Gold vein mineralogy and oxygen isotopes of Wadi Abu Khusheiba, Jordan

Abstract

One of the best-studied subjects in the area is gold mineralization, and researchers have focused on the veins, their direct weathering products, or fluid inclusion analyses. Abu Khusheiba gold deposits in Jordan were characterized as epithermal deposits, and the wadi sediments below were investigated in some studies. Although epithermal mineralization is confirmed at Wadi Abu Khusheiba, part of the southern Jordanian Aheimer Volcanic Suite, the source of mineralizing fluids is uncertain. Among the most critical scientific issues is whether the fluids are magmatic, meteoric, or mixed, and what it would mean for gold deposition and resource potential. Moreover, the area lacks comprehensive geochemical and isotopic studies that would reveal fluid evolution, styles of alteration, and metal transport mechanisms. Stable isotope research (e.g., oxygen) in conjunction with mineralogical studies can shed light on mineralization sources and environments – addressing an important knowledge gap. Economically, fluid evolution knowledge is required to evaluate the future gold exploration potential of the Abu Khusheiba area.

Keywords

• oxygen isotope
• magmatic
• hydrothermal alteration
• quartz textures
• epithermal gold