Evaluation of Syenite as Feldspar Source: Piranshahr Pluton, NW of Iran

• Published in: Natural resources research (New York, N.Y.) Vol. 21; no. 2; pp. 279 - 283
• Main Authors: Mazhari, S. A., Hajalilou, B., Bea, F.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Boston Springer US 01.06.2012; Springer; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Aluminum oxide; Beneficiation; Chemical composition; Chemistry and Earth Sciences; Computer Science; Earth and Environmental Science; Earth Sciences; Earth, ocean, space; Exact sciences and technology; Flotation; Fossil Fuels (incl. Carbon Capture); Geography; Magnetic separation; Mathematical Modeling and Industrial Mathematics; Metallic and non-metallic deposits; Mineral Resources; Physics; Potassium oxides; Statistics for Engineering; Sustainable Development; Syenite; Middle East; Iran; Asia; magnetic separation; Piranshahr; Syenite; floatation; feldspar; cations; exploration; concentration; igneous rocks; mining; beneficiation; plutons; separation; plutonic rocks; silicates; syenites; framework silicates; chemical composition
• ISSN: 1520-7439; 1573-8981
• DOI: 10.1007/s11053-012-9174-4

The syenites of Piranshahr pluton form homogeneous mesoperthite-rich rocks which are exposed over a large area (>30 km 2 ). With >85% modal composition of feldspar and rare ferromagnesian minerals, the syenites are petrographically suitable for feldspar exploration. The chemical composition of the Piranshahr syenites (i.e., high Al 2 O 3 and (Na 2 O + K 2 O)) is also appropriate for potential feldspar mining. By means of an inexpensive concentration procedure that includes high-intensive magnetic separation and cation collector floatation, it is possible to achieve the needed feldspar composition (high Al 2 O 3 (~20%), (Na 2 O + K 2 O) >12.5% and low FeO tot <0.25) for a marketable product. These data confirm economic potential of Piranshahr syenites as a huge feldspar source from the geologic and beneficiation perspectives.