The Lece-Chalkidiki metallogenic zone: geotectonic setting and metallogenic features

Abstract

Several characteristics define the contours of this significant metallogenic zone developed owing to post collision tectonomagmatic processes along the contact between the Vardar zone and Serbo-Macedonian massif (SMM): regional and local fracture structures, surface manifestations of the Tertiary volcanogene-intrusive magmatism and polymetallic mineralization styles (Pb-Zn, Cu, Au, Sb, As). The most striking are the fractures of NNW - SSE strikes as well as ring-radial ones typical of the volcanic structures (Leče, Zletovo, Pontokerasia). The absolute age of the calc-alkaline volcanic complexes ranges from 37 to 16 m.y. The strontium ratios for these magmatic rocks indicate a contamination of magma by material from the continental crust (87Sr/86Sr 0.706318 - 0.706928). Ore deposits are grouped into several metallogenic districts and ore fields each characterized by specific styles of mineralization and a mineral/elemental association.