalt), and were derived from an enriched mantle source within an extensional regime associated with oceanic crustal spreading. In contrast, the mafic intrusive bodies and dykes display IAT (island-arc tholeiite) characteristics, implying the influence of subduction-related components during the basin’s evolutionary history. Evidence of spilitic alteration, extensive pyritization, malachite impregnation, and fossilized chimney-like structures points to the activity of a submarine hydrothermal system and the circulation of hydrothermal fluids within the basaltic crust. Despite these indicators, the absence of massive sulfide mineralization suggests that the Arghash hydrothermal system likely did not attain the stage of economic sulfide concentration. This may be attributed to incomplete system evolution, insufficient concentration of metal-bearing hydrothermal fluids, or the lack of preservation of the ore-bearing portion of the system. The results of this study demonstrate that E-MORB basalts can be associated with VMS (volcanogenic massive sulfide) systems in suitable settings; however, the formation of an economic deposit requires complete system evolution and effective focusing of ore-forming fluids.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Petrological Journal

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 06 July 2026

Files

History

  • Receive Date: 31 May 2026
  • Revise Date: 30 June 2026
  • Accept Date: 06 July 2026

Share

How to cite

Statistics