Prospecting polymetallic mineralization in Ardestan area, Central Iran, using fractal modeling and staged factor analysis

The purpose of this study is to determine geochemical anomalies on lithogeochemical data from Ardestan area, Central Iran, using concentration-number (C-N) fractal modeling and staged factor analysis. Staged factor analysis is used to the recognition of genetic correlation and elimination of non-indicator elements in three steps. Factor scores of elements were calculated and geochemical data classified by the C-N fractal model. According to the anomaly values, the distribution of elemental concentration for Mn and F1-3 were divided in four classes and five geochemical groups of Cu, Ag, Fe, F2-3 and F3-3 have been identified. Main geochemical anomalies are located in the NW, NE and SE of the study area. Obtained results from fractal and factor analyses is confirmed by field observations, petrographic and mineralographic studies, indicating pyrite, chalcopyrite, chalcocite, covellite, argentite, malachite, azurite, magnetite, hematite and pyrolusite are main ore minerals hosted by andesites and basaltic andesites.