Petrographic and trace-element data on rocks from the Yemen Arab Republic

Open-File Report 80-132
By: , and 

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Abstract

Petrographic descriptions are given for rocks in the Yemen Arab Republic (YAR), including mainly Precambrian igneous and metamorphic rocks from the southeastern part of the country, which previously was geologically undescribed. Also included are descriptions of Cretaceous and/or Tertiary lavas of the Yemen Volcanics, Miocene(?) alkali granite, Pliocene caprock of the Guma salt dome, and late Pleistocene and Holocene basalts of the Aden Volcanic Series (?). The petrographic studies permitted the selection of 11 samples of rock for future use in obtaining isotopic analyses for age determinations. Analyses of these rock specimens for trace amounts of gold, indium, mercury, selenium, and thallium completed the geochemical studies. Results of these analyses are interpreted to show that regional geochemical exploration should be undertaken for base and precious metals near Jibal Hufash, the Manakhah area, the region around Al Bayda, the Sa'dah-Majadh area, and the Wadi Jawf area. Additional studies of trace elements in commercial salt deposits of the YAR should be made to evaluate the amounts of mercury and selenium in this industrial raw material.

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Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Petrographic and trace-element data on rocks from the Yemen Arab Republic
Series title Open-File Report
Series number 80-132
DOI 10.3133/ofr80132
Year Published 1979
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Description iv, 62 p.
Country Yemen Arab Republic
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