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Mineralization Potential of Afghanistan Pegmatite Belt

Authors :

Hamidullah Arian¹ Zahra Alaminia² Azizullah Haydari³ Arif Nero⁴ Akram Shirzad⁵

1- دانشگاه اصفهان 2- دانشگاه اصفهان 3- دانشگاه پولیتخنیک کابل 4- دانشگاه پولیتخنیک کابل 5- دانشگاه پولیتخنیک کابل

Keywords :

pegmatite belt،rare metals،Oligocene،Nuristan،Tagablor،Muscovite،lithium

Abstract :

Abstract – Afghanistan pegmatite belt, which spans approximately 900km in length and 200km in width with a SW-NE orientation, contains an abundance of rare metals and strategic elements. This belt is a significant metallogenic belt hosting abundant amount of Li, Cs, Ta, Nb, Rb, Be, Sn, and gem-quality minerals, with an average grade of approximately 1.7% Li2O, 9% Cs2O, around 0.025% Ta2O5 and over 0.03% Nb2O5. These pegmatites, which can reach kilometers in length and meters in width, are associated both spatially and genetically with the third phase of Oligocene granites (S-Type) and have intruded surrounding metamorphic rocks, granites, diorite, and gabbro of different ages during 34 Ma to 5 Ma. While further research is necessary, previous and current studies suggests that one of the world's largest concentrations of lithium-bearing pegmatites are located in NE and central parts of Afghanistan, capable of meeting the growing demand for lithium and other rare-metal elements in the future with having a great economic potential of gem-quality minerals (kunzite, topaz, and different types of beryl and tourmaline) with exceptional high quality and size of crystals.