Identification, Characterization, and Deposit Model of Calcite Mineralization in the Middle Atlas Belts, Morocco
Abdelkhiar Ait Ali,
Mohammed Charroud,
Jaouad Choukrad,
Youssef Ouahzizi,
Hicham Si Mhamdi,
Nacir El Moutaouakkil,
Naoufal Saoud,
Abdellah Mechaqrane
Affiliations
Abdelkhiar Ait Ali
Intelligent Systems, Georesources and Renewable Energies Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques of Fez, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, P.O. Box 2202, Fez 28810, Morocco
Mohammed Charroud
Intelligent Systems, Georesources and Renewable Energies Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques of Fez, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, P.O. Box 2202, Fez 28810, Morocco
Jaouad Choukrad
Intelligent Systems, Georesources and Renewable Energies Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques of Fez, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, P.O. Box 2202, Fez 28810, Morocco
Youssef Ouahzizi
Intelligent Systems, Georesources and Renewable Energies Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques of Fez, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, P.O. Box 2202, Fez 28810, Morocco
Hicham Si Mhamdi
Laboratory of Applied Geology, Department of Geosciences, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques of Errachidia, Moulay Ismail University, Meknes 50050, Morocco
Nacir El Moutaouakkil
Laboratory of Géosciences, Water and Environment. Department of Earth Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University Mohamed V Rabat, Rabat 10090, Morocco
Naoufal Saoud
Intelligent Systems, Georesources and Renewable Energies Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques of Fez, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, P.O. Box 2202, Fez 28810, Morocco
Abdellah Mechaqrane
Intelligent Systems, Georesources and Renewable Energies Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques of Fez, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, P.O. Box 2202, Fez 28810, Morocco
The Middle Atlas hosts calcite veins of considerable economic value, being found in the Mahdi and Bou Naceur ridges in the eastern part of the Moroccan Middle Atlas. In this study, we aim to identify the fundamental factors controlling mineralization, which could be essential for the exploration of calcite minerals. Jurassic dolomites and limestones host calcite deposits. Mineralization is controlled by the NE-SW sinistral fault system of the Mahdi Ridge as well as by the NW-SE dextral fault system of the Bou Naceur Ridge. These veins exhibit a Riedel shear system. The edges of the veins display different textures, such as banded and brecciated calcite. At the heart of the veins are deposits of massive, automorphic, pure crystalline calcite. Geochemical analyses revealed carbonate rock dissolution and carbonate fluid infiltration, indicating the presence of a low-temperature hydrothermal system. These mineralizations are a response to the evolution of the geodynamic uplift of the Middle Atlas during the Neogene, which occurred during the Alpine orogeny.
