Varieties of corundum (sapphire) occurrences in Iran, study on UV- VIS spectroscopy.

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 1Geology Center of the University

2 Geology Department, Faculty of Sciences, Isfahan University, Iran

3 3Associate Professor, Department of Physics, Isfahan University of Technology

4 Associate Professor, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad

10.22067/gemiran.2026.48061
Abstract
Three different Varieties of corundum (sapphire) occurrences in Iran is investigated. They are out cropped in three different geologic environments including: A) syenitic pegmatites of Alvand batholite (Hamadan area). B) Metamorphic rocks (Metabauxite) of Central Iran and C): Advanced argillic alteration related to epithermal systems. They are characterized mainly by following mineral assemblages:
A: Corundum + k- feldspar + quartz, tourmaline + muscovite + spinel
B: Corundum + diaspore + chlorite + ilmenite
 
C: Quartz + sericite

In pegmatites of Alvand batholite the metasomatic process have been engaged in sapphire in association with spinel formatiom. There are likely desilification processes for spinel- corundum generation. Mineralization which is formed as phenoblasts in association with spinel.
Corundum veinlets which are developed in metabauxide show most gem quality.
In Alvand argillic alteration the desilicification prosses are provided the suitable conditions for corundum depositions.

 Pegmatite and metabauxite occurrences are characterized by gem quality corundum. Some UV-VIS spectroscopic data of those sapphires are also presented in the paper.

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  • Receive Date 15 April 2026
  • Publish Date 21 March 2026