A thorough comparison of newly discovered whetstone from the Dazkırı (Afyonkarahisar – Türkiye) with a heritage whetstone from the Cretan Island-Greece with regards to mineralogical, petrographic and physico-mechanical characteristics
Authors:
Osman Serkan ANGI, Orhan YAVUZ, Emin ÇİFTÇİ
ABSTRACT
The present study is an analytical investigation into the geomaterial and engineering geological characteristics of Cretan (Greece) and Dazkırı (Afyonkarahisar, Türkiye) whetstones. The Cretan whetstone, a prominent example of a heritage natural whetstone, is a distinctive type of carbonatecemented siltstone that is extracted from the island of Crete in Greece. Conversely, a new specimen was recently identified by the authors and designated as “the Dazkırı whetstone,” which exhibits comparable lithology and is extracted in the Dazkırı district of Afyonkarahisar (Türkiye). In order to ascertain the geomaterial characteristics of the studied whetstones, a number of analytical and test techniques were utilized. Furthermore, Cerchar Abrasivity Index (CAI) measurements were conducted and acquired. The CAI results were then compared through the use of regression equations related to quartz content, cementation degree, and the Böhme surface abrasion resistance. The oil absorption test was finally conducted to ascertain the grinding-honing performances and impregnation capacity with lubricant of the examined whetstones. Consequently, a comparative analysis of the subject whetstones was conducted, resulting in the definition and classification of their characteristics. These characteristics included the relationship between grain size and grit size equivalent, as well as the type of lubricant, function, and uses. In summary, the Dazkırı whetstone exhibits superior geomaterial characteristics and grinding-honing performance when compared to the Cretan whetstone.
Keywords:
Whetstone, The Cretan Whetstone, The Dazkırı Whetstone, Geomaterial Characteristics, Grinding- Honing Performances.
Dornadula CHANDRASEKHARAM, Govind UMMETHALA, Tripathi RAJENDRA PRASAD, Amir Hossein TAVABI, Sairam Krishna MALLADI, Rafal E Dunin BORKOWSKI, Dixit AMBESH
Indexed In · Volume 180 / August 2026
High resolution microscopy and Raman spectroscopic studies on the freshest Mukundpura meteorite, Rajasthan, India: Presence of nanodiamonds
Authors:
Dornadula CHANDRASEKHARAM, Govind UMMETHALA, Tripathi RAJENDRA PRASAD, Amir Hossein TAVABI, Sairam Krishna MALLADI, Rafal E Dunin BORKOWSKI, Dixit AMBESH
ABSTRACT
Carbonaceous Chondrites have special significance in the stellar evolution and in particular in the evolution of life on earth. The carbonaceous meteorite that fell in Mukundpura village, Jaipur, Rajasthan on 6th June 2017 is one such rare CM2 (Carbonaceous Chondrite) carbonaceous meteorite. We carried out high resolution scanning and transmission electron microscopic (SEM and TEM) studies on typical thin sections, showing abundant grains of iridium (Ir), pentlandite (NiS), and more interestingly crystalline carbon (C). These crystallite carbon grains resemble nanodiamond like signature in the freshest Mukundpura meteorite. The high-resolution Raman spectroscopic measurements are carried out on the crystalline carbon grains, showing well resolved three distinct peaks with a vibrational mode at 1315 cm-1, with the onset of a weak vibrational mode at 1150 cm-1, substantiating the observation of nanocrystalline diamond in Mukundpura meteorite. The broad peak centered at 1360 cm-1 and 1575 cm-1 (as an average), suggest the presence of graphitic carbon as well together with apparent presence of nanocrystalline diamond. The average size of nanocrystalline diamond is ~ 3-5 nm. High iridium content in this meteorite supports the meteoric impact related iridium anomaly in geological stratigraphic boundaries (e.g. Cretaceous-Tertiary boundary) that has caused mass extinction of flora and fauna.
Keywords:
Meteorite, Mukundpura, Nanodiamond, Raman Spectroscopy, TEM, Iridium Anomaly, Pentlandite, Mass Extinction.
The Paleocene-Eocene succession at Djebel Onk, northeastern Algeria, remains poorly understood, despite its significance for reconstructing paleoenvironments during a critical period of global change. Unlike the well-studied equivalent series in the Metlaoui-Gafsa Basin, the Algerian counterpart lacks a robust stratigraphic and paleoenvironmental framework. This study addresses this gap by applying detailed sedimentological and petrographic analyses, integrated with sequence stratigraphic principles based on the model of Vail. Five erosional surfaces delineate five truncated depositional sequences, each containing only a transgressive and highstand systems tract, indicating repeated interruptions in sedimentation. Eight lithofacies were identified, reflecting deposition along a carbonate ramp system that ranges from outer ramp to restricted lagoonal and tidal flat settings. These facies transitions reveal shifts between transgressive and regressive phases, including a notable phosphatic-rich interval and an upper evaporitic horizon. The uppermost sequence is interpreted as an inner ramp deposit from the terminal Ypresian to early Lutetian. Stratigraphic correlation with distal, pelagic facies supports this age assignment. The integration of facies architecture with the influence of eustatic and tectonic controls allowed identification of two second-order tectonoeustatic cycles. This refined framework enhances regional correlation of Paleocene-Eocene deposits in North Africa and underscores the complex stratigraphic evolution of the Kef Essnoun section.
Keywords:
Paleocene-Eocene, Sequence Stratigraphy, Carbonate Ramp, Facies Analysis, Djebel Onk
Latest Pliocene-Quaternary uplift of the central Tauride and Evolutionary history of the Kızıllar Canyon, southern central Anatolia-Türkiye
Authors:
Ali KOÇYİĞİT, Uğur DOĞAN
ABSTRACT
The study area is located near the apex of the north-facing and V-shaped Konya-Niğde Graben. Its south-southeast margin is defined and controlled by the NE-trending Karaman-Niğde Fault Zone. It also forms the geographic boundary between the central Tauride in the south and central Anatolia in the north. This study aimed to determine the Latest Pliocene-Quaternary uplift rate of the central Tauride and the evolutionary history of the Kızıllar Canyon located on the uplifting southern footwall block of the Karaman Niğde Fault Zone. Both the geological and geomorphological field data, which were obtained within the framework of this study, revealed the following: (1) the Kızıllar River drainage system developed as a result of several capture events; (2) Lithological and hydrological characteristics of the valley reveal the reason for the lack of gradation in the river’s longitudinal profile; (3) the Kızıllar Canyon reflects the incision process of the Kızıllar River; (4) the Kızıllar River cut vertically into its bed up to 230 m, which corresponds to the minimum Latest Pliocene- Quaternary uplift rate of the central Tauride (~0.06 mm/yr); and (5) the Kızıllar Canyon developed as a natural response of the river to the uplift of the Konya-Niğde Fault Zone footwall block.
Keywords:
Kızıllar Canyon, Central Taurides, Central Anatolia, Fault, Uplift Rate
David I. BLUASHVILI, Kerem M. AVCI, Keti BENASHVILI, Giorgi MINDIASHVILI, Revaz MENABDE, Vakhtang BLUASHVILI
Indexed In · Volume 180 / August 2026
General geology and integrated ASTER-based lineament and hydrothermal alteration mapping of the Zoti Ore Field (Guria, Western Georgia)
Authors:
David I. BLUASHVILI, Kerem M. AVCI, Keti BENASHVILI, Giorgi MINDIASHVILI, Revaz MENABDE, Vakhtang BLUASHVILI
ABSTRACT
The Zoti ore field, located in the Guria region of western Georgia within the Lesser Caucasus metallogenic belt, hosts iron-gold-copper mineralization related to volcanic-sedimentary sequences and intrusive bodies. This study aims to delineate potential mineral anomalies and evaluate their structural controls using remote-sensing techniques. Terra ASTER (AST_L1B 00309232004081235) imagery acquired on 4 March 2024 was utilized. The dataset exhibits less than 5% cloud and snow cover, while vegetation density is moderate. After applying radiometric and atmospheric corrections and NDVI-based masking, the data were prepared for image processing. Image analyses were conducted using ENVI 4.8, ERDAS IMAGINE 2022, and ArcMap 10.8.2. Band-ratio techniques were implemented in ENVI, lineament extraction was performed in ERDAS IMAGINE, and final mineral anomaly maps were generated in ArcMap. Lineament analysis indicates dominant structural trends subparallel to the Lesser Caucasus, exerting significant control on the spatial distribution of argillic-phyllic alteration zones and iron-oxide anomalies. Hematite and metabasalt anomalies are mainly concentrated in the southern and southeastern parts of the study area. Furthermore, iron-oxide, alunite, clay, muscovite, calcite, kaolinite, and sericite anomalies show a strong spatial association with the Natanebi River corridor. Intense Fe-oxide and Al-OH alteration zones coincide with known mineral prospects and extend into previously unexplored structural domains,highlighting promising targets for future field investigations.
Modeling the discharge of Kapuzbaşı spring for parameterization of the karst aquifer, Aladağ Mountains, Central Taurus, Türkiye
Authors:
Süleyman Selim ÇALLI
ABSTRACT
Kapuzbaşı karst spring is located between Kayseri and Adana, one of the most important and wellstudied mountainous karst regions, Aladağlar, Central Taurus, Türkiye. Previous scientific studies revealed the hydrogeological setup, perceptual model including groundwater residence time and potential recharge-discharge relationship; however, there has not been any process-based conceptual
modeling experiment on the karst spring aiming to parameterize the karst system hydrodynamics. In the present study, we aimed to develop a numerical model of the karst groundwater system to parameterize the system hydrodynamics, which was built based on the conceptual understanding of the karst hydrogeology. We selected the lumped-conceptual hydrological model of KarstMod to quantify the discharge of the Kapuzbaşı spring. The modeling experiment showed that the recharge area of the karst spring is covering approximately 350 km2, and the approximate annual discharge exceeds 250 hm3. The preferential flow mechanism triggered after the water level in epikarst exceeding 92 mm, and the melt factor is approximated as 9.91 mm/°C/day. The response time of conduit reservoir is approximately 1 day, and the loss flux triggered when the water level in conduit reservoir exceeding 4 mm. The hydraulic conductivity of the matrix reservoir is found approx. 0.012 mm/day. The model performance based on the daily discharge was obtained as Nash Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) = 0.77, and Kling-Gupta Efficiency (KGE) = 0.87 in the calibration, and NSE = 0.76, and KGE = 0.77 for the validation periods, respectively. Eliminating the less sensitive model parameters in the calibration leads to more robust and less uncertain discharge simulations.
Keywords:
Kapuzbaşı Karst Spring, Aladağ Mountains, Hydrological Model, KarstMod, Central Taurus
Formation of carbonate-hosted Kızılüzüm Pb–Zn–Ag deposit within the Bornova Flysch Zone, İzmir, Western Türkiye
Authors:
Bezhan BEHZAD, Cem KASAPÇI, Nurullah HANİLÇİ
ABSTRACT
The Kızılüzüm Pb-Zn-Ag deposit is hosted within carbonate rocks belonging to the Bornova Flysch Zone (BFZ) in Western Anatolia. The base of the BFZ in the study area comprises Upper Cretaceous recrystallized dolomitic limestones with rudist fossils, overlain by Late Cretaceous-Paleocene flysch-type sequences consisting predominantly of fossil-free sandstone and shale alternations, along with occasional limestone lenses. Cataclastic granitic dike, possibly of Miocene (?) age, intrudes these units. The BFZ exhibits an imbricated internal structure, and the Kızılüzüm Pb-Zn- Ag mineralization has developed within the recrystallized dolomitic limestones particularly at the intersections of low-angle thrust zones and faults. The ore zone is oxidized and contains 0.4-44% Zn, 0.2-12.5% Pb, 65-3305 ppm As, and 1.5-347 ppm Ag. The moderately strong correlation of Ag with Pb and sulfur (r = 0.7) suggests its association with galena. Fluid inclusions yield an average homogenization temperature of 238 °C (Th) and 5.4 wt.% NaCl equivalent salinity, indicating a dominantly magmatic-hydrothermal origin for the ore-forming fluids. δ34S for sulfide minerals average -6.89‰ (range: -11.95‰ to 4.46‰; n = 27), while barite shows 8.75‰ (range: 0.67‰ to 14.05‰; n = 5). These data suggest that sulfur may have been derived from dominantly magmatic sulfate sources with partly sedimentary sulfate contribution, reduced and fractionated through thermochemical sulfate reduction (TSR) processes. Considering its geological setting, mineral paragenesis, fluid inclusion data, sulfur isotope compositions, and ore geochemistry, the Kızılüzüm Pb-Zn-Ag mineralization may have been formed through the mixing of magmatic-hydrothermal fluids derived from Oligocene-Miocene magmatic rocks intruded into the Bornova Flysch Zone (BFZ) and shows similarities to Carbonate Replacement Deposit (CRD)-type Pb-Zn deposits worldwide.
The Dodurga Fault is an active right-lateral strike-slip fault, approximately 63 km long, striking NW-SE in northwestern Anatolia. Based on 1:25,000-scale active fault mapping, the fault is subdivided into two principal geometric segments. Segment 1 is approximately 16 km long and extends from Sulhiye in the west to Erikli in the east, whereas Segment 2 is 47 km long and is characterized by a right-stepping geometry and a 10°-15° southeastern deflection. Geological and geomorphological observations, together with kinematic analyses, indicate that the fault is dominantly right-lateral strike-slip in character. Stream channels offset by up to several kilometers along the fault trace support its long-term activity, and fault-plane kinematic indicators independently confirm dextral motion. Paleostress analyses of the kinematic data indicate that the recent deformation phase along the Dodurga Fault is governed by approximately N-S contraction and E-W extension. Empirical scaling relationships suggest that Segment 1 and Segment 2 are capable of generating earthquakes of Mw 6.47 and Mw 6.97, respectively. If both segmentsrupture together, the Dodurga Fault could potentially generate an earthquake of Mw 7.16.
The main focus of Bulletin of the Mineral Research and Exploration will be high-impact original research and reviews in the all field of earth sciences. The Bulletin is an international, open access from 2012, peer-reviewed, state-supported, Turkey's oldest and well-established earth sciences journal.
Bulletin of the Mineral Research and Exploration is an open access, single blind, peer-reviewed journal in the field of earth sciences. The submission language of the Bulletin is English. BMRE is published three times (April, August, December) in a year. It is not only publishes original papers on mining geology, but also on general geology, structural geology, tectonics, sedimentology, stratigraphy, paleontology, geochemistry, geostatistics, earthquake studies, geoheritage, geoarchaeology, environmental geology, remote sensing, engineering geology, hydrogeology, geotechnics, geothermal energy, petroleum geology, mining and petroleum technologies. BMRE accepted manuscripts in Turkish, English, French and German between 1936 and 1985, and was published only in English and Turkish between 1985 and 2021. The Bulletin, which has recently changed its submission language, has decided to continue its publication life only in English as of January 2022.
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