Geochemical investigation of the magnesite deposits of Meram-Çayırbağı (Konya) and Sarıkavak (Mersin)

In this study, the magnesit deposits in Meram-Çayırbağı (Konya) and Sarıkavak (Mersin) regions were evaluated through the geochemical and geological perspectives. The XRD, ICP-MS and REE analyses were conducted on 10 and 4 samples taken from Çayırbağı and Sarıkavak regions, respectively. According to the XRD analyses, the mineral paragenesis of the Meram-Çayırbağı region is obtained as dolomite, ferromagnesite and magnesite. Whereas, the mineral paragenesis of the Sarıkavak region is found as dolomite, ferromagnesite and magnesite. Major element analyses from the magnesites of Meram Çayırbağı, the average percentages of MgO, SiO2, and CaO were found 43,58, 13.47 and 5.88, respectively. The average percentages of MgO, SiO2, and CaO values for the Sarıkavak magnesites were found 46.75, 0.30, and 1.64, respevtively. According to the trace element analyses high Ni values of the Meram-Çayırbağı and Sarıkavak regions being as 149.45 and 70.9 ppm, suggest that magnesites were derived from the ultramafic rocks by weathering processes. Finally, it is concluded that both Meram-Çayırbağı and Sarıkavak magnesite deposites are in cyriptocristallen type. Keywords: Meram-Çayırbağı, Sarıkavak, magnesite, stokwork, geochemistry.