The role of diagenesis in the formation of lead, zinc and barite ore deposits in Lower Cretaceous carbonates (Taft and Abkouh formations) - Mehdiabad mine of Yazd

Lower Cretaceous carbonate rocks (Taft and Abkouh formations) in the south of Yazd host lead, zinc and barite ore deposits. Diagenetic processes after deposition in these carbonates have caused the formation of these deposits. The main diagenetic processes affecting these sediments include compaction, brecciation, neomorphism, cementation, dissolution, dolomitization and replacement. The dolomitization and replacement process has led to the formation of lead, zinc and barite ore deposits. Hydrothermal fluids through the active and normal faults have provided the conditions for the formation of these deposits in the carbonate rocks of this area. The formation of the ore deposit occurred during two stages of mesogenesis and telogenesis. In the mesogenesis stage and in the burial conditions, first dolomite is formed and after the entry of hydrothermal fluids and supply of necessary elements, the replacement has created sulfide minerals. During the telogenesis stage, some parts of the formed sulfide deposits are re-exposed to meteoric fluids, leading to the formation of oxide ore deposits.