Some Features of Gold Mineralization i Worash in Southern Seken 1 Area (Worq Amba), Tigray
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Date
2000-06
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Addis Ababa Universty
Abstract
The geology of the study area is constituted by feldspar quartz sericite schist,
muscovite chlorite schist , basic metavolcanics and granodiorite. The feldspar quartz
sericite schist consists of thin intercalations of strongly silicified and chlorite talc
schist . Additionally, granitic dykes and carbonate veins occur in this rock parallel to
the regional foliation . The muscovite chlorite schist also has intercalations of quartz
chlorite schist along its western margin. Major and minor quartz veins also occur in
all major rocks. Foliations generally strike to the northeast and dip at moderate to
steep angles to the west. Other geological structures evident in the study area include
fractures and small tight folds. These folds may represent the earliest phase folds in
the area .
The rocks are strongly affected by hydrothermal alterations. Wall rock alteration
types evident in the area include sericitization, silicification, carbonatization,
chloritization, epidotization and sulfidation .
Gold mineralization might have resulted from hydrothermal processes that caused
the wall rock alterations. Open spaces along host rock fractures and foliations might
have provided channel ways for the hydrothermal fluid. Gold has been detected in
quartz and carbonate veins and altered feldspar quartz sericite schist, muscovite
chlorite schist . The highest gold content has been obtained in chlorite talc schist that
is intercalated in feldspar quartz sericite schist .Gold shows a slight positive correlation with cobalt. Though this result is not
sufficient to suggest the source of the gold to be mafic- ultramafic rocks, it attracts
attention for further studies in this regard .
Some evidences from the granodiorite reveal that it is unlikely that the hydrothermal
fluid emanated from this intrusive body.
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Worq Amba Tigray