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The objective of this study is to use personal analogy as a pre-organizer. The subject of the personal analogy is chosen as minerals. For this purpose, geography teacher candidates were asked the questions, "Which mineral would you like to be? Why?" They explain the properties of the minerals by matching them with their own characteristics. It is considered that the study will increase their awareness level of the environment. The study was carried out with 67 geography teacher candidates taking the Geomorphology Practice lecture in Karadeniz Technical University, Fatih Education Faculty and Department of Geography Teaching between the academic years 2012-2014. The study is phenomenological. The content analysis was carried out using NVivo 10 software on the data obtained in the research and a model, in which the findings were visualized, was created. As a result of the study, it was found out that most of the geography teacher candidates would like to express themselves by amethyst due to its psychological effect, the attractiveness of its colour and its aesthetic look. Furthermore, minerals were categorized under seven themes according to their aspects of analogy, which are the impression, appearance, the process of formation, content, areas of use, processing conditions and values. It was also found that geography teacher candidates use the concept of the mineral in the place of element and stone. As a result of the study, recommendations were given to promote the application of personal analogies in geography lectures at undergraduate level.

Lake Salda is considered the most similar region on Earth to search for evidence of life on Mars, and its shoreline is home to microbialites containing some of the oldest known fossilized records of life on our planet. Understanding the historical process of Mars is also crucial for predicting the future of our planet, given its transition from a watery world to an arid one. In mineralogical studies to be carried out in sensitive areas such as private protected areas, it is a priority not to damage the area, and mineralogical research using remote sensing methods is frequently used in such studies. In this study, the mineralogical characteristics of the geological formations in and around Kocaadalar Burnu peninsula, located in the southwest of Lake Salda, were examined using remote sensing techniques. Mineral studies of Lake Salda were conducted using data from the Hyperion data of the Earth Observation-1 (EO-1) satellite, which can detect in 220 bands between 357 and 2576 nm wavelengths which is capable of hyperspectral sensing. The EO-1 satellite, the first spacecraft of NASA's New Millennium Programme, which operated successfully from its launch in 2000 until the end of its mission in 2017, carried the multispectral Advanced Land Imager and LEISA Atmospheric Corrector sensors, in addition to the Hyperion hyperspectral sensor. The Hyperspectral Material Identification tool in the Tactical Hyperspectral Operations Resource module of the ENVI software, the United States Geological Survey spectral library, and the Adaptive Coherence Estimator algorithm were used in the study. According to the results of this study conducted on the shores of Lake Salda, in addition to the hydromagnesite mineral, the existence of which was previously detected by various researchers, trona, vermiculite, rivadavite and borate minerals such as ulexite, tincalconite and colemanite were also detected. The results of this study have shown that remote sensing methods can make significant contributions to research in special protected areas such as Lake Salda. It is thought that the presence of trona and boron minerals in the region will contribute positively to the understanding of the historical process of Salda Lake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Bor Plain, which is located in the Middle Kızılırmak subregion of the Central Anatolia Region, extends 14 km toward the west of Niğde. The fan delta deposition system in the southwest of the Bor Plain was formed on the fault-controlled foothills of Mt. Keçiboyduran. The fandelta sequence shows that a paleolake formed during a phase because of the mineralogical content and frequently changing facies. Additionally, clay minerals and herbaceous plants reflecting humid and arid climatic conditions illustrate the lake-level changes. Six changes in the lake level occurred from marine isotope stage (MIS) 7 to (MIS) 5. Three major high stands occurred in the paleolake at the lowest and middle parts of the sequence. The first high stand was a stepwise transgression between ~240 and ~230 ka., and the second high stand was between ~200 and ~195 ka. The third high stand was characterized by a short transgression at 182 ka. After this stage, the lake receded significantly at 127 and 105 ka, indicating climatic control over the water level changes. In the transition from the Middle to Late Pleistocene, a revival of volcanic activity in the Leşkeri monogenic volcanic mass released volcanic material, affecting sedimentation. Volcanic rocks increase dramatically in the upper section of the fandelta during an interval that coincides with low lake-level fluctuations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Bozburun coalfield hosts a late Miocene 1.1 m thick coal seam. This study aims to determine coal quality, mineralogy, petrography and geochemistry, and controlling factors of elemental enrichments. The coals are generally black and greyish black in colour, and the low part of the seam commonly includes fossil shell remains. The ash yield displays a decreasing trend towards the upper part of the seam; in turn, gross calorific and total C values increase upwards. The total S content being generally higher than 5% (on dry basis), displays an increasing trend towards the upper part. In the entire seam, huminite is the most common maceral group, while inertinite and liptinite display variable proportions. The identified minerals by XRD are mainly quartz, clay minerals, calcite, pyrite, and aragonite (in fossil shell remains-bearing samples), whereas feldspars and marcasite determined in a few samples. Furthermore, in the coal samples, celestine and barite were identified by SEM-EDX. This study indicates that precipitation of celestine and Sr-bearing barite grains during diagenetic stage and Sr-uptake by mollusc within the palaeomire caused Sr enrichment in the entire seam. Overall, the water influx and redox conditions controlled the mineralogical and the elemental compositions of the coal seam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fifty-four coal clast samples in the siliciclastic rocks (e.g., sandstone and conglomerate) were collected from cores of two-deep research wells (K20H and K20K) drilled at the Kozlu coalfield in Zonguldak Basin, and for the first time, they were evaluated using mineralogy by XRD and SEMEDX and random vitrinite reflectance (%Rr) measurements in order to find out their origin and timing. Petrographic observations on polish surfaces show that the coal clasts are either entirely xylitic/vitrinitic particles or coals including a broader range of macerals. The detected minerals in the samples are mostly derived from the parental coal seams and, to a lesser extent, precipitated from penetrated pore-water in the cleats/fractures of clasts. The %Rr values of coal clasts in Carboniferous sediments are generally relatively higher than those measured in the coal seams due to weak oxidation during transportation. Furthermore, similar mineralogical and maceral compositions between coal clasts and coal seams imply that these clasts were mainly eroded during the peatification and/or early coalification of parental seams and display similar coalification patterns. The close %Rr value of a coal clast sample in the Early Aptian Zonguldak Formation and Carboniferous coal seams could suggest that this coal clast sample is presumably derived from the coal seams eroded during Early Aptian. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pedogenesis of volcanic soils has been studied broadly in humid regions, but very little data are present regarding these soils in arid and semi-arid regions of Turkey. This research aimed to assess the pedological processes and investigate the physical, chemical, and mineralogical characteristics of soil profiles developed from volcanic parent material. The studied soils were not classified as Andisol because they lack andic properties. The results showed that sand and coarse silt fractions exceeded 30%. The bulk density was higher than 0.90 grcm-3 in all profiles. In general, phosphate retention was low, higher than 25% in profiles but lower than 85% in all profiles. The Al + 1/2 Fed percentages were lower than 2% in all profiles. Selective extraction (Na-Pyrophosphate, Ammonium Oxalate, Na-Dithionite) indicated that soils lack noncrystalline minerals, such as allophane, imogolite, and iron humus complexes. The only noncrystalline minerals in high quantities are Al-humus complexes and small amounts of ferrihydrite. X-ray diffraction indicated that smectite, kaolinite and illite were dominant minerals in the clay fraction. Among the studied profiles, profiles 1 and profile 4 are classified as vitrandic Haploxerept, profile 2 as vitrandic haploxerolls, and profile 3 as vitrandic Xerorthent. The results indicated that the dominant soil-forming processes include the following: 1. desilication and the eluviations of base cations and Al from the solum; and 2. transformation of iron and aluminum from the sand and silt-size fractions into secondary clay and crystalline Fe minerals. The major factors determining soil genesis on Mt. Karacadağ appear to be climate and topography affected by the leaching regime and weathering rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Cerattepe (Artvin) mine contains volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) deposits in northeastern Turkey. This is a kuroko type deposit located in Late Cretaceous volcanic, intrusive and sedimentary rocks, and has a structure with dense alteration stages. In this study, batch flotation tests were carried out to determine the flotation behavior of a new sample (mix ore), that was the combination of two different ores with different flotation behaviors. The mixed ore contains 2.18% Cu, 1.46% Zn, (Cu/Zn ratio 1.49) 38.35% Fe, and 41.6% S content. An efficient separation of copper minerals from zinc minerals using the conventional selective flotation method could not be achieved due to complex mineralogy and very low liberation degree. Therefore, sequential selective flotation resulted in poor Cu recovery. The effects of flotation parameters such as collector type, collector amount, particle size, and pH conditions, were investigated to obtain a bulk copper-zinc concentrate. The best results were obtained using thionocarbamate (Aero 3894) and dithiophosphine (Aerophine 3418A) collector reagents at d80=40 µm particle size. Under optimal conditions (grain size, d80=40 µm, pH=11, amount of collector reagent 60 g/t (Aero 3894), frother (MIBC)=50 g/t, solid ratio=32%, flotation time=8 min.), a bulk copper-zinc concentrate containing 13% Cu and 9.5% Zn was obtained with a copper yield of 84.4% and a zinc yield of 88.9%. The concentrate mass pull was 13%. After rougher and two-stage scavenger flotation, a concentrate (rougher concentrate + scavenger products) was obtained with a mass pull of 22%. Copper and zinc recoveries of this concentrate were 91.8% and 92.5%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study describes the primary characteristics of the selected kidney stones surgically removed from the patients at the Mersin University Hospital in the southern Turkey and interprets their formation via petrographic, geochemical, XRD, SEM–EDX, and ICP-MS/OES analyses. The analytical results revealed that the kidney stones are composed of the minerals whewellite, struvite, hydroxyapatite, and uric acid alone or in different combinations. The samples occur in staghorn, bean-shaped composite, and individual rounded particle shapes, which are controlled by the shape of the nucleus and the site of stone formation. The cross-section of the samples shows concentric growth layers due to variations in saturation, characterizing the metastable phase. Kidney stone formation includes two main stages: (i) nucleation and (ii) aggregation and/or growth. Nucleation was either Randall plaque of hydroxyapatite in tissue on the surface of the papilla or a coating of whewellite on the plaque, or crystallization as free particles in the urine. Subsequently, aggregation or growth occurs by precipitation of stone-forming materials around the plaque or coating carried into the urine, or around the nucleus formed in situ in the urine. Urinary supersaturation is the main driving force of crystallization processes; and is controlled by many factors including bacterially induced supersaturation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Türkiye Jeoloji Bülteni is the property of TMMOB JEOLOJI MUHENDISLERI ODASI and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study investigated the abandoned Balya Pb–Zn mine tailing in Turkey. We performed sieve analyses, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDS), major and trace element analyses, and SEM-based quantitative mineralogical analyses on collected samples. A schematic oxidation model comprising at least three stages is proposed based on the mineral paragenesis, textural properties of minerals, and elemental deportments. Oxidation caused the development of vertical zones such as vadose (oxidation) and capillary zones with physical, mineralogical, and chemical differences. For example, the near-surface vadose zone of sulfide oxidation contained intensely oxidized pyrite (18 wt.%) and 16 wt.% secondary minerals (As-bearing plumbojarosite, jarosite and gypsum). In contrast, the capillary zone representing a depth of 20–60 cm contained unaltered 13 wt.% pyrites, primary sulfides (e.g., sphalerite, galena, and arsenopyrite), and 23 wt.% secondary Mn–Fe–Zn-bearing oxy-hydroxides. The distribution of secondary minerals also reflected the elemental mobility depending on pH. Precipitation of plumbojarosite under acidic conditions limited the mobility of Pb and As, thereby keeping them in the vadose zone. Mn, Fe, and Zn seeped deep, and their mobility was limited by forming oxy-hydroxides at moderately acidic to circumneutral pH conditions in the capillary zone. The precipitation of the secondary minerals changed the textural properties of primary sulfides such as pyrite and galena restricted their reactivity, and caused a change in the rate and degree of oxidation over time. This case study showed that mineralogical constituents, key factors in the characterization of mine tailings, may change due to the secondary minerals, as in historical tailings with a long exposure time. Therefore, it should be noted that assessments based on the existing mineralogical properties of unoxidized tailing samples may cause uncertainties in determining the long-term behavior of the tailings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Significant research investigations on the characteristics of unexplored clay deposits are being conducted in light of the growing need for clay in the ceramic industry and the variable chemistry of clays. Parallel to this, the generation of waste materials like fly ash, ferrochrome slag, and silica fume is also increasing, responsible for environmental degradation. This paper aims to study the mineralogical properties of pure clays (one specimen from Siberia and five specimens from different locations in Turkey), and the effect of mentioned waste materials on the index properties of clays obtained. This study is divided into two phases, wherein in the first phase, the pure clay specimens are analyzed against mineralogical properties (i.e., chemical composition, thermal analysis, and particle size distribution). While in the second phase, index properties of pure clay specimens and clay specimens modified with 0–50% fly ash, ferrochrome slag, and silica fume are analyzed. The results reveal that the clay specimens from Turkey (USCS classification: CL) are fit for the ceramic industry and bricks production, and incorporation of waste materials can further improve their index properties. It is also observed that incorporation of 10–30% fly ash and ferrochrome slag have higher efficiency in reducing the plasticity index of clays studied as compared to the addition of silica fume. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Hydrogeology Journal is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Fluorites are found in the region between Hamit, Karakütük, Bayındır and Yeniyapan villages of the Kaman District (Kırşehir-Türkiye). Fluorites are located in altered levels due to faults in quartz syenites containing gray-pink colored K-feldspar, plagioclase and quartz, amphibole and biotite type mafic minerals in the Upper Cretaceous aged. Central Anatolian Granitoids, Fluorites observed in purple and green in places, pink, yellow, white colors as veins reaching from a few centimeters to two meters, purple and green in places, pink, yellow, white colors. According to X-Ray diffraction (XRD) analysis results, quartz syenites are composed of quartz, feldspar and clay minerals; fluorites are composed of fluorite and quartz mineral combination. According to Wavelength Dispersive XRF (WDXRF) analysis results, it is observed that the amount of F in purple fluorites is 39.8%, the amount of CaO is 51.2%, the amount of SiO2 is 8.68%, the amount of F in green fluorites is 46.7%, the amount of CaO is 51.5%, and the amount of SiO2 is 1.15%. As a result of cathodoluminescence analysis, the presence of rare earth elements (REE) terbium (Tb), erbium (Er), dysprosium (Dy) and samarium (Sm) elements were observed in fluorites. In order for the fluorites in the region to be used as a gemstone; while features color variety, texture, and easy workability are revealed as positive features, features such as low hardness, low strength in atmospheric conditions, and cleaved structure in coarse crystals are determined as negative features. For this reason, the fluorites in the region can be used as gemstones, however it is important that they undergo improvement methods (saturation with epoxy). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study contributes to our understanding of the evolution of Halılar Cu-Pb (±Zn) mineralization (NW Turkey) based on mineralogical and geochemical results and sulfur isotope data. The study area represents local Cu-Pb with some Zn brecciated-stockwork vein type mineralization along the NE–SW fault gouge zone at the lower boundary of the Sakarkaya and Düztarla granitoid rocks. Two main zones, consisting of sericite–quartz–chlorite ± kaolinite ± pyrite (i.e., zone-1) and calcite–epidote–albite ± chlorite ± sericite (i.e., zone-2), were observed within the central ore mineral zone at the mining site. Different mineralization assemblages were recorded; the main ore mineral contains chalcopyrite, galena, pyrite, and sphalerite within alteration zone-1, and the oxidation/supergene mineralization includes covellite and goethite. The mass balance calculations show that the samples of zone-1 show an increase in SiO2, Fe2O3, K2O, and LOI along with Ag, As, Cu, Mo, Pb, S, Sb, and Zn, reflecting high pyritization with sericitization and silicification. On the other hand, the samples from zone-2 are rich in CaO; Na2O; P2O5; TiO2; LOI; and carbon-reflecting calcite, epidote, and albite alterations. A uniform magmatic sulfur source of Halılar sulfides is suggested by their mean δ34S value of −1.62‰. Furthermore, the primary metal source is metasediments and intrusive Düztarla granitoid magmatism. These observations suggest that the Halılar metasediment-hosted Cu-Pb (±Zn) mineralization was formed by epigenetic hydrothermal processes after sedimentation/diagenesis and metamorphism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Turkey has large aggregate deposits; however, these deposits cannot be used effectively due to a lack of controls. This can lead to fatal errors, as in the 6 February 2023 Turkey-Syria earthquakes. The main motivation of this study is to investigate the availability of existing and new aggregate deposits as concrete aggregates in northeastern Turkey. Thus, the quality of aggregates in this region will be studied comparatively. This research was carried out with aggregate samples taken from 30 different rock quarries in 10 different provinces in this region of Turkey. First, the locations of 30 crushed rock aggregates were identified, and their petrographic, mineralogical, physical, geometric and durability properties were determined. Fifteen different test procedures were applied to 30 crushed rock samples. It was concluded that these rocks are generally sedimentary rock types and that 18 of these 30 samples are of limestone origin. To obtain high-strength concrete, in addition to quality cement, the aggregates used must also be of high quality. The use of aggregate resources mentioned in this study for building concrete will contribute to the production of high-strength concrete. These samples, which generally have sufficient physical, mechanical and durability properties, meet the limitations of the standards much better than concrete aggregates. High-statistical-performance regression equations were obtained for the physical and durability properties. • There are rich rock resources in northeast of Turkey that can be used as aggregate. • Igneous rocks are more resistant to freeze-thaw effects than sedimentary rocks. • Sedimentary rocks are more durable against freeze-thaw effects than igneous rocks. • Sedimentary rocks are more durable against ASR effects than igneous rocks. • Alkali resistance is higher for rocks that water absorption is smaller than 1 %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article deals with micro-karstification forming abundant dissolution features in a stalagmite from Küpeli Cave in southern Turkey. Dissolution occurs when cave water enriched with CO2 from the soil and epikarst, and in certain conditions also from the cave atmosphere, seeps into the stalagmite. Here, we hypothesise that water is transmitted from the former surface of the stalagmite to the interior by the roughly vertical or diagonal notch-shaped pores formed by the enlargement of intercrystalline pores by dissolution. These slightly elongated pores randomly developed in the stalagmite under repeated conditions at different stages of the stalagmite formation, affecting the last few macroscopic growth layers (lamina set under the microscope) from its former surface, finally its upper end was covered by a newly forming growth layer. Later, when this water reaches the relatively more permeable growth layer surfaces, it flows along these surfaces, and diffuse dissolution features form. The dissolution features include micro-scale pitted and etched surface structures, rounded and enlarged crystal boundaries and intercrystalline pores, and the breakdown of relatively large crystals (≥ 4 μm) into nm sized smaller crystal aggregates. In the dissolution pores, calcite re-precipitation occurs as rim and pore-filling cements when the percolation water is sufficiently saturated with calcium carbonate in the stalagmite. Under the repeated conditions, the dissolution was followed by calcite re-precipitation in the stalagmite, probably due to seasonal variation in CO2 and CaCO3 contents of the water in the epikarst zone as well as within the stalagmite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to monitor the changes in physicochemical and mineralogical properties of three Ca-bentonite samples from Ünye (Ordu, NE Turkey). The effect of long-term (20, 30 and 40 days) thermal loading (100, 150 and 200 °C) treatments on the dehydration behavior of Ca-bentonites (CaB) was characterized in terms of the variations in the cation exchange capacity (CEC), specific surface area (SSA), pH, swelling index (SI), crystal structure and molecular fingerprints. CEC of raw CaB samples (52.3–62.7 meq/100 g) shows maximum decrease at 40 days to 29.9–37.3 meq/100 g at 100 °C, 19.4–25.4 meq/100 g at 150 °C and 20.9–23.9 meq/100 g at 200 °C. Long-term thermal loading also lowers the SSA of CaB samples from 42.8–51.4 m2g−1 to 19.6–30.6 m2g−1 at 100 °C, 15.9–20.8 m2g−1 at 150 °C and 17.1–19.6 m2g−1 at 200 °C. The strong alkalinity of the CaB samples (pH 9.3–9.7) changes from slight to moderate (7.7–8.6) at 200 °C. The swelling index of CaB samples shows narrow-range variations from 4.4–7.5 mL/2 g (raw) to 4.2–5.3 mL/2 g at 100 °C, 4.2–5.8 mL/2 g at 150 °C and 3.7–5.8 mL/2 g at 200 °C at 40 days. Thermal loading has also the imprints on the molecular scale in the loss of capillary condensed and adsorbed water vibrations (~ 3388 cm−1). The dehydration effect at 100 and 150 °C thermal loadings is revealed by the broadening and asymmetry of the basal reflection with a decrease in the intensity; on the other hand, 200 °C treatment at 40 days results in the appearance of ~ 1 nm reflection which is suggested to be the beginning of illitization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Petrified wood samples are found within terrestrial sediments belonging to the Late Oligocene-Early Miocene Danişmen Formation in Malkara-Keşan located in the southwest of the Thrace Basin. The petrified wood in both regions is usually silicified and partly coalified. The silicification of the Tertiary wood in the Malkara-Keşan region is associated with volcanic activity and coeval sedimentation. Thin sections from petrified wood samples were taken as transverse, tangential, and radial sections. The mineralogicalpetrographic- botanical studies were carried out under a polarizing and botanical microscope. Opal-moganite-chalcedony-quartz, which are different polymorphs of silica, were detected under the microscope in the petrified wood. Results were supported by X-Ray Diffractometer (XRD), Confocal Raman Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis, and measurement of density in a total of five samples. In addition, scanning electron microscopy (SEM/EDS) was performed for textures and to determine the average elementary composition of wood samples. Results showed that while crystalline quartz and chalcedony were well defined, opal-A and other polymorphs of silica could be partly examined due to isotropic features. As a result of XRD studies of petrified wood samples from the Keşan and Malkara regions, the peaks of the crystalline types of silica were well defined in the diffractogram patterns. As a result of FT-IR analysis, polymorphs of silica such as quartz-chalcedony-moganite and mineralogical elements similar to carbon and graphite were detected. In two samples, the densities of chalcedony and quartz composition were 2.35 and 2.27 g/cm3, respectively. Furthermore, the average elementary composition was detected with SEM-EDS analysis as O, Si, S, Ca, Cr, and Fe elements in the Keşan region samples and O, Si, S, and Fe elements in the Malkara region samples. The results of all investigations and analyses were interpreted to understand the geodynamic evolution and paleobotanical properties of the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Karaelmas Science & Engineering Journal / Karaelmas Fen ve Mühendislik Dergisi is the property of Karaelmas Science & Engineering Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In the vicinity of Yücepinar Village of Zile district of Tokat province, there are silicified wood formations in agglomerate levels in the Çekerek formation Middle Eocene aged. These formations consist of well— preserved tree trunks of about 1.5 m in diameter or branches and trunk parts in mm—1 m length. Generally, they are open-brownish cream; in some places they demonstrate dark brown, green, and blue colors. According to XRD and FT-IR analysis results of the samples, it is determined that the silicified wood formations are composed of quartz, cristobalite, malachite, azurite, hematite, graphite, and goethite minerals. According to XRF and ICP-MS analyzes of silicified woods, the high iron content (Fe2O3 8.29–63.79%) in the samples causes red brown color while the increase in copper content (Cu >10 000 ppm) causes blue and green colors. As a result of the cabochon cuts made from the silicified wood samples to be used for jewellery, products which have rich color composition and silky brilliance, keep the polish well and with high-strength are obtained. Particularly because of its color compositions, it is separated from similar silicified wood samples on the Earth. As a result of the surface studies carried out in the study area, it was observed that the silicified wood formations did not propagate much. In order to determine the reserves of these formations, which are thought to have significant economic value, it is necessary to carry out a more detailed exploration activity with trenching and drilling in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lake Tuz is a closed basin in the center of Anatolia (Turkey) with shallow hypersaline water. In this study, mineralogical and geochemical features of the lake sediments sampled by core drillings were investigated. Halite, polyhalite, calcite, magnesite, dolomite, huntite, quartz, and albite minerals were found in bulk sample and montmorillonite and vermiculite minerals were determined in the clay fraction XRD analyses. In geostatistical evaluations, elements are grouped into four clusters which are named Clastic, Hydrothermal, Evaporitecarbonate and Evaporite-sulfate. Trace elements included in the clastic cluster were used to constrain provenance and tectonic setting. The Light Rare Earth Element (LREE)-enriched REE pattern suggests a cratonic provenance for the lake sediments, except for the low negative Eu anomaly. Trace element ratios of La/Sc, La/Co, Th/Sc, Th/Co, Zr/Sc, Zr/Co, Ba/Sc, and Ba/Co, which are critical for provenance, show a provenance of "felsic-intermediate magmatic" composition. According to the La-Th-Sc diagram, the tectonic setting of the source area was found as "Continental Island Arc". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sediments from the ST5 deep-sea bottom core collected from the south-east Aegean Sea between Symi and Tilos islands, Greece, were examined by quantitative mineralogical analysis and geochemical analysis to infer provenance and palaeoenvironmental control over sediment deposition. The mineralogical composition comprises carbonates (mainly calcite and Mg-calcite), quartz, feldspars, serpentine, amphibole and clay minerals. Chlorite is the most abundant clay mineral, whereas smectite and illite are less abundant than in the sediments in the south-west Aegean and the Cretan Sea. Semi-quantitative analysis of clay minerals from oriented clay fractions overestimates significantly the smectite content and underestimates the abundances of illite, chlorite and kaolinite. The studied sediments are enriched in MgO, Ni and Cr, which decrease in abundance with decreasing depth, following the distribution of serpentine. By contrast, the abundances of SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, Na2O and K2O increase upcore. The regional S1 sapropel horizon is enriched in V and Co and has considerably greater Ba/Al ratios than the remaining sequence. The mineralogical and geochemical relationships indicate a strong ultrabasic influence, probably from the Marmaris ophiolite in the Lycian nappes. The clay mineral distribution suggests that the smectite was mainly of volcanogenic origin, the illite was supplied by the nearby landmasses of west Anatolia and the islands of Rhodes, Tilos and Symi and the contribution from the south-east Mediterranean was limited or totally lacking. The combined use of the mineralogical and geochemical analysis of bulk sediments rather than the clay fractions is not only extremely useful in tracing sediment provenance in relatively closed basins, but it also enables a more realistic assessment of the importance of water circulation patterns on sedimentation processes in such environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Inlice high sulfidation epithermal gold deposit with 262,300 oz of gold ore is located in the Erenlerdağ-Alacadağ Volcanic Complex (EAVC) at the northern part of central Taurides. The volcanic succession of the study area is stratigraphically represented by andesite, block and ash flow, basaltic andesite lava flow and andesite lava flow. The deposit consists of seven neighboring mineralized veins termed Ana East, Ana West, West, Discovery, Güllü, Merkez and North Zone and is associated with an andesite (ca 8–9 Ma). Hydrothermal alteration from the innermost to the outermost parts of the deposit includes silicification, advanced argillic, intermediate argillic and propylitic. At the surface, quartz veins related to silicification are exposed as linear topographic relief trending mainly northwest-southeast and secondarily northeast-southwest and east-west. Deep drill core samples, including magnetite, quartz, biotite and anhydrite, imply the presence of potassic alteration in depth (50 to 970 m) possibly related to a porphyry Cu system. Ore assemblages are described as hypogene and supergene. The hypogene ore mainly includes pyrite (Py-I and Py-II) and enargite, and to a lesser extent chalcopyrite, sphalerite and marcasite. The supergene ore incorporates hematite and goethite, and minor covellite, chalcocite, malachite and native copper. Hypogene gold precipitation is associated with the mineral association of Py-II, chalcopyrite and enargite, while enargite mineral is a major host for gold (up to 600 ppm). Supergene oxidation resulted in the development of a secondary enrichment zone for gold (up to 14 g/t) extending to a depth of about 45 m. Microthermometric measurements show that the silicification associated with the mineralization was formed at homogenization temperatures ranging between 147 and 360 °C and salinities up to 6.5 wt% NaCl. This suggests that the fluid mixing and/or fluid dilution processes were important factors controlling the precipitation of gold. δ34S isotope compositions are between −0.9 and − 9 ‰, and further indicate a significant involvement of magmatic components into the hydrothermal fluids. Thus, it is concluded that at Inlice the hydrothermal fluids responsible for the alteration and mineralization processes were derived by relatively dilute fluids formed by the mixing of magmatic fluids with meteoric waters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Garnet-bearing xenoliths are observed within a trachytic dome extrusion in the Hisarlıkaya region (Ankara). These garnets exhibiting greenish-reddish-dark brown colour and ranging in sizes up to 1 cm were examined in terms of mineralogical, geochemical, and gemmological characteristics. Mineralogical studies indicate that these garnets (And 88-93 Grs 7-12) are linked to solid solution series, which are dominantly andradite with lower content of grossular. According to major, trace, and rare earth element (REE) analysis, the representative garnet crystal shows high CaO, Fe2O3, Al2O3, MgO, MnO, V, W, and light rare earth elements (LREE) concentrations. These high concentrations might indicate the mobility of these elements during skarn formation related with contact metamorphism, material exchange occurring via hydrothermal fluids, site geometry of the crystal, ionic radius of cations, and charge balance. The Hisarlıkaya garnets display dodecahedron-trapezohedron crystal habits with good translucency, glassy, transparent features, and also optical isotropic character. Their refractive indices are high (>1.78), and specific gravities range from 3.66 to 3.67 g/cm3. These garnets are not suitable for use as gemstones since they cannot be cut or processed considering all the mineralogical properties of garnets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Ballık area (SW Turkey) was studied as a mixed clastic–continental carbonate reservoir analogue, in which kilometre wide and up to 70-m-thick tufa and travertine lithologies are found in an envelope of detrital sediments, which locally strongly interfinger with these porous carbonates. Former studies focussed on the carbonate lithologies, since they are considered as pre-salt analogues. This study aims to describe the adjacent non-carbonate lithologies, unravel their depositional setting, and address their influence on the overall sedimentary architecture. This study relies on an extensive field campaign, during which 142 samples of all different detrital lithologies were collected. Optical, fluorescence, cathodoluminescence, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) yielded important insights in the petrography of these lithologies, based on which 5 main lithologies were differentiated: i.e., (1) laminated marls, (2) polygenetic conglomerates, (3) massive marls, (4) tabular sandstones, and (5) coquina accumulations. These were interpreted to represent three different sedimentary facies corresponding to lacustrine, fluvial, and shoreline facies. The (clay) mineralogy of lacustrine sediments was extensively studied by bulk and clay-specific XRD. In this respect, special emphasis was laid on the depositional setting of the lacustrine facies, in which both authigenic palygorskite and poorly ordered dolomite were identified. Petrophysical properties of 16 plugs were determined by He porosimetry and N2-permeability, indicating that the detrital sediments are characterised by poor reservoir properties. The latter causes them to act, after assumed burial compaction, as potential barriers within a continental carbonate reservoir system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The corundum is found in the rocks of the Berit metaophiolite in Eastern Anatolia, near Doğanşehir a province of Malatya. Metaophiolitic rocks consist mainly of garnet metagabbro, granulite, amphibolite, mylonitic amphibolite, garnet amphibolite, amphibole schist, pyroxenite, mylonitic pyroxenite, orthopyroxenite, harzburgite, serpentinized dunite and diorite units. Corundum occurrences are mostly found in pyroxenites, amphibolites, peridotites and granulites. Their colors change in range between reddish pink, pink and light pink. They are usually in structure of translucent, vitreous and sometimes cracked. They are seen scattered or clustered together inside the rocks in which they are found. The size of their crystals ranges from 0.5 cm to 10 cm and their euhedral crystals are observed in pseudohexagonal form. As a result of the petrographic examinations, it was observed that pyroxene, amphibole, garnet and plagioclase minerals accompanied with the corundum. The samples of the rocks containing the corundum has qualifications which will be as an object of gemstone and ornament by means of cutting and shining. Large specimens of corundum can be processed alone. Samples, being as scattered and small granules inside the rock can be processed together with the host rock. In the processed samples, it was obtained patterns like the samples of corundum with zoisite which were in great demand in the world gemstone market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Lycian Nappes contain slices of ophiolites and sedimentary rocks of various ages that crop out in SW Turkey. They evolved and were emplaced under the effect of the Late Cretaceous-Miocene compressional regime. The Tavas Nappe is part of the Lycian Nappes and contains Jurassic-Eocene sediments. The Babadağ Formation, forming the middle part of the Tavas Nappe, is composed of limestone at the base and various sized calciturbidites with chert intercalations in the upper part. The Standard Microfacies Classification (SMF of FLÜGEL, 2004) indicates that the entire unit was deposited mainly in a deep-shelf environment (Facies Zone -FZ-2), deep-sea (FZ-1), toe of slope (FZ-3) and on the continental slope (FZ-4). Calcite and quartz dominate the bulk mineralogy of the calciturbidites with higher SiO2 and CaO weight percentages than other major oxides. Additionally, the presence of Na2O, K2O, Al2O3, MgO, TiO2 and Fe2O3 is associated with the local sediment input. Tectonism and sea level fluctuations were the main triggering factors of the changes in the original depositional environment of the Babadağ Formation. Additionally, grain size and the amount of sediment input control the calciturbidite type and extension. Si enriched water circulation and Si and Ca substitution were responsible for the abundant chert formation during diagenesis of the units. Post depositional tectonic activities during transportation and emplacement of the nappes resulted in calcite filled cracks that cut both the calciturbidites and cherts. Study of the different nappe slices provides valuable information about syn- and post-depositional changes of the lithostratigraphic units. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrothermal alteration led to development of the Yarıkçı clay deposit within the Mesozoic chlorite-, muscovite-, chlorite-muscovite-schist, and garnet-graphite phyllite units along NW–SE- and N–S-trending faults in Mihalıççık in western central Anatolia. The geological, mineralogical, and geochemical characteristics and genesis of this economically important clay deposit have not been examined in detail previously. The present study has attempted to fill this gap. Green smectitic and cream kaolinitic claystones are abundant with smaller amounts of gray illite, dark brown Fe oxides, and silica phases occurring as stockwork/fracture infill and stain/coating. These units are covered by a dark, hard, sharp-edged, and thick silica cap. Metamorphic units exhibit cataclastic texture due to tectonic activities. Muscovite is mostly degraded to kaolinite, and feldspars show sericitization and argillization. Kaolinite typically has a platy form with irregular margins and locally sub-rounded, book-like texture suggesting hydrolysis during the hydrothermal injections. The association of Fe oxides, cristobalite/tridymite/quartz, gypsum/anhydrite, and jarosite are indicative of intense hydrothermal activities and development of kaolinite under acidic geochemical conditions. The local enrichment of SiO2, Fe2O3, S, Cu, and Au also supports this suggestion. The leaching of Sr, Rb, Ba, and Zr, and the slight increase in LREE/MREE+HREE ratios together with the negative Eu and Ce anomalies suggest the selective dissolution of muscovite, garnet, feldspar, and pyroxene by the hydrothermal fluids. Thus, abundant claystones of smectite and kaolinite were formed via the increase in Al+Fe+Mg/Si and Al±Fe/Si ratios in the alkaline and acidic environment, respectively, under the tectonic control of hydrothermal activity as seen in the alteration of chlorite, muscovite, and feldspar in metamorphic units. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oligocene aged evaporite formations are observed in shallow sea-sabkha environments that develop in highly restricted conditions from sea in northeastern of the Muş basin. Evaporites are observed as alternated and intercalated with clastics and carbonates that developed under the control of factors such as climate, tectonism, volcanism and diagenesis. Evaporites consist of primary and secondary gypsum and minor anhydrite. In petrographic and minerologic examinations, secondary gypsum textures such as alabastrin, porphyroblastic and satin spar with anhydrite relicts, late diagenetic calcite, bitumen and bioturbation traces were detected. In SEM-EDS studies; celestine crstals, autogenic and detritic clay and quartz grains and euhedral dolomite mineral were observed. As a result of all these studies, the conditions and phases of the evaporites from the sedimentation stage to early diagenesis and late diagenesis processes of the evaporites were illuminated. Secondary gypsum consists of the origin of primary anhydrite and gypsum. From the diagenetic fluids released during the gypsum-anhydrite transformation, the late diagenetic calcite and by the interaction of the ions carried by the hydrothermal solutions to the basin with the groundwater were formed the celestite. Stream activity in the basin was determined by the presence of detritic minerals in gypsum minerals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding of soil forming factors is crucial to define physical, mineralogical and morphological properties of soils. In addition to that soil formations were highly associated with slope positions which have influence on pedogenetic and weathering process of the soils. Because, topography or relief affects how water and other material are added to and removed from soils. The aim of this study is to enhance our understanding of the role toposequence in controlling chemical weathering, influence on physical and mineralogical properties in soils developed on basaltic parent material under sub-humid terrestrial ecosystem in Black Sea region of Turkey using geochemical and mineralogical data obtained from X-ray diffraction and Scanning Electron Microscope analysis. For this purpose, four representative profiles formed on different topographic positions of transect were investigated and designated according to Soil Survey Staff (2014)/IUSS Working Group WRB (2015) classification systems. The results clearly showed that topography strongly affects soil physical, mineralogical and morphological characteristics either directly or indirectly in the local region even soils formed on the same parent material with the same climatic condition. This case was also explained with chemical weathering indices (Chemical Index of Alteration and Chemical Index of Weathering) in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on determining mineralogical and elemental compositions of coal seams (to the upwards, D, C, B, A, and S0) within seven coal exploration wells from the Alpu coalfield (Eskişehir, Central Türkiye). Furthermore, the special goal of the study is a comparative analysis of the relations between the elements by using agglomerative hierarchical clustering algorithm with different linkage methods as well as different similarity measures. Clay minerals and quartz are commonly detected as abundant to dominant phases, while natural zeolite formations were detected in the studied seams C, B, A, and S0. The SEM-EDX data shows that clinoptilolites in zeolite minerals were observed within the organic matter, while crystalline and non-crystalline analcime minerals along with syngenetic authigenic rhomboid K-feldspars were only detected in the seam A from one studied well. The existence of some micron-sized minerals such as apatite, monazite, and Ti-oxides within the smectite matrix and the measurable amount of Ti in smectite imply that alteration of epiclastic and contemporaneous volcanic inputs was developed under weak acidic to neutral conditions during peat accumulation. The lack of natural zeolite and carbonate minerals in the seam D could be an indicator of weak acidic to neutral conditions and semi-closed hydrogeological conditions. Nevertheless, the alkalinity of mire water, water table, and hydrogeological regime seem to be variable during the accumulation of precursor peats of seams C, B, A, and S0. In turn, alteration of volcanic inputs was observed under neutral to weak alkaline conditions and semi-closed to closed hydrogeological regime. Hence, syngenetic authigenic, micron-sized clinoptilolites were formed. Moreover, the existence of authigenic rhomboid K-feldspars and syngenetic authigenic analcimes in certain exploration well could suggest local increases on dissolved Na+ concentrations, alkalinity, and water table. Except for volcanogenic origin for minerals, accessory micron-sized minerals, like chromite, pentlandite, and allanite grains presumably originated from clastic influxes of ophiolitic rocks in the basement into palaeomires. The variations in mire water chemistry and clastic-influx source area could also control the elemental enrichments in the studied seams. Epiclastic and contemporaneous volcanic inputs into palaeomires seem to control enrichments of Li, B, Sc, and Ti in coal samples, while clastic influx from ophiolitic rocks into palaeomires caused to enrichments of Cr, V and Ni. Furthermore, the liberated Ba, Sr, and As ions from the alteration of epiclastic and contemporaneous volcanic inputs are absorbed by syngenetic zeolite minerals, while anoxic conditions in the palaeomires resulted in precipitation of Sr-barite and As-bearing pyrite grains during peat accumulation and/or early diagenetic stages. Overall, the differences in water chemistry of mire water, epiclastic and contemporaneous volcanic inputs, and clastic influx from the adjacent areas also caused several elemental enrichments and variations in mineralogical compositions of the Middle Miocene coal seams in the Alpu coalfield. • Authigenic clinoptilolite and analcime formation are firstly defined in different seams from the Alpu coalfield. • Natural zeolite occurrences were controlled by epiclastic and contemporaneous volcanic inputs and hydrogeological conditions. • Cosine similarity could be useful for elemental affinity assessment when it is combined with SEM-EDX and XRD data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, an optimum beneficiation route was developed for an existing concentrator that processes low-grade chromite deposits. This objective is challenging as the grade of the ore under consideration is approximately 5%, which is the lowest grade processed in Turkey. Detailed characterization, process mineralogy and liberation studies were performed. The optimum fineness of grind was found to be 100% finer than 0.4 mm after the initial beneficiation tests. Laboratory test work was performed using a combination of a teetered bed separator (TBS), spiral concentrator and shaking table. Two different circuit alternatives including a TBS followed by only shaking tables and a combination of a spiral concentrator, TBS, and shaking tables were compared. It was found that an alternative comprising a spiral concentrator, TBS, and shaking table provided better results, required less equipment, etc. Considering these results, a provisional flowsheet was developed, and a total final concentrate of 6.8% by weight with 49.5% Cr2O3 grade and 71.51% Cr2O3 recovery could be obtained. The detailed laboratory test work was followed by plant-scale trials for the verification of the experimental findings with different circuit configurations. From roughing and scavenging spiral groups, ~85% of chromite could be obtained prior to the shaking table concentration, and this led to a minimum increase of 20% in the total recovery with less footprint of the plant, reduced water usage, and lower operating costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Mersin peridotites show significantly depleted nature. • Peridotites indicate metasomatic interaction with boninitic melts. • Chromitites derived from boninitic melts. • Composition of laurite inclusions indicate low fS 2 conditions. • Subduction initiation formed island arc tholeiites and boninites. The Mersin ophiolite of the Central Taurides in southern Turkey represents an incomplete section of ocean lithosphere consisting from bottom to top of chromitite-bearing mantle peridotites, cumulate dunites, clinopyroxenites, and gabbros with rare pillow lavas covered by bathypelagic sedimentary rocks. The tectonized peridotites are harzburgites with minor dunites. They are strongly melt-depleted peridotites, comprising chromian spinel (Cr-spinel) with medium to high Cr-numbers (Cr#) [100 × Cr/(Cr + Al) = 48–82] and low Al 2 O 3 concentrations (0.05–2.2 wt%). They display concave chondrite-normalized rare earth element (REE) patterns, which we interpret as evidence for their refertilization by boninitic melts in a mantle wedge. Geochemical evidence suggests that the parental magmas of the high-Cr podiform chromitites (Cr# Sp = 71–83) were of boninitic composition. The chromitites host a platinum-group mineral (PGM) assemblage of laurite [Ru# = 64.0–90.7] and Os-Ir alloys, indicating crystallization within a range of low f S 2 conditions (log f S 2 ∼ −2 to −1.3) and a T max of ∼1200 °C. Mineral compositions and geochemical data of the basalts show tholeiitic to alkali compositions. The tholeiites show mildly light REE depleted patterns and high Th/Yb and La/Nb ratios indicate the presence of a sediment component, implying a subduction-related origin. Petrogenetic modeling indicates that the tholeiitic basalts resulted from 20% melting of a spinel-bearing asthenospheric mantle. The initial ε Nd values of 7.2 and 4.9 for two tholeiite samples indicate depleted asthenosphere and more enriched mantle sources probably due to the input of older sediment. A comparison with the data of other ophiolite complexes from southern Turkey suggests subduction-overprinted mantle sources as seen in immature island arcs. The trace element patterns of the alkali basalts are similar to OIB implying an origin unrelated to that of the ophiolite assemblage. The composition of the OIB can be modeled by mixing of magmas from low-degree (1–2%) melting of garnet-bearing lherzolite (GLS) with melt fractions from a spinel-bearing lherzolite (SLS) at variable proportions (GLS/SLS = 7/10–1/10). We propose the following tectono-magmatic model for the petrogenetic evolution of the Mersin ophiolite: i) oceanic ridge spreading generated MORB type magmas (not observed in our sample collection), (ii) melting of deep mantle sources beneath MORB type crust generated OIB-like basalts in Neo-Tethyan oceanic basin, (iii) subduction initiation and formation of an infant forearc basin formed island arc tholeiites and boninites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on mineralogical and geochemical compositions of feed coal (FC) and combustion residues, namely fly ash (FA) and bottom ash (BA) samples, obtained from the Kangal coal-fired power plant in central Turkey. The X-ray powder diffraction data indicate that carbonate and clay minerals are dominant phases in the FC samples. In the FA samples, quartz, hematite, anhydrite, lime, and feldspar are generally dominant and abundant phases, whereas calcite, ettringite, and portlandite are generally more abundant in the BA samples. The elements Mo, Cs, and U are significantly enriched in the studied FC, FA, and BA samples. The statistical analysis and SEM-EDX data show that Ca, Ti, and the vast majority of trace elements are inorganically affiliated, and only Tl and U have probable organic affinity in the FC. In addition, the redox conditions in the paleomires presumably resulting in Mo and U enrichment in FC, whereas their enrichment in FA and BA is most likely related to retention by CaO and Ca-sulfate. The Cs enrichment in FA is due to retention by glass. The elements in the FA and BA are distinguished into four groups according to their volatility during combustion. The elements As, Mo, Cd, Tl, and U (Group I) are the most volatile elements during combustion and condensation in the FA. The elements Li, Zn, Ga, Rb, Nb, Cs, Ba, La, and Pb (Group IV) did not become more volatile or less volatile during combustion and are located in BA. Nevertheless, Zn and Pb in the BA seem to be related to the presence of unaffected pyrite and sphalerite, and are due to low combustion efficiency of the boiler during the sampling period. Overall, enriched elements and minerals in FA and BA suggest that their disposal should be undertaken with caution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyze the processing of cereals and its role at Early Neolithic Göbekli Tepe, southeastern Anatolia (10th / 9th millennium BC), a site that has aroused much debate in archaeological discourse. To date, only zooarchaeological evidence has been discussed in regard to the subsistence of its builders. Göbekli Tepe consists of monumental round to oval buildings, erected in an earlier phase, and smaller rectangular buildings, built around them in a partially contemporaneous and later phase. The monumental buildings are best known as they were in the focus of research. They are around 20 m in diameter and have stone pillars that are up to 5.5 m high and often richly decorated. The rectangular buildings are smaller and–in some cases–have up to 2 m high, mostly undecorated, pillars. Especially striking is the number of tools related to food processing, including grinding slabs/bowls, handstones, pestles, and mortars, which have not been studied before. We analyzed more than 7000 artifacts for the present contribution. The high frequency of artifacts is unusual for contemporary sites in the region. Using an integrated approach of formal, experimental, and macro- / microscopical use-wear analyses we show that Neolithic people at Göbekli Tepe have produced standardized and efficient grinding tools, most of which have been used for the processing of cereals. Additional phytolith analysis confirms the massive presence of cereals at the site, filling the gap left by the weakly preserved charred macro-rests. The organization of work and food supply has always been a central question of research into Göbekli Tepe, as the construction and maintenance of the monumental architecture would have necessitated a considerable work force. Contextual analyses of the distribution of the elements of the grinding kit on site highlight a clear link between plant food preparation and the rectangular buildings and indicate clear delimitations of working areas for food production on the terraces the structures lie on, surrounding the circular buildings. There is evidence for extensive plant food processing and archaeozoological data hint at large-scale hunting of gazelle between midsummer and autumn. As no large storage facilities have been identified, we argue for a production of food for immediate use and interpret these seasonal peaks in activity at the site as evidence for the organization of large work feasts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metalliferous sedimentary rocks, despite being limited in scope, are important stratigraphic horizons within the volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) deposits in the Upper Cretaceous volcanic belt of the Eastern Pontides. The metalliferous sedimentary rocks compose a distinctive genetic class. The abundance of such rocks in the Eastern Pontide district provides a basis for study and description that may be more widely applied in other VMS districts. The metalliferous sedimentary rocks generally form layers less than 1.5 m thick above stratiform massive sulfide ores. The metalliferous sediments are largely composed of quartz and hematite. While the Si ± Fe content of sediments directly overlying the stratiform massive sulfide ores is high, an increase in the amount of carbonate is observed in sediments that are not directly overlying the ores. The metalliferous sedimentary rocks were formed by the mixing of mainly chemical components and to a smaller degree detrital components in various proportions due to sedimentation processes occurring on the seafloor. Of the major constituents of the metalliferous sediments, Si, Fe, Cu, Zn, Pb, Sb, and Au generally have a hydrothermal origin, whereas Al, Zr, and Ti are from detrital volcanic and volcaniclastic components. The high levels of U and V indicate a seawater origin, pointing to a submarine environment for the formation of the Eastern Pontide metalliferous sedimentary rocks. The composition of the metalliferous sediments of Eastern Pontide VMS deposits implies that these sediments carry a continental-arc provenance signature. Silica (±iron)-rich rocks in the Eastern Pontides can be used as guide horizons in exploring for volcanogenic massive sulfide deposits in the district since they formed close to the sulfide ores and their areal extents are much greater than those of the sulfide ores. In comparison with their analogues on a global scale, these rocks are broadly comparable to silica- and iron-rich sedimentary rocks in the VMS-bearing districts of the Urals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Li-bearing claystone and carbonate are sedimentary rocks deposited in the lacustrine environment hosting the Bigadiç borate deposits in western Anatolia. The purpose of this paper is to explain the mineralogical, geochemical, stable isotope characterizations and formation of Li-rich claystone (hectorite, saponite), and have strategic, technological, and economic importance for the country's economy, which have not been sufficiently studied previously. In the rhyolitic and dacitic tuffs, sanidine and plagioclase crystals were altered, biotite and hornblende, Fe-oxidized, locally opaque, and chloritized in a sericitized, Fe-oxidized, argillized, calcified, and zeolitized glassy matrix. The claystone consists mainly of smectite and minor illite, volcanogenic quartz, feldspar, mica, hornblende, and occasionally calcite, aragonite, dolomite, and gypsum/anhydrite. Hectorite and saponite were determined based on the expansion of their basal peaks following heating at 500 °C and solvation with ethylen-glycol; additionally, hectorite expanded, and saponite was not affected after glycerine-saturated Cs-smectite and heating at 100 °C for 20 h. Smectite shows webby to crenulated forms, and coexist with feldspar, volcanic glass, rhomboidal calcite, blocky gypsum/anhydrite, and Fe-oxide phases. The Li values increase up to 2650 ppm in the smectite-rich claystone and marl, and up to 449 ppm in the volcanic rocks. The positive correlation of REE with each of SiO 2 , Al 2 O 3 , and K 2 O; positive correlation of MgO vs. Li, and increase of MgO + CaO, Sr, Li, LREE relative to MREE and HREE; negative Eu anomaly and high values of As and S suggest that the feldspar, mica, and hornblende alteration originating from the Miocene volcanic and pyroclastic materials and presence of gypsum/anhydrite during the hydrothermal alteration activities were the sources for the smectite formation. The high negative δ18O values of calcite, the δD and δ18O values of smectite and δ34S‰ and δ18O‰ values of gypsum, and the 87Sr/86Sr isotope ratios range of calcite and gypsum suggest the contribution of mixing meteoric and hydrothermal environmental conditions during the depositional and diagenetic process(es) in the playa lake environment. [Display omitted] • Investigates sedimentary and depositional characteristics of the Neogene Bigadiç deposits. • Examines the alteration of volcanic components and their relationship with authigenic clay formation. • Determines the formation of Li-rich authigenic clays during diagenesis and hydrothermal activities. • Emphasis importance of Li-rich deposits as industrial raw materials for technology applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rutile occur in important amounts within Quaternary detrital sediments, and quartz veins which cut down the Paleozoic aged Eşme formation in the Menderes Massif on the Neoproterozoic Pan-Afrikan Belt in the west of Turkey. As a result of erosion, transport and accumulation of rutile-bearing quartz veins in the mica schists of the Eşme formation outcropped between Eşme (Uşak) and Kula (Manisa), the placer rutile occurrences occur in terraces, fluvial-alluvial and eluvial deposits. This study investigates the element content of rutile, oxygen isotope ratios of rutile and quartz, and formation temperature of rutile related to titanium source rock. Field observations show that rutiles are located in quartz veins that cut the schists. After these veins were fragmented and eroded, blocks of quartz with rutile and rutile grains are transported into clastic sediments in slope debris (eluvial), terraces and recent fluvial-alluvial deposits. Whereas quartz, rutile, ilmenite, and albite are found in the paragenesis of the rutile-bearing quartz vein fragments, the placers forming the terraces and current fluvial-alluvial deposits contain quartz, albite, muscovite, orthoclase, kaolinite, rutile, dravite, ilmenite, and zircon. The rutile grains in the examined placers and quartz vein fragments have grain sizes ranging from mm fractions to 5–6 cm. The major oxide compositions of the rutile grains have average values of 94 wt.% TiO 2 , 1.5 wt.% Fe 2 O 3 , 0.5 wt.% SiO 2 , and 0.3 wt.% Al 2 O 3 . The rutile samples have average values Nb of 1424 ppm, V of 980 ppm, W of 192 ppm, Ta of 94 ppm, and Zr of 73 ppm. The rutiles in the study area are defined as iron-rich rutile “nigrine” due to high iron content. Quartz veins are host rocks of rutile grains in the terrace and fluvial-aluvial sediments. The rutile-bearing quartz veins may be sourced from the Lower-Middle Miocene aged granites which are intruded the rocks in the Menderes Massif. Based on the analysis results of the methods of Zr thermometer from Zr values containing rutile and quartz-rutile geothermometer from oxygen isotope results (13.5‰ and 6‰) of quartz and rutile samples, the formation temperature of the rutile-bearing quartz veins were found to be at temperatures of 537 °C and 561 °C, respectively. These temperatures indicate that the rutile-bearing quartz veins may be in a temperature range between pegmatitic and/or hydrothermal stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The late Miocene was characterized by high global temperatures and partly to nearly complete desiccation of the Mediterranean Sea throughout the latter part of the Messinian age (the Messinian salinity crisis). The non-marine paleoenvironmental and paleoclimatic records from the Mediterranean area are highly limited in their spatial range. Late Miocene river flood-plain sediments in the Central Anatolian Volcanic Province (CAVP) of central Turkey consist of siliciclastic and pyroclastic sediments with paleosols and calcrete. Five lithofacies were identified as (A) massive conglomerate, (B) trough-cross-bedded sandstone, (C) massive mudstone, (D) disrupted mud, (E) and disrupted matrix-supported conglomerate. The paleosols were composed predominantly of smectite and illite with smaller amounts of feldspar, quartz, opal-A, pyroxene and amphibole, and the calcretes were composed mainly of calcite, with smaller amounts of feldspar, quartz and opal-A, and minor amounts of smectite, chlorite and illite. Authigenic clay minerals and micritic calcite coating on the detrital grains and soil peds and pendant cement in the calcrete and paleosol horizons were evidence of a vadose zone. In contrast, the large equant spar drusy mosaics were formed in phreatic environments. The weathering of ignimbrite and marble led to the depletion of SiO 2 , CaO, Al 2 O 3 , Fe 2 O 3 , TiO 2 , and K 2 O through the precipitation of smectite and illite in the paleosols, and CaO in the form of micrite and calcite in the calcrete horizons. Field observations, mineralogy, geochemistry and the results of δ 18 O and δ 13 C isotopic analysis reveal that alternating wet and dry periods resulted in an upward increase in precipitation of authigenic smectite and illite within the late Miocene sections, under the influence of geochemical and pH fluctuations in phreatic or vadose water within the river flood-plain paleoenvironment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Neogene Soma Basin, western Turkey, hosts three coal seams (kM2, kM3 and kP1) and several altered tuff layers within the Miocene sequences. This study focuses on the evaluation of coal-petrography, mineralogical and elemental compositions, as well as the Rock-Eval pyrolysis of the three coal seams from Eynez, Işıklar and Deniş sectors, and to identify the mineralogy of altered tuff layers within kM2 and kP1 seams. The routine coal quality analyses show that coal samples from the kM2 seam are characterized by lower ash yields and total S contents, and higher gross calorific values than kM3 and kP1 seams. The mineralogical composition of the bulk coal samples varies between all three seams. The statistical treatment implies that major elements in bulk coal samples such as Al, Fe, K, Mg and Na, and the vast majority of minor and trace elements have inorganic affinity. The trace element contents and elemental enrichments in the coal samples are generally changeable from seam to seam, which could be related to differences in ash yield and mineralogy. Altered tuff layers, or tonsteins were identified in kM2 and kP1 seams. The tonsteins are clay rich, and certain trace elements (e.g. As and Zr) are enriched in the coal layers beneath the tuff layers in the kM2 seam. This might be related to penetration of leached pore water into these layers and precipitation of epigenetic minerals. The coal-petrography composition and the coal-facies diagrams show that the precursor peat of the kM2 seam was accumulating under telmatic, mesotrophic, anoxic conditions, whereas the water level was high and stable. The relatively low ash yields and thicker coal beds suggest a lower clastic input from the basin margins, and water table fluctuations resulted in calcareous intercalations in the kM3 and kP1 seams. These imply the development of limno-telmatic conditions whereas fluvial activity affected during peat accumulation of both seams. Considering the maceral composition along with the coal thickness, coal seams in the Soma Basin might display oil-generation potential; however, the pyrolysis analysis shows that the studied coal seams are mainly gas-prone and only certain coal beds have mixed-hydrocarbon generation capacity. All data presented in this study indicates that lithological features, differences in coal qualities and elemental contents in the Soma Basin were mainly controlled by changes in the depositional conditions and the detrital input during Miocene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Tumanpınarı mineralization is a volcanic rock-hosted epithermal Fe-Mn-Ba deposit located in the southwestern part of Dursunbey, Balıkesir, Turkey. The deposit constitutes one of the most important deposits of the Havran-Dursunbey metallogenic sub-province in which numerous Early Miocene Fe-Mn-Ba deposits are distributed. The ore occurs as open-space fillings in faults, fractures, and breccias in the andesite. Early hydrothermal activity was responsible for four types of hypogene alteration in decreasing intensity: silicification, sericitization, hematization and argillic alteration. The mineral assemblage includes pyrolusite, psilomelane, hematite, and barite as well as minor magnetite, manganite, poliannite, limonite, braunite, bixbyite, galena, pyrite, and goethite. Mineralogically, three ore types are recognized as pyrolusite + psilomelane + hematite + barite ore, pyrolusite + psilomelane + poliannite ore and barite + pyrolusite + psilomelane + hematite ore (barite-dominant ore). In addition to Fe, Mn and Ba, the ore contains substantial quantities of Pb, Zn, As. Chemically, the transition from fresh to altered rocks has little effect on the elemental levels for Si, Al, Fe, Ca, Mg, K, Rb, Sr and H2O. The homogenization temperature of fluid inclusions hosted in the main stage quartz and barite ranged from 113 to 410 °C with salinities ranging from 0.4 to 14.9 eq. wt % NaCl, respectively. Overall, the available data suggest that the deposits formed as the result of the interaction of two aqueous fluids: a higher-salinity fluid (probably magmatic) and a dilute meteoric fluid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Kayıköy area of Isparta-Gölcük district, Inner Isparta Angle, SW Anatolia, Turkey, a small volume of newly discovered K-rich mafic potassic magma was emplaced in the form of dome in the vicinity of graben structures under Pliocene (3.68 ± 0.5 Ma) extensional tectonics. Kayıköy leucite ankaratrites are made up of abundant diopside, barian phlogopite and leucite, and lesser olivine, that rarely contains Cr-spinel, nepheline and haüyne, with abundant magnetite. They have low SiO 2 (44.00–46.04 wt.%) and Al 2 O 3 (12.10–12.64 wt.%) with high K 2 O (4.00–4.42 wt.%), CaO (13.50–14.40 wt.%) and MgO (8.52–9.36 wt.%), with high Cr (397–547 ppm) and moderate Ni (57–74 ppm) contents. They represent the less evolved silica-undersaturated mafic potassic magmas within the Isparta-Gölcük volcanic province, and may be considered another parental source to the wide spectrum of the K-rich rocks. They are highly enriched in most of the incompatible elements (e.g., Ba, 2761 to > 10,000 ppm; Sr, 3700–4074 ppm; Th, 33.60–36.99 ppm; Zr, 274–321 ppm) with high LREEs, low HREEs and elevated LREEs/HREEs ratios [(La/Yb) N , 73–80] and are comparable with kamafugite and carbonatites. Trace element patterns have negative P, Ti and Nb-Ta anomalies in common with the Italian kamafugite province and lack of a Eu anomaly, in contrast to the negative Eu anomaly of the Italian province. Their Sr 87/86 –Nd 143/144 (0.703877–0.512765) isotopic compositions, together with those of other potassic volcanics from the Inner Isparta Angle, coincide with the West Quinling (China) kamafugites with highly depleted mantle signatures, and young East African carbonatites. Olivine–Cr-spinel pairs, high Mg# (0.69–0.73) numbers and Cr values, and high incompatible and LREE contents in Kayıköy leucite ankaratritic magma are consistent with near-primary magmas equilibrated with enriched and heterogeneous (peridotitic/pyroxenitic) mantle sources. On the basis of (i) their geochemical signatures [low Ti/Eu, elevated CaO/Al 2 O 3 and (La/Yb) N ratios], (ii) consistency of parental magma compositions with experimental melt compositions for carbonated peridotites, and (iii) geochemical and isotopic affinities to kamafugites and carbonatites, it is inferred that the carbonatitic melts infiltrated the mantle sources of Kayıköy leucite ankaratritic magma, and induced the depletion of its SiO 2 contents. Carbonate-bearing phonolitic parental melts formed by mixing of both silicate and carbonate-asthenospheric melts from convecting mantle, react with wall-rock peridotite to form diopside + phlogopite + olivine + apatite metasomatic veins as wehrlitic metasomes. Partial melting of such newly generated wehrlitic metasomes in the subcontinental lithospheric mantle resulted in the parental melts of Kayıköy leucite ankaratrites. Results also imply that the nature and composition of asthenosphere-derived silicate melts (basanitic, phonolitic or tephriphonolitic in composition) and percentage of mixed carbonatitic melts lead to the formation of discrete mantle metasomes within the Inner Isparta Angle lithospheric mantle. These metasomes are conducive to the generation of coeval potassic magmas with contrasting geochemical signatures (e.g., lamproitic, lamprophyric, kamafugitic) in a single tectonic setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hundred-micrometer-sized calcium-aluminum-silicates (CAS) inclusions occur in moissanite-4H, moissanite-15R, and moissanite-6H from Turkey. These inclusions commonly consist of tabular exsolution lamellae of two different minerals. By combined electron microprobe and Raman spectroscopy analysis, at least eight different, essentially Mg- and Fe-free Ca-Al-silicate or Al-silicate phases have been discerned. The most common phase is dmisteinbergite, a hexagonal modification of CaAl2Si2O8, occurring in association with lamellae of Cax(Al,Si)1–xO3 or Ca1–x(Al,Si)2+xO5 compositions. All three phases contain significant amounts of BaO (up to 2 mol% of celsiane component in dmisteinbergite), SrO, SO3, and light rare earth elements (LREE). In particular, Ca1–x(Al,Si)2+xO5 contains up to 2.1 wt% of LREE, 3.9 wt% of F, and significant traces of Cl, while it is also associated to osbornite (TiN). Pure ghelenite, Ca2Al2SiO7, and three additional compositions, namely CaAl4–xSixO7, Ca1–x(Al,Si)3+xO6, and Ca3–x(Al,Si)6+xO14 have been found, either occurring as single grains or forming exsolution lamellae. They also contain significant amounts of BaO, SrO, SO3, and LREE. One last intriguing phase is composed in average of 65.9 wt% SiO2, 17.4% Al2O3, 3.0% alkalis, 6.0% BaO, 2.0% CaO+MgO, 0.9% ZrO2, and up to 0.5% LREE. Dmisteinbergite and ghelenite show Raman peaks in very good agreement with literature data, Cax(Al,Si)1–xO3 shows main Raman modes at 416 and 1009 cm–1, Ca1–x(Al,Si)3+xO6 at 531 and 1579 cm–1 while Ca3–x(Al,Si)6+xO14 has a strong peak at 553 cm–1. CaAl4–xSixO7 shows a weak Raman pattern, while Ca1–x(Al,Si)2+xO5 has no detectable Raman modes. Since the association moissanite-CAS is thermodynamically not stable at ambient pressure and moissanite crystals hosting the CAS phases have δ13C values typical of deep-mantle origin, we interpret the CAS inclusions as partially retrogressed HP minerals. Striking analogies exist between observed CAS compositions and experimentally obtained HP-HT mineralogy. For instance, Cax(Al,Si)1–xO3 contains up to 25 mol% of Al2O3, which is considered as the upper limit of alumina solubility in Ca-perovskite. The study confirms that CAS phases are an important mantle depository for large ion lithophile elements (LILE) and LREE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Naples Yellow pigment was apparently used for the first time by the Egyptians, as a glass-colouring agent. Also known in the Mesopotamian and Roman cultures, the recipe was lost in Western Europe between the fourth and the 16th centuries ad. The recipe for the production of lead antimonate recently discovered in the ' Codice Calabranci' (second half of the 15th century) at Montelupo, a small town near Florence ( Italy) known for its large-scale ceramic production, possibly represents the very first evidence of the reintroduction of Naples Yellow in Western Europe after a long period of absence. The major-element composition of the lead antimonate pigment in the Montelupo ceramics of the 15th and 16th centuries is in accordance with the ' Codice Calabranci' recipes. Lead isotope analyses indicate that the lead used to produce the yellow pigments and the underlying glaze of the Montelupo majolica did not come from the Tuscan mining districts, but was possibly imported via Venice from more distant lead sources in Turkey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Triassic Karakaya Complex (KC) of the Sakarya Composite Terrane in northern Turkey is traditionally subdivided into two units. The Lower Karakaya Complex (LKC) consists of a tectonic mélange with blocks of metabasic rocks, metacarbonates, meta-arenites and metapelites that have been affected by high pressure/low temperature metamorphism. It is followed by a low pressure/low temperature metamorphic overprint; the latter is the only metamorphic event in some tectonic slivers of the LKC. The Upper Karakaya Complex (UKC) units are primarily composed of diagenetic to low-grade metamorphic rocks, comprising Late Permian and Triassic cherts and blocks of OIB-type volcanic rocks interfingering with Anisian limestones. LKC slide-blocks of variable sizes are frequently observed within the UKC. Phyllosilicates of LKC and UKC were examined for their abundance, crystallinity, polytype and b cell dimension. Trioctahedral chamositic chlorites have II b polytype and phengites 2 M polytypes in the LKC units and 2 M + 1 M + 1 M polytypes of phengitic dioctahedral illites in the UKC units. Kübler index data correspond to the low anchizone and epizone for the LKC units, and to the high diagenesis-low anchizone, and in part to the epizone for the UKC units. The b values of illites are consistent with a high-pressure facies series for the LKC, but only intermediate-pressure facies for the UKC. According to textural features, mineral paragenesis, clay transformations, index minerals, and b values, the lower-middle parts of the LKC represent an accretional tectonic setting, whereas the UKC units reflect pressure temperature conditions of an extensional basin affected by high heat flow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]