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Research Paper | Geology | Albania | Volume 10 Issue 1, January 2021 | Rating: 4.2 / 10
Titanomagnetite Mineralization in Albania
Abstract: The most important accumulations of titanomagnetite mineralization known in Albania occur at the northern part of the western ophiolitic belt of Mirdita zone. The mineralization lies within thesideronite gabbros as layered or irregular ore bodies, consisting of disseminated and banded Fe-Ti-V oxide minerals. The sideronite gabbros (ferrogabbros) belong to the uppermost part of the mafic cumulate section where they predominate. Sukaxhi, Thanez, Ungrej and Fregen are the main titanomagnetite ore deposits, related to the outcrops of these rocks, explored so far in Albania. Ilmenite, magnetite and titanomagnetite are the main ore forming minerals. They compose 15 % - 25 % of the ore and consist of ilmenite and magnetite disseminations of size 0.1 ? 0.2 mm. The average ore composition is Fe2O3 17.9 %, TiO2 6.43 % and V2O5 0.2 %. There is a positive linear correlation between titanomagnetite, ilmenite and magnetite values. Ilmenite / (magnetite + titanomagnetite) ratio is 3-5 and the TiO2 values vary between 4.40 ? 7.10 %. The sulphide minerals compose 0.5 ? 2 % of the ore and consist mainly of pyrite, marcasite and chalcopyrite and less pyhrrotite and scarce pentlandite. Plagioclase, pyroxenes and chlorites are the main gangue minerals. The ore reserves explored so far are calculated to be 147 million tons. The explored ore deposits present appropriate technical-mining conditions for open pit exploitation. Actually, the titanomagnetite mineralization represents an important potential mineral resource for Albania.
Keywords: Titanomagnetite, sideronite gabbros, Mirdita ophiolite, Albania
Edition: Volume 10 Issue 1, January 2021,
Pages: 1619 - 1622