Geology, copper mineralization and geochemical behavior of elements and their relationship with Sandstone host rock in Tupchi area, East Azerbaijan province

The study area is located in the NW of Tasuj city, East Azerbaijan province. The mineralization in the Tupchi area is of type copper.  The ore minerals include   pyrite, chalcocite, bornite, chalcopyrite and other minerals include malachite and azurite that occur within the Miocene sandstone sedimentary rocks. Based on the Index Combined Variety, deposition of mineralized sandstone in Tupchi area, accurred in the first sedimentary cycle. This was confirmed by the presence of unstable minerals such as lithic grains, feldspar and mafic minerals. The study of the source rock and the type of mineralization that occurred in these sandstones, indicate their formation from the erosion of mafic to intermediate igneous rocks in semi-arid climatic conditions. Two and multi variable statistical studies indicate that there is a good correlation between copper –silver and zinc, which is due to the similar behavior of these elements. The Red Bed type mineralization took place  in this area according to type of mineralized host rock, ore mineralogy, ore structure, type of alteration, reduce factor and mineralization control (plant remains), and finally, the comparison with known deposits in Iran.