Mineralogy, geochemistry, fluid inclusion study and genesis of Homeijan magnetite- apatite mineralization, SW Behabad, Yazd province

The study area which is introduced as Homeijan magnetite- apatite mineralization in this paper, is a part of the Posht-e-Badam block in the Central Iranian Zone and is located at ~12Km southwest of Behabad. This area is composed of volcano-sedimentary rocks and acidic- basic intrusions of Precambrian and Cambrian age. Magnetite- apatite mineralizations are present as lenses near the southwestern part of the Homeijan village, which are hosted by acidic- intermediate tuffaceous rocks and dolomites. Magnetite, oligist (hematite), pyrite and chalcopyrite are the main ore minerals and apatite, pyroxene, tremolite- actinolite, calcite and quartz are as gangue minerals in the Homeijan Fe mineralization. Based on field and mineralogical studies, this mineralization texturally includes massive, brecciated, vein- veinlets and replacement textures. Chemical analyses of samples indicate that the mineralization has high concentrations of REEs up to 2.5 % in the apatite crystals. Geochemical studies demonstrate that Fet have high negative correlation with P2O5, SiO2 and ∑REE while there is a high positive correlation between ∑REE and P2O5. SEM-EDS qualitative analyses of apatite crystals indicate two REE bearing minerals including monazite and allanite as inclusions within the apatites. Furthermore, this study demonstrates that the apatite crystals are flour- apatite. Fluid inclusion studies within the apatite crystals indicate that main salinity varies between 7.86-13.9 wt.% NaCl and homogenization temperature is between 240-370°C. Comparing of REE patterns of Homeijan magnetite- apatite mineralization with other iron oxide- apatite mineralizations of Posht-e-Badam Block and Kiruna- type iron ores indicate similarities between these patterns. Generally, based on field and geochemical studies, the Homeijan magnetite- apatite mineralization classified as Kiruna- type Fe deposit.