Gold mineralization occurrences of Saqez–Baneh zone (north Sanandaj-Sirjan, Iran): structural settings in a microscopic scale

The Sanandaj-Sirjan Zone (SSZ) is the metamorphic-magmatic core of Zagros Orogen in Iran. The SSZ has produced several styles of gold deposits during the Phanerozoic eon. The Saqez–Sardasht zone includes a NE-trending goldfield belt, located at the northern SSZ. This area, embodying the main orogenic gold deposits (e. g. Qolqoleh, Kervian, Qabaqhlujeh, Hamzeh Gharanain, Mirgeh Naghshineh) was chosen for this research in order to study the relationship between deformation phases and gold-accompanying minerals in a microscopic scale. It is demonstrated that the study area has experienced ۲ ductile phases, ۱ semi-ductile phase and ۱ brittle phase of deformation, each associated with the shear zone progression. Gold mineralization via each deformation phase is relevant with the precipitation of new pyrites and shearing/rotating of old pyrites.