Geochemical exploration for Li in regional scale utilizing Staged Factor Analysis (SFA) and Spectrum-Area (S-A) fractal model in north central Iran

Abstract

The main aim of this study was to outline the lithium anomalies by a regional exploration, at an area of 7800 km2, in Semnan province (north central Iran) using the Staged Factor Analysis (SFA) and Spectrum-Area (S-A) fractal model based on stream sediments and rock samples. Results derived via the SFA denote that Li was located in a factor as F2-4 with B, Cs, U and Rb which was utilized for calculation of the threshold values by the S-A method. The F2-4 data were classified by the fractal model for determination of the Li anomalies. Main anomaly for F2-4≥ 1.5 was situated in the SW and northern parts of this region. Furthermore, Li high grades of rock samples were correlated with main F2-4 anomalies. The main anomalies were correlated with geological particulars of Li mineralization types which represent that the main F2-4 anomalies associate with volcanic and tuff units in the SW part, and overlapped with clay minerals in the northern sector of this region. On the other hand, there are proper potential for Li mineralization which is demonstrated by this method.