Genesis of Afzalabad, Thorshak Mohammadi, and Chah Khoo Magnesite deposits(east of Birjand) based on elemental and Oxygen and Carbon isotopic studies

Iran magnesite deposits are mainly discovered in eastern city of Birjand. Afzalabad, Torshak Mohammadi, and Chah Khoo. Magnesite deposits were studied with respect to major, trace elements and C-O isotopes. Magnesite are found mainly within ophiolite. They form as vein and lenses. Magnesite mineralization is associated mainly with Nehbandan and Neh fault systems. Nehbandan fault is very steep and also is very deep. North Afzalabad Magnesite has the highest Na-content (259-1670 ppm) and this is the result of fly sch found in the foot wall. South Afzalabad has the lowest Na- content (12 to 275 ppm) because there in no fly sch type rocks in the area. Huntite has the highest Na - content ranging from 3046 to 3468 ppm. The lowest Sr found in South Afzalabad (2-8 ppm) and Chah khoo (0-50 ppm). The highest Sr content (35-211 ppm) found is Turshak Mohammadi and North - Afzalabad deposits. The highest Mn and Fe found at Chah khoo and North Afzalabad deposits and the lowest Mn and Fe is associated within Torshak mohammadi and south Afzalabad deposits. Huntite has the highest Mn and Fe content. C-O isotopic composition of magnesite from Torshak Mohammadi, Afzalabad and Chah khoo were compared with magnesits deposits associated within Alpine ophiolite belt discovered in Turkey, Greece, Yugoslavia, Austria, and California. The C-O isotopic composition of alpine ophiolite are δ18O(SMOW)=23-27%, and δ13C(PDB)=-17 to -6 %δ and all of them plot in the same region, but Afzalabad, Torshak Mohammadi and Chah Khoo plot in different field. The δ180% values of magnesite deposits in Eastern iran ranging from 31-36 (% SMOW) and δ13 C ranging is between 1.8 - 8 (% PDB). The CO2 had atmospheric origin and the H2O have meteoric origion