Tracing magmatic–hydrothermal processes in IOCG systems: The Shabdiz iron deposit, Iran
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: The Shabdiz Fe deposit, located in the Sanandaj–Sirjan Structural Zone of Iran, comprises magnetite- and hematite-dominated mineralization within metamorphosed sedimentary rocks, spatially associated with sodic–calcic and potassic hydrothermal alteration. Magnetite occurs as massive to lenticular bodies, with hematite and minor pyrite. The earliest stage involved granular magnetite and specularite linked to sodic–calcic alteration, followed by platy magnetite, mushketovite, titanomaghemite, and secondary hematite during potassic alteration. A later chlorite–epidote alteration overprinted earlier assemblages, and quartz–pyrite veins cut across all phases.Field and mineralogical evidence supports an iron oxide–copper–gold (IOCG)-type genesis. Variations in magnetite texture and trace elements (e.g., Ti, V, Co, Ni, and Ga) reflect progressive hydrothermal evolution. High-temperature, oxidized fluids during early stages formed granular magnetite, while later, more oxidized fluids formed platy magnetite and hematite. Mushketovite formed via hematite replacement, and late-stage pyrite indicates sulfide deposition after magnetite crystallization. Fluid inclusion data show the presence of NaCl- and CaCl2-rich fluids. Microthermometry suggests mixing of deep-sourced, basin-derived fluids with magmatic inputs, a key process driving metal transport and precipitation. These features collectively indicate IOCG-type mineralization at Shabdiz.
Authors: Soqra Rasti, Jung Hun Seo, Ali Rostami
Institutions: Seoul National University, Payame Noor University
Language: English
Subfield: Geophysics
Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,570
Award: G2101859570
OpenAlex ID: W7160433872