The Kızılüzüm Pb–Zn–Ag deposit is hosted within carbonate rocks belonging to the Bornova Flysch Zone (BFZ) in Western Anatolia. The base of the BFZ in the study area comprises Upper Cretaceous recrystallized dolomitic limestones with rudist fossils, overlain by Late Cretaceous–Paleocene flysch-type sequences consisting predominantly of fossil-free sandstone and shale alternations, along with occasional limestone lenses. Cataclastic granitic dike, possibly of Miocene (?) age, intrude these units. The BFZ exhibits an imbricated internal structure, and the Kızılüzüm Pb–Zn–Ag mineralization has developed within the recrystallized dolomitic limestones particularly at the intersections of low-angle thrust zones and faults. The ore zone is oxidized and contains 0.4–44% Zn, 0.2–12.5% Pb, 65–3305 ppm As, and 1.5–347 ppm Ag. The moderately strong correlation of Ag with Pb and sulfur (r = 0.7) suggests its association with galena. Fluid inclusions yield an average 238°C the homogenization temperature (Th) and 5.4 wt.% NaCl equivalent salinity, indicating a dominantly magmatic-hydrothermal origin for the ore-forming fluids. δ34S for sulfide minerals average –6.89‰ (range: –11.95‰ to 4.46‰; n = 27), while barite shows 8.75‰ (range: 0.67‰ to 14.05‰; n = 5). These data suggest that sulphur may have been derived from dominantely magmatic sulphate sources with partly sedimentary sulphate contribution, reduced and fractionated through thermochemical sulfate reduction (TSR) processes. Considering its geological setting, mineral paragenesis, fluid inclusion data, sulfur isotope compositions, and ore geochemistry, the Kızılüzüm Pb–Zn–Agmineralization may have been formed through the mixing of magmatic-hydrothermal fluids derived from Oligocene–Miocene magmatic rocks intruded into the Bornova Flysch Zone (BFZ), and shows similarities to Carbonate Replacement Deposit (CRD)-type Pb–Zn deposits worldwide.
The present study is an analytical investigation into the geomaterial and engineering geological characteristics of Cretan (Greece) and Dazkiri (Afyonkarahisar, Türkiye) whetstones. The Cretan whetstone, a prominent example of a heritage natural whetstone, is a distinctive type of carbonate-cemented siltstone that is extracted from the island of Crete in Greece. Conversely, a new specimen was recently identified by the authors and designated as "the Dazkırı whetstone," which exhibits comparable lithology and is extracted in the Dazkırı district of Afyonkarahisar (Türkiye). In order to ascertain the geomaterial characteristics of the studied whetstones, a number of analytical and test techniques were utilized. Furthermore, Cerchar Abrasivity Index (CAI) measurements were conducted and acquired. The CAI results were then compared through the use of regression equations related to quartz content, cementation degree, and the Böhme surface abrasion resistance. The oil absorption test was finally conducted to ascertain the grinding-honing performances and impregnation capacity with lubricant of the examined whetstones. Consequently, a comparative analysis of the subject whetstones was conducted, resulting in the definition and classification of their characteristics. These characteristics included the relationship between grain size and grit size equivalent, as well as the type of lubricant, function, and uses. In summary, the Dazkırı whetstone exhibits superior geomaterial characteristics and grinding-honing performance when compared to the Cretan whetstone.
The study area is located near the apex of the north-facing and V-shaped Konya-Niğde Graben. Its south-southeast margin is defined and controlled by the NE-trending Karaman-Niğde Fault Zone. It also forms the geographic boundary between the central Tauride in the south and central Anatolia in the north. This study aimed to determine the Latest Pliocene–Quaternary uplift rate of the central Tauride and the evolutionary history of the Kızıllar Canyon located on the uplifting southern footwall block of the Karaman Niğde Fault Zone. Both the geological and geomorphological field data, which were obtained within the framework of this study, revealed the following: (1) the Kızıllar River drainage system developed as a result of several capture events; (2) Lithological and hydrological characteristics of the valley reveal the reason for the lack of gradation in the river's longitudinal profile; (3) the Kızıllar Canyon reflects the incision process of the Kızıllar River; (4) the Kızıllar River cut vertically into its bed up to 230 m, which corresponds to the minimum Latest Pliocene–Quaternary uplift rate of the central Tauride (~0.06 mm/yr); and (5) the Kızıllar Canyon developed as a natural response of the river to the uplift of the Konya-Niğde Fault Zone footwall block.
Kapuzbaşı karst spring is located between Kayseri and Adana, one of the most important and well-studied mountainous karst regions, Aladağlar, Central Taurus, Türkiye. Previous scientific studies revealed the hydrogeological setup, perceptual model including groundwater residence time and potential recharge-discharge relationship; however, there has not been any process-based conceptual modeling experiment on the karst spring aiming to parameterize the karst system hydrodynamics. In the present study, we aimed to develop a numerical model of the karst groundwater system to parameterize the system hydrodynamics, which was built based on the conceptual understanding of the karst hydrogeology. We selected the lumped-conceptual hydrological model of KarstMod to quantify the discharge of the Kapuzbaşı spring. The modeling experiment showed that the recharge area of the karst spring is covering approximately 350 km2, and the approximate annual discharge exceeds 250 hm3. The preferential flow mechanism triggered after the water level in epikarst exceeding 92 mm, and the melt factor is approximated as 9.91 mm/°C/day. The response time of conduit reservoir is approximately 1 day, and the loss flux triggered when the water level in conduit reservoir exceeding 4mm. The hydraulic conductivity of the matrix reservoir is found approx. 0.012 mm/day. The model performance based on the daily discharge was obtained as Nash Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) = 0.77, and Kling-Gupta Efficiency (KGE) = 0.87 in the calibration, and NSE = 0.76, and KGE = 0.77 for the validation periods, respectively. Eliminating the less sensitive model parameters in the calibration leads to more robust and less uncertain discharge simulations.
The Paleocene–Eocene succession at jebel Onk, northeastern Algeria, remains poorly understood, despite its significance for reconstructing paleoenvironments during a critical period of global change. Unlike the well-studied equivalent series in the Metlaoui–Gafsa Basin, the Algerian counterpart lacks a robust stratigraphic and paleoenvironmental framework. This study addresses this gap by applying detailed sedimentological and petrographic analyses, integrated with sequence stratigraphic principles based on the model of Vail. Five erosional surfaces delineate five truncated depositional sequences, each containing only a transgressive and highstand systems tract, indicating repeated interruptions in sedimentation. Eight lithofacies were identified, reflecting deposition along a carbonate ramp system that ranges from outer ramp to restricted lagoonal and tidal flat settings. These facies transitions reveal shifts between transgressive and regressive phases, including a notable phosphatic-rich interval and an upper evaporitic horizon. The uppermost sequence is interpreted as an inner ramp deposit from the terminal Ypresian to early Lutetian. Stratigraphic correlation with distal, pelagic facies supports this age assignment. The integration of facies architecture with the influence of eustatic and tectonic controls allowed identification of two second-order tectono-eustatic cycles. This refined framework enhances regional correlation of Paleocene–Eocene deposits in North Africa and underscores the complex stratigraphic evolution of the Kef Essnoun section.
The Dodurga Fault is an active right-lateral strike-slip fault, approximately 63 km long, striking NW–SE in northwestern Anatolia. Based on 1:25,000-scale active fault mapping, the fault is subdivided into two principal geometric segments. Segment 1 is approximately 16 km long and extends from Sulhiye in the west to Erikli in the east, whereas Segment 2 is 47 km long and is characterized by a right-stepping geometry and a 10°–15° southeastern deflection. Geological and geomorphological observations, together with kinematic analyses, indicate that the fault is dominantly right-lateral strike-slip in character. Stream channels offset by up to several kilometers along the fault trace support its long-term activity, and fault-plane kinematic indicators independently confirm dextral motion. Paleostress analyses of the kinematic data indicate that the recent deformation phase along the Dodurga Fault is governed by approximately N–S contraction and E–W extension. Empirical scaling relationships suggest that Segment 1 and Segment 2 are capable of generating earthquakes of Mw 6.47 and Mw 6.97, respectively. If both segments rupture together, the Dodurga Fault could potentially generate an earthquake of Mw 7.16.
The Zoti ore field in the Guria region of western Georgia, within the Lesser Caucasus metallogenic belt, hosts iron–gold–copper mineralization related to volcanic–sedimentary sequences and intrusive bodies. This study aims to delineate potential mineral anomalies and evaluate their structural controls using remote-sensing techniques. Terra ASTER (AST_L1B 00309232004081235)imagery acquired on 4 March 2024 was utilized. The dataset exhibits less than 5% cloud and snow cover, while vegetation density is moderate. After applying radiometric and atmospheric corrections and NDVI-based masking, the data were prepared for image processing. Image analyses were conducted using ENVI 4.8, ERDAS IMAGINE 2022, and ArcMap 10.8.2. Lineament analysisindicates dominant structural trends subparallel to the Lesser Caucasus, exerting significant control on the spatial distribution of argillic–phyllic alteration zones and iron-oxide anomalies. Hematite and metabasalt anomalies are mainly concentrated in the southern and southeastern parts of the study area. Furthermore, iron-oxide, alunite, clay, muscovite, calcite, kaolinite, and sericite anomalies show a strong spatial association with the Natanebi River corridor. Intense Fe-oxide and Al-OH alteration zones coincide with known mineral prospects and extend into previously unexplored structural domains, highlighting promising targets for future field investigations.
The Jebel El Onk region presents a complex geological history, starting with Maastrichtian limestones. Early Paleocene subsidence intensified, leading to the deposition of thick marly horizons and black marl shales during the early Thanetian. This was followed by the formation of a significant phosphate sequence during the late Thanetian to early Ypresian, comprising interbedded marls, phosphorites, and dolomites, and concluding with lagoonal gypsum marls and phosphate-rich clays, subsequently overlain by Miocene sediments. This study focuses on the Jebel-Onk phosphate deposit, with a particular emphasis on characterizing diverse phosphate facies and assessing their implications for resource management. Using X-ray Diffraction analysis, the apatite group minerals and associated rock components from the Djemi-Djema-East deposit were identified. To further elucidate the deposit’s morphology and surrounding lithology, the study integrated geochemical data and lithological succession derived from core drilling. An automatic mapping of the Paleo-Eocene stratiform phosphate body highlighted spatial irregularities in thickness and established correlations with the supra-layer cover, consisting of Ypresian and Lutetian flint limestones and Miocene sands. Chemical element analysis revealed content variations between the two dominant phosphate types, beige and dark gray, with isotener maps illustrating geochemical heterogeneities within the phosphate layer. Bi-variable statistical analyses provided additional insights, demonstrating strong positive correlations between P2O5, CaO, and SiO2, while MgO showed a negative correlation. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) further identified three distinct geochemical associations, corresponding to the phosphate material, the organic and dolomitic matrix, and the clay material. These findings offer valuable insights for optimizing selective phosphate exploitation. By identifying spatial thickness variations, geochemical properties, and facies transitions, the study enables precise targeting of high-grade zones, reduces waste, and supports strategic planning for sustainable resource management at the Djemi-Djema Est deposit.
The aim of this study is to understand the geological aspect and characterisation of barite bodies in Camal Island, a part of Kenyir National Geopark, in Terengganu state, Malaysia. Methods included a desk study, field investigations, and laboratory analyses including petrographic analysis, XRD, and SEM. Based on the field investigation and petrographic analysis, the host rock of the Camal Island barite body is mainly shale and mudstone with minor chert and siltstone (regionally called Kerbat Shale). The barite bodies here can be categorised into three types: stratiform, vein, and residual bodies. Thin sections of barite samples confirmed the type of barite bodies with different crystal structures. XRD analysis identified several phases including barium and barium sulfate as primary phases, sulfur, oxygen, calcium and strontium as secondary phases as well as quartz and other minor phases suggesting complex formation processes. SEM analysis of several barite samples also revealed that barite in stratiform body has fine-grained, tabular and bladed crystals, while barite in both vein and residual bodies has coarse-grained, irregular forms. These findings improve the understanding of the geology and barite mineralization of three types of barite bodies (stratiform, vein, and residual bodies) in the study area. The existence of this mineral should be protected to support the development and conservation of the Kenyir Geopark.
Akçal Au-Ag mineralization is located in one of the most important metallogenic provinces in Tethys Orogenic Belt, Biga Peninsula. In the study area, widespread argillic alteration is observed and mined in previous years. Recent surface exploration and drillhole operation studies indicate that extensional tectonic-related, structurally-controlled Au-Ag mineralization developed parallel alongE-W, N55-75E and N30W-trending tectonic zones and NE-SW-trending secondary tectonic zones. Based on field observations and mineralogical-petrographic studies, mineralization was formed inŞapçı volcanics where fluids caused widespread advanced argillic, argillic and propylitic alteration in the study area. Fluid inclusion analyses were performed on transparent-semi-transparent (quartz) crystals in the argillic alteration zone. The primary inclusions consist of two-phase (liquid+gas) inclusions. The homogeniSation temperature was determined as 190-240°C and the salinity as 0.7- 2.7% NaCl in the fluid inclusion measurements. Field observations, mineralogical-petrographic studies, and fluid inclusion data indicate that Au-Ag mineralization occurs in an epithermal system and that the mineralization is not eroded. In west-northwest Anatolia, formation temperature and salinities of the Miocene-aged extensional-related Au-Ag deposits are quite compatible with the formation temperature 190-240°C, 0.7-2.7% NaCl salinity of Akçal Au-Ag deposit. Due to this feature, Akçal mineralization is quite similar to low/medium sulfidation epithermal system deposits.
Carbonaceous Chondrites have special significance in the stellar evolution and in particular in the evolution of life on earth. The carbonaceous meteorite that fell in Mukundpura village, Jaipur, Rajasthan on 6th June 2017 is one such rare CM2 carbonaceous meteorite. We carried out high resolution scanning and transmission electron microscopic studies on typical thin sections, showing abundant grains of iridium, pentlandite, and more interestingly crystalline carbon. These crystallite carbon grains resemble nanodiamond like signature in the freshest Mukundpura meteorite. The high-resolution Raman spectroscopic measurements are carried out on the crystalline carbon grains, showing well resolved three distinct peaks with a vibrational mode at 1315 cm-1, with the onset of a weak vibrational mode at 1150 cm-1, substantiating the observation of nanocrystalline diamond in Mukundpura meteorite. The broad peak centered at 1360 cm-1 and 1575 cm-1 (as an average), suggest the presence of graphitic carbon as well together with apparent presence of nanocrystalline diamond. The average size of nanocrystalline diamond is ~ 3-5 nm. High iridium content in this meteorite supports the meteoric impact related iridium anomaly in geological stratigraphic boundaries (e.g. Cretaceous-Tertiary boundary) that has caused mass extinction of flora and fauna.
This study presents the occurrence of invisible gold and associated trace elements in pyrite from the Late Permian Kővágószőlős Sandstone Formation within the Western Mecsek uranium ore deposit, Hungary. Eight pyrite-rich drill-core samples were analyzed using optical microscopy, EMPA, LA-ICP-MS, and sequential extraction coupled with ICP-OES. Optical microscopy and EMPA analyses identified three pyrite morphologies: framboidal (1–20 μm), cement (50–200 μm), and euhedral (1–20 μm). Framboidal pyrite, of bacterial origin, occurs within organic matter, whereas cement and euhedral pyrites are associated with quartz and feldspar. Cement pyrite occasionally hosts minor sulfosalt and galena inclusions. LA-ICP-MS detected gold in pyrite grains (average 0.33 ppm), while sequential extraction with ICP-OES confirmed gold at 0.42 ppm. Elevated concentrations of As, Zn, and Cu range from 0.2 to 2.3%, along with trace elements such as W (0.05-0.13 ppm), Ba (7- 40 ppm), and Ni (95-244 ppm), were also identified. Gold is interpreted to occur primarily as a solid solution within the pyrite lattice, whereas other trace elements are likely associated with metal nanoparticles on or within the pyrite grains. These findings emphasize the complex geochemistry of pyrite and highlight the necessity for further studies, including sulfur isotope analysis, to elucidate ore-forming processes and gold mineralization mechanisms.
The main focus of the criticisms raised by O'Kelly and Soltani (2025) (hereafter referred to as discussers) to the authors' article in Bulletin of Mineral Research and Exploration (174, 1-10) is to examine the veracity of the strength-based equations presented by Kayabalı et al. (2024). The discussers applied the predictive equations proposed by the authors to dissimilar soils in the two articles (Kayabalı et al., 2015a; Kayabalı et al., 2015b) published earlier by the lead author with his research group. The discussers showed that the predictive equations 6 and 7 given by Kayabalı et al. (2024) yield extremely high values of liquid limit (LL) and plastic limit (PL) when applied to dissimilar soils. Further, discussers argued that the approach proposed by Kayabalı et al. (2024) led to erroneous results in determining soil classes.
The Kuluncak (Malatya) district hosts one of the most significant Nb-U-REE-Zr-Li mineralizations in Türkiye, spatially associated with alkaline and carbonatite-related rocks. In this study, geochemical and geophysical investigations were integrated with surface and drillhole data to evaluate the role of fenitization in rare earth element enrichment. The drillhole profiles reveal systematic variations: in marble-hosted sections, light rare earth element (LREE) anomalies occur near-surface zones coupled with KO enrichment, whereas in nepheline syenite-hosted drillholes, REE anomalies are concentrated at intermediate depths (~40-100 m) with heterogeneous distributions. High CaO concentrations, together with fluorite, barite, apatite, and Nb-REE-bearing minerals, confirm a strong carbonatitic contribution. Geophysical anomalies (spectral gamma, magnetic maps) support the geochemical evidence and were used to identify subsurface fenite zones. Comparison with other carbonatite-related systems in Türkiye, such as the Özvatan complex (Kayseri) and Eskisehir, indicates that Kuluncak represents one of the most carbonatite-dominant and LREE-enriched systems in the region. On a global scale, the geochemical features of Kuluncak resemble world-class deposits such as Bayan Obo (China) and Ilímaussaq (Greenland). These findings demonstrate that fenitization and carbonatite-related metasomatism are the principal processes controlling mineralization, highlighting the Kuluncak district as a strategic Nb-REE resource of both national and international importance.
The Rietveld method refines a theoretical line profile until it fits the measured profile using a least squares methodology. In Rietveld method, complete qualitative mineral determination, mineralchemistry, appropriate XRD analytical conditions and sample preparation steps should be applied correctly. This study aims to determine the grain size-dependent variations in the quantitativecompositions of minerals with various chemical compositions and crystallographic characteristics. Eight pure minerals (quartz, calcite, halite, colemanite, barite, polyhalite, gypsum, thenardite) are been selected, powdered, pulverized and separated into 3 different grain sizes as 228μm (Dv90), 29μm (Dv90) and 8μm (Dv90). These minerals are mixed in certain proportions to prepare three mixture samples. Mixture samples are evaluated using the Rietveld Method on XRD whole rock patterns and then compared to the actual reference mixture sample whose mixing ratio is known for each grain size. Sample with a grain size of 8μm (Dv90) with random orientation gave the closest result compared to the reference content. If the structural and physical refinement stages are processed properly, accuracy of percentage mineralogical composition increases when the grain size decreases.
The Uzunpınar (Boztepe-Kırşehir) Zn-Pb±Cu mineralization is hosted within the gneiss and marbles of Paleozoic Kalkanlıdağ Formation of the Central Anatolian Crystalline Complex. The rocks observed in the mineralization area are mica gneiss, marble, migmatite, and microgranite, which were formed through high-grade metamorphism and anatexis of pelitic and carbonateprotoliths. The mineralization has a stratiform geometry which extends approximately 1,850 m in a NE-SW direction. Six distinct mineralization levels (horizons), exhibiting similar characteristics and thicknesses ranging from 3.1–32.10 m, have been identified hosted within gneisses and marbles. These levels comprise ore bands and disseminations with thicknesses of 0.1–8 cm, aligned parallel to the foliation. Ore minerals are sphalerite, galena, chalcopyrite, and minor scheelite, while gangue minerals are pyrite, marcasite, pyrrhotite, gahnite, and Bafeldspar. In the Uzunpınar mineralization, the alignment of ore bands with the host rock foliation, the presence of coarse-grained euhedral opaque minerals, foam textures, gahnite, Ba-feldspar, and the high Fe content in sphalerites serve as evidence for the influence of metamorphism on the mineralization. The stratiform geometry, syngenetic origin, and metal and mineral paragenesis suggest a SEDEX origin for the mineralization, later metamorphosed together with its host rocks.
The Bracco chromitites are hosted in the Mesozoic Ligurian Ophiolites (Italy) and provide key insights into the magmatic and post-magmatic (i.e. metamorphic and hydrothermal) evolution of gabbro-hosted chromitites in an oceanic mantle. Petrographic and mineralogical analyses reveal that the Bracco chromitites comprise cumulitic, massive to disseminated, layered chromitites overprinted by multi-stage alteration within altered olivine-clinopyroxene-anorthite cumulates. Detailed Cr-Al- Fe3+ systematics indicates that primary Cr- to Al-rich chromite, affected by metamorphic-hydrothermal processes under sub-greenschist facies conditions, locally escaped recrystallization and metasomatic modification. Consequently, chromite cores preserve their primary magmatic compositions consistent with crystallization from aluminous melts produced by low-degree partial mantle melting at a midocean ridge (MOR) setting. Metamorphic-hydrothermal alteration is marked by multi-stage ferrian chromite rims, whereas based on their Mg content the associated chlorite is classified as clinochlore. Chlorite geothermometry indicates alteration temperatures in the range of similar to 100-300 degrees C, consistent with oceanic serpentinization under prehnite-pumpellyite facies conditions. The hydrothermal fluids were oxidizing, enriched in SiO2 and MnO, and circulated through fracture networks in the shallow oceanic lithosphere. Elevated MnO amounts in alteration rims suggest widespread Mn-enrichment in these fluids, potentially linking them to seafloor Mn deposits in the Ligurian Ophiolites. Together, these findings indicate that the Bracco chromitites, their gabbroic hosts, and associated lherzolitic mantle rocks were at least partially exposed at the Tethyan seafloor prior to their final emplacement during the Alpine orogenetic phase, where serpentinization promoted complex chromite alteration.
The red-colored sedimentary rocks of the Kazmaca, Incik, and Bayindir formations, particularly the red mudstones, exhibit noteworthy enrichment in Rare Earth Elements (REEs) and uranium. These fine-grained units were deposited in low-energy lacustrine to shallow-marine environments, where redox-sensitive geochemical processes played a central role in elemental mobilization and accumulation. Mineralogical and geochemical analyses, including XRD, XRF, and ICP-MS, identified the uranium-bearing mineral Fourmarierite, confirming the presence of uranium mineralization. This finding is supported by elevated Cu/Al ratios, increased Fe concentrations, and trace-element distributions indicative of a redox-controlled diagenetic environment. The high Fe concentrations and Cu/Al ratios act as geochemical proxies for REE-hosting phases. The depositional setting, characterized by low dissolved oxygen levels, likely reflects a warm and humid paleoclimate that enhanced chemical weathering and facilitated the mobilization and subsequent precipitation of uranium and REEs. Notably, dark-colored mudstone interbeds within the sandstone sequences exhibit localized uranium accumulation, which may represent precursor zones for secondary REE mineralization. These findings underscore the importance of redox conditions and climatic factors in controlling REE and uranium enrichment in red bed sequences. The presence of Fourmarierite, in conjunction with distinctive geochemical signatures, suggests a significant potential for REE exploration in these formations.
The Taurus Mountains form the southern boundary of the Central Anatolian Plateau in Türkiye and represent part of the broader Himalayan-Tibetan orogenic system. Today, they act as a climatic divide, separating the dry, semi-arid interior to the north from the more temperate Mediterranean climate to the south. However, their formation history and climatic impacts remain unclear. In this study, we apply multiple aliquot (U-Th)/He dating to supergene iron-oxide phases from the Attepe iron deposits in the Eastern Taurides to investigate Cenozoic climatic conditions. The ages obtained from four deposits range from ~5.2 to 0.95 Ma, indicating sustained hot and humid conditions conductive to supergene mineralization during the Plio-Pleistocene. The observed decrease in age with depth, reflect a progressive deepening of the weathering front at rates of 6.4 to 18 meters per million years between 5 and 1 Ma. The preservation of supergene iron minerals formed during a stable, warm, and humid period between the late Miocene and middle Pliocene implies an absence of rapid uplift or erosion within the past million years. Instead, the youngest goethite around 0.95 Ma supports the hypothesis that regional climate change, rather than tectonic uplift, was the primary factor of increasing aridity around ~1 Ma.
The Borucu (Aksaray) region, within the Central Anatolian Crystalline Complex, comprises a variety of rocks, including granite, alkali feldspar granite (AFG), pegmatite, and aplite dikes. The granite and AFG host some veins or lenses of pegmatites, with lengths reaching approximately 70 m in the N10-25W direction. The AFG and pegmatitic rocks are characterized by variable mineral assemblages, including K-feldspar (orthoclase), quartz, plagioclase, and to a lesser extent, biotite, garnet, and opaque minerals. Inner zones feature the mega-grained pegmatite, whereas outer zones consist of the coarse-grained K-feldspar and quartz pegmatite. In this study, integrated surface and vertical (trenching and drilling) exploration, mineralogy-petrography, geochemical, and magnetic separation analyses were employed to assess the industrial raw material potential of the AFG and pegmatites. The total alkali (Na2O+K2O) contents reach 15.56-16.82% for the mega-grained pegmatite, 8.07-9.76% in the coarse-grained pegmatite, and 9.20-9.66% in the AFG. However, the Fe2O3 contents (0.30-1.15%) constrain their industrial raw material quality. Magnetic separation improved the AFG material to second-quality ceramic industry standards. Despite Fe2O3 limitations, Borucu’s pegmatites and AFG represent usable industrial raw material resources.
