Ore Genesis of the Abu Ghalaga Ferro-Ilmenite Ore Associated with Neoproterozoic Massive-Type Gabbros, South-Eastern Desert of Egypt: Evidence from Texture and Mineral Chemistry

Massif-type mafic intrusions (gabbro and anorthosite) are known for their considerable resources of vanadium-bearing iron–titanium oxide ores. Massive-type gabbroic anorthosite rocks frequently associated with magmatic that have significant quantities iron, titanium, vanadium. The most promising host Fe-Ti ores the in south-eastern desert. ilmenite ore deposits hosted arc rocks. They classified into three types, namely black ore, red disseminated ore. is located at deeper level, while oxidized mainly or near surface. Petrographically, gabbro indicate a crystallization sequence plagioclase, titaniferous pyroxene, ilmenite. This reveals deposit formed by liquid gravity concentration following feldspar pyroxene. Meanwhile, quartz, tremolite, zoisite, opaque minerals accessory minerals. composed hosting exsolved hematite lamellae variable sizes shapes, gangue silicate minerals, some sulfides. X-ray diffraction (XRD) data reveal presence two mineral phases: unmixing ferroilmenite homogeneous phase upon cooling. As result, mostly made up hemo-ilmenite. Using an electron microscope (SEM), as well observing textures seen microscope, dominant contains voluminous crystals. Under scanning contained intergrowths thin sandwich lens shape. formation indicates oxidation process. Mineral chemistry-based investigations late/post-magmatic activity high temperatures. examined plots on ferro-ilmenite line were created continuous solid solution over 800 °C, whereas analyzed magnetite Ti-magnetite plot exceeding 600 °C.