GEOLOGY OF GOLDEN QUNB WELL CAVE ORIGIN &NAUTURE OF ITS DEPOSITS .

Abstract

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the geological factors controlled on forming of Golden Qunb Well Cave and nature of its mineral deposits in Sinjar Mountain.

This study depended on the field work and the lab. tests to the mineral samples with assistance of previous geological studies.

Qunb Well Cave had been formed during the second stage of Alpine Orogeney during two following periods, the first period dealing with growth of the cave in the rainy seasons of the Pleistocene age as a result of selected dissolve (vertical and horizontal) of the horizontal limestone beds related to Sinjar Formation of Paleocene age which exposed in the hinge zone of the Sinjar Anticline. The second period dealing with secondary mineral deposits during dry time as a result of filteration of the saturated solution with lime material through tension joints in the roof of the cave and its sides in addition to solving of the rocks which bearing iron nodules. This process is still continue until present time.

The pure Calcite mineral deposits as Stalactite and Stalagmite in addition to Flowstone crust on the internal walls of the cave. The last distinct by several colours and the golden lusters when the light fall on it.

The lab. tests assure that the golden luster is belong to the randum scattering of the Marcasite crystals on the Flowstone crust. The green colour belongs to the presence of Melanterite mineral, the yellow colour is due to the presence of Limonite mineral, the brown colour in due to the