Physiochemical characteristics of oOre-bearing fluids for celestite occurrence in the Zagros fold-thrust belt: using microthermometry studies

Oilgocene-Miocene celestite occurrences are observed across the carbonate-evaporite formations of Asmari and Gachsaran in the Zagros fold - thrust belt. The aim of this research is the study of fluid inclusions in our celestite deposits (Tortab, Tarak, Likak and Babamohamad) to reveal the nature of ore-forming fluids. Abundant structures including: geodic and vein-like structures as open-space filling along with replacement textures like mosaic and vein-like in a carbonate matrix are present. Moreover, celestite, calcite, gypsum and anhydrite are observed as the major minerals in this deposits. Based on petrographic studies, 5 groups of fluid inclusions were recognised, which are categorized as: Liquid mono phase (L), vapour mono phase (V), liquid-rich two phase (LV), vapor-rich two phase (VL) and multi-phase fluids (LVS). The results obtained from the study of microthermometry data show 134.3 to 291.8°C as homogenisation temperatures and salinities of 2.5-18.17 wt%, NaCl equ, all are involved in forming celestite. Based on the results of microthermometry data, it can be deduced that formation mechanism of celestite is resulted from reaction between fluid and rocks of the area. Moreover, tectonic activities such as uplift and diagenesis of beds along with dissolution of minerals have caused release of strontium in the fluids responsible for ore-forming. This has generally undertaken by two fluids of meteoric and brine origins over different stages of ore-formation, replacing anhydrite with strontium at high temperatures during late- diagenetic and epigenetic processes.