Comparison with carbonate rocks hosted iron skarn in the eastern Sakarya Zone (Gümüşhane, NE Turkey): a geomorphologic, geochemical and stable isotopic approach

Abstract

The carbonate rocks in the eastern part of NE Turkey are situated within the Pontide paleo-magmatic arc and are frequently in contact with granitoid formations, often hosting skarn mineralization in the region. These carbonate rocks, typically found on ridges and hillsides exhibit predominant orientations along east–west, northeast-southwest, and northwest-southeast directions. A part of limestone, named as biomicrite, metamorphosed and display a saccharoidal texture. Comprised mainly of calcite, with less secondary quartz and iron oxide minerals, these carbonate rocks are classified as Fe-poor calcio-carbonate and magnesio-carbonate, having higher CaO and LOI contents. Marble and recrystallized limestone with granoblastic texture mainly comprise of calcite, less quartz, magnetite, and hematite. Marble classification diagrams suggest calcic skarn mineralization, indicated by decreasing CaO (or CO₂) and increasing MgO from limestone to marble (or skarn). Strontium contents deviate slightly from the lithosphere carbonate average, while low Rb contents, attributed to skarn metamorphism, indicate the absence of K-bearing minerals. The high Al₂O₃/SiO₂ in the carbonate rocks can points out hydrothermal activity and carbonate disengagement can indicate to actualize at temperatures that can affect Ce and Al mobilities. The low authigenic U value, low U/Th and Ni/Co ratios in carbonate rocks have been implied that protolith constituents deposited under oxic conditions. Positive Eu anomalies in limestone and marble suggest the influence of hydrothermal fluids. Carbon and oxygen isotope values in marble are similar with those of metamorphic and skarn marbles, indicating a magmatic origin. Overall, mineralogical and geochemical analyses propose a uniform source and/or geological process for all studied marbles.