Mineralogical and geochemical investigation of the Etekli (Karaisalı, Adana) Zn-Pb mineralizations

In this study, the Zn-Pb mineralization in the Jurassic-Cretaceous aged Çamlık Formation limestones belonging to the Aladağ Unit located in the western part of the Eastern Taurus Mountains was investigated.The mineralization was developed within a fault that strikes NE-SW and dips to the NW. It is evaluated that the main fault controlling the mineralization was fragmented, transported and brecciated as a result of effect of the E-W trending faults in a later period. Mineralization is observed mostly in the form of ferrous zinc carbonates in the fault zone near the surface of the main fracture. In deeper parts, it is found as zinc sulfide in the form of stock or large lenses in karstic pockets associated with the fault. On the basis major, trace and rare earth elements analyses, the origin of the mineralization was associated with the hydrothermal solution. The results of the 34S analysis of sulfide minerals such as sphalerite and galenite were determined in the range of -14.4 to-11.3 and 3.45 respectively. According to Pb isotope analysis; results from galenite samples varies from 18.68 to 18.75 for 206Pb/204Pb, 15.70 to 15.71 for 207Pb/204Pb and 38.84 to 38.91 for 208Pb/204Pb ratios. According to the results of 13C and 18O isotope analyses performed on smithsonite and limestones, 13C values range from -4.21,-2.26, and 1.69. Whereas Oxygen isotope values are between -2.7,-1.76 and, -6.36. All the geochemical results suggest that primary sulfide minerals were formed by hydrothermal and epigenetic processes, and then followed by secondary carbonate and oxide type deposits settled in the formed spaces as a result of terrestrial weathering and karstification.