Structural and geochemical processes controlling the formation of Egyptian Alabaster at Wadi Mawathil area, Eastern Desert, Egypt

Abstract Wadi Mawathil area is characterized by the existence of carbonates, represented “Egyptian Alabaster” (calcite alabaster) and “Bucchino” (recrystallized limestone). One most important geological heritage in Egypt Egyptian Alabaster quarries. The considered main economic resource study recrystallized limestone occasionally can be quarried. Field revealed that covered Middle Eocene rocks “Sannur Formation” surrounded quaternary sediments; it exhibits karst features. Detailed field structure studies on show NW–SE NE–SW structural trends. fault trends are mainly striking from N25° to 55° W dip toward NE, SW, SSW. These intersections form channels for groundwater dissolves limestone. Petrographically, these limestones three microfacies types, namely foraminiferal biomicrite, sandy biosparite, alabaster facies. Foraminiferal biomicrite biosparite reflect quite an open marine shallow subtidal depositional environment, while facies was precipitated hydrothermal groundwaters within fractures, cavities, or system. X–ray fluorescence analysis shows increase content some trace elements such as I, Cr, Th, W, Ag, U, Ni, Zn, Pb, Ga, they also high concentrations REE Sc, Ce, La. major oxides CaO with average 55.47% indicating calcite a mineral component karstified rocks. geological, structural, geochemical carried out area, indicated were formed two stages: first one dissolving thermal waters heavy meteoric water during rainy periods Pleistocene age. second stage re-precipitation “alabaster” and/or “recrystallized limestone” calcium carbonate saturated percolated through fractures fissures