Investigation of geological, mineralogical and geochemical properties of the kutanit mineralization (Arhavi-Artvin)

Kutanit mineralization were syngenetically formed in the upper level of Kızılkaya Formation which consist of dacite and pyroclastites, and red biomicrite layers. The lower level of the Kutanit mineralization were characterized by their disseminated and stockwork ore textures, whereas upper level consist of massive and banded ores. The ore minerals are mainly consist of pyrite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite, galena, fahlores and bornite, while quartz, and calcite were found to be accompnying to ore as a gangue minerals. According to mineral chemistry analyses lower Co and Ni content of pyrites, and lower Zn/Cd ratios of the sphalerites refer to acidic type magmatic originated hydrothermal solutions. Sulphur isotope results which were formed on the pyrite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite and galena minerals and measured between 6.1–7.8 ‰, quite compatible with this acidic originated hydrothermal solutions. The formation temperature of the Kutanit ore were measured between 140 and 384 °C, on the basis of fluid inclusion studies. This lower formation temperatures were found to be compatible with the colloidal ore textures, which refer to lower formation conditions. MgCl2 and CaCl2 dominated fluid inclusions may refer to interaction between hydrothermal solutions and marine water. The salinity values of these fluid inclusions, which very close to the salinity of marine waters (~3.5 %) support this interaction. The lower formation pressure of the Kutanit mineralization which were calculated by independent thermometer decreases up to 120 bar. This pressure correspond to 1223 m deepness of ocean water. This formation depth of the Kutanit mineralization were found to be compatible with the precipitation of sulphide ore in the ocean floor.