CHROMITE OCCURRENCES IN THE MERAM-ÇAYIRBAĞI OPHIOLITES (KONYA, TURKEY): GEOLOGICAL AND GEOCHEMICAL OUTLINE

ABSTRACT: Two chromite occurrences have been found within the Meram-Çayırbağı (Konya) Ophiolitic Complex. The occurrences are located at Helvacıbaba and Bacağınkoyak Tepe, and the complex is promising for large chromite orebodies. The chromites are formed in dunitic rocks of the Meram-Çayırbağı Ophiolites. Chromite mineralization of>18.62 % (in weight) occurs in Helvacıbaba while the Bacağınkoyak Tepe have a minimum 35 % of Cr2O3. The major and trace element data of both occurrences indicate that the chemical composition of the chromite samples is mainly controlled by the Cr2O3 concentration