Ore Genesis of the Abu Ghalaga Ferro-Ilmenite Ore Associated with Neoproterozoic Massive-Type Gabbros, South-Eastern Desert of Egypt: Evidence from Texture and Mineral Chemistry

Abstract

Massif-type mafic intrusions (gabbro and anorthosite) are known for their considerable resources of vanadium-bearing iron–titanium oxide ores. Massive-type gabbroic and anorthosite rocks are frequently associated with magmatic rocks that have significant quantities of iron, titanium, and vanadium. The most promising intrusions that host Fe-Ti oxide ores are the gabbroic rocks in the south-eastern desert. The ilmenite ore deposits are hosted in arc gabbroic and anorthosite rocks. They are classified into three types, namely black ore, red ore, and disseminated ore. The black ilmenite ore is located at the deeper level, while the oxidized red ore is mainly located at or near the surface. Petrographically, the gabbro and ilmenite ores indicate a crystallization sequence of plagioclase, titaniferous pyroxene, and ilmenite. This reveals that the ilmenite is a magmatic deposit formed by the liquid gravity concentration of ilmenite following the crystallization of feldspar and pyroxene. Meanwhile, quartz, tremolite, zoisite, and opaque minerals are accessory minerals. The Fe-Ti ores are composed of ilmenite hosting exsolved hematite lamellae of variable sizes and shapes, gangue silicate minerals, and some sulfides. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) data reveal the presence of two mineral phases: ilmenite and hematite formed by the unmixing of the ferroilmenite homogeneous phase upon cooling. As a result, the ore is mostly made up of hemo-ilmenite. Using an electron microscope (SEM), as well as by observing the textures seen by the ore microscope, ilmenite is the dominant Fe-Ti oxide and contains voluminous hematite exsolved crystals. Under the scanning electron microscope, ilmenite contained intergrowths of hematite as a thin sandwich and lens shape. The formation of hematite lamellae indicates an oxidation process. Mineral chemistry-based investigations reveal late/post-magmatic activity at high temperatures. The examined ilmenite plots on the ferro-ilmenite line were created by continuous solid solution over 800 °C, whereas the analyzed magnetite and Ti-magnetite plot near the magnetite line and were formed by continuous solid solution exceeding 600 °C.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of titanium dioxide/thiopolyurethane composite: anticancer and antibacterial effects

“…Ilmenite (FeTiO 3 ) is one of the most prevalent minerals and is the source of titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) [ 1 ]. It is found in the different locations of the Egyptian Eastern Desert e.g., Abu Ghalaga, Korab kanci Hamra Dome, Kolmnab Abu Dahr, Um Effein, Wadi Rahaba, Um Ginud, and Wadi El Miyah (G. El Rokham) [ 2 – 4 ]. There are present between 24°15ʺ and 24°25ʺ N and 35°02ʺ and 35°06ʺ E (Fig.…”

Remote Sensing, Petrological and Geochemical Data for Lithological Mapping in Wadi Kid, Southeast Sinai, Egypt

“…However, the distribution of granitoids within this area is not homogeneous. Several works indicate an "older Granite suite" (OGS) ranging between quartz diorite and granodiorite, formed during active subduction processes [44,45], and a younger granite suite (YGS) made up of calc-alkaline I-type granites and A-type granites that are strongly peraluminous to slightly metaluminous in composition. The younger rocks are mostly alkali feldspar granites, syenogranites, and monzogranites, associated with mafic plutons or dykes [45][46][47].…”