Preliminary investigations of the nature genesis and economical value of the "tuffs Etc" of Ain-el-Kharroubeh (Bikfaya) Lebanon
1989
El-Kareh, G. (Saint Joseph Univ., Beirut (Lebanon). Engineering Faculty)
Preliminary spot sampling of the 83 odd hectares of "tuffs etc BJ6" (Dubertret et al., 1945) outcropping NE of Bikfaya, at Ain-el-Kharroubeh, leads to the conclusion that they do belong to a petrographic province, i.e. igneous rocks of the same age, derived from either the same magma through the major transversal fault which they overlie, or from volcanic pyroclastics washed or blown into Ain-el-Kharroubeh from either Aintourah or Qartaba/Abboud vents. Their very high carbonate content (over 80% at least on surficial samples) and texture, would justify their being renamed as "LAPILLI-TUFF Carbonatites" on a tentative basis. They are earthy, flaky aggregates, with a dominating beige colour, and no apparent foliated structure or stratification. Insoluble residues consist essentially of Zeolites (Analcime?), clay minerals, etc., though a proper mineralogical examination has not yet been made. The Carbonatites may have an economical value. While initial investigations of their filtering properties have been discouraging, probably as the zeolites had not been isolated, they may include ore deposits (base metals; gold not being excluded) and rare earths
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