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Ediacaran (~ 600 Ma) orogenic gold in Egypt: age of the Atalla gold
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Ediacaran (~ 600 Ma) orogenic gold in Egypt: age

of the Atalla gold mineralization and its geological
significance

Basem Zoheir, Mark Feigenson, Jian-Wei Zi, Brent Turrin, Fatma Deshesh &
Ahmed El-Metwally

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INTERNATIONAL GEOLOGY REVIEW, 2018
https://doi.org/10.1080/00206814.2018.1463180

ARTICLE

Ediacaran (~ 600 Ma) orogenic gold in Egypt: age of the Atalla gold
mineralization and its geological significance
Basem Zoheira,b, Mark Feigensonc, Jian-Wei Zid, Brent Turrinc, Fatma Desheshe and Ahmed El-Metwallye
a
Department of Geology, Faculty of Science, Benha University, Benha, Egypt; bInstitute of Geosciences, University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany; cDepartment
of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Wright-Rieman Labs, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA; dState Key Lab of Geological Processes and Mineral
Resources, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China; eDepartment of Geology, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, El-Mansoura, Egypt

ABSTRACT ARTICLE HISTORY

Integration of a new monazite U–Pb age for the Atalla monzogranite (615 ± 9 Ma) and a 40Ar/39Ar Received 19 January 2018
plateau age of hydrothermal white mica (601 ± 5.5 Ma, 2σ) disseminated in gold-bearing quartz veins Accepted 7 April 2018
at the Atalla mine indicates post-intrusion Au-mineralization, overlapping with cooling and regional KEYWORDS
exhumation ages of the Central Eastern Desert. The mica age is in agreement with published Re–Os Orogenic gold; Atalla gold
age of gold mineralization in the Fawakhir area, ~ 20 km to the south along the Atalla shear zone. The deposit; Atalla shear zone;
new geochronological data demonstrate lode gold formation during the ~ 600 Ma period, controlled Najd-related structures;
by wrench tectonics along Najd-related structures in the region (620–585 Ma). Fluid focusing and gold monazite U–Pb and white
deposition during the Ediacaran were promoted by contrasting lithological and rheological properties mica Ar–Ar geochronology
at the granite-ophiolites contacts. This seems to be a typical setting for gold ores in this part of the
Nubian Shield, and can aid exploration for undiscovered resources in the region.

1. Introduction studies (e.g. Harraz 1999, 2000; Murr 1999; Helmy et al.
2004; Zoheir and Moritz 2014; Helmy and Zoheir 2015).
The Eastern Desert (ED) was evidently a gold-mining pro-
In almost all cases, low salinity aqueous-carbonic ore
vince in ancient Egypt since the pre-dynastic times (e.g.
fluids and mesothermal conditions (250–350°C,
Klemm et al. 2001; Klemm and Klemm 2013). Despite the
1–3 kbar) are described, overlapping with those of the
several thousand years’ mining history, the large number
orogenic gold deposits (e.g. Groves et al. 1998).
of gold deposits, and considerable recent research, the
Information regarding the timing of gold mineralization
age of Au mineralization in the ED is poorly known. A
as well as the age of the host intrusions is, however,
genetic model based on a clear geochronological synth-
mostly missing. Zoheir et al. (2015) used Re–Os dating
esis can offer vital clues to exploration geologists, for a
of arsenopyrite from the Fawakhir and El-Sid deposits
new look at this ancient province or if conducting recon-
to constrain gold mineralization at ~ 600 Ma. This age
naissance in under-explored areas.
estimate clearly overlaps with the magmatic-meta-
In the Central Eastern Desert (CED), gold mineraliza-
morphic activities associated with the NNW-trending
tion occurs mainly in fault-fill quartz veins, and appears
Atalla shear zone (ASZ) (Fritz et al. 2002; Akawy 2007;
to be confined to zones of strike-slip fault/shear struc-
Klemm and Klemm 2013; Zoheir et al. 2017).
tures cutting ophiolites and molasse-type sediments
The Atalla gold mineralization is a typical example
(Figure 1). At least 70% of the auriferous quartz veins in
for gold mineralization hosted by small late-orogenic
this area is associated with late-orogenic, I-type granitic
intrusions and controlled by Najd-related (or Najd-simi-
intrusions (e.g. Murr 1999; Zoheir et al. 2011). These
lar) transcurrent structures in the CED. The importance
intrusions are commonly small in size (a few km-across)
of the present study is related to the assumption of
and typically round to elliptical-shaped. Their emplace-
significant orogenic gold formed in response to oblique
ment was most likely subsequent to northeast-south-
convergence and transcurrent deformation late in the
west transpressional regime rather than in an
evolution of the Arabian-Nubian Shield (ANS)
extensional tectonic environment (Fowler 2001).
(Loizenbauer et al. 2001; Fritz et al. 2002; Zoheir 2011).
Mineralogy, structural control and fluid evolution of
Recently published fluid inclusion and isotope data of
some gold deposits in the CED are discussed in several

CONTACT Basem Zoheir basem.zoheir@gmail.com Department of Geology, Faculty of Science, Benha University, 13518 Benha, Egypt
Supplemental data for this article can be accessed here.
© 2018 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group
2 B. ZOHEIR ET AL.

Figure 1. Distribution of gold occurrences in the Eastern Desert of Egypt in relation to the main lithological units and major faults/
shear zones. Gold mines and occurrences names and locations are verified by Basem Zoheir, through field work and Global
Positioning System (GPS) readings based on Bing Maps.

this deposit support a shear-related ore fluid and fluid
focusing in structural traps (Zoheir et al. 2017).
In this contribution, we present new petrographic,
geochemical and monazite U–Pb geochronological data
for the Atalla granite. The age of gold mineralization is
constrained by hydrothermal white mica 40Ar/39Ar data.
The new geochronological data are combined with
structural analysis to constrain the timing and structural
control of gold metallogeny of the CED and analogous
areas in the Arabian Shield. To this end, key first-order
exploration targets can be determined based on an
unambiguous geological and geochronological context.

2. Geologic setting
The CED is characterized by abundant dismembered
ophioltic nappes and mélange, and high-strain gneiss-
cored metamorphic complexes associated with extensive
Najd-related fault/shear zones (e.g. Sultan et al. 1988;
Greiling et al. 1994; Fritz et al. 1996; Loizenbauer et al.
2001). Low-angle reverse faults with top-to-the NW shear
zones in the area are thought to be related to an oblique
convergence event, ~ 690–610 Ma (Andresen et al. 2009,
2010; Augland et al. 2012; Lundmark et al. 2012). Unzog
and Kurz (2000) and Fritz et al. (2002) suggested that the
Pan-African nappes were developed in a thin-skinned
tectonic environment during early westward accretion,
and later extension tectonics led to the exposure of gneiss
cores beneath these nappes. The core complexes are
commonly truncated by NW–SE sinistral shear zones per-
taining to the Najd Fault System in the Arabian Shield
(620–560 Ma; Stern 1985; Wallbrecher et al. 1993; Shalaby
et al. 2005). Fowler and El-Kalioubi (2004) interpreted the
deflection of S1 foliation as a result of block rotation
associated with sinistral movement. The moderately-dip-
ping thrusts and shear zones in the CED are thought to
have assisted the intrusion of calc-alkaline I-type granitic
intrusions (Fowler 2001). According to Andresen et al.
(2010) and Fowler and Osman (2013), granitic intrusions
cutting the prominent subhorizontal foliation may indi-
cate substantial lithospheric thinning. Greiling et al. (2014)
suggested that the weak crust facilitated the initiation or
reactivation of Najd-related high angle wrench faults/
shear zones in the CED during subsequent lateral tectonic
escape, exemplified by the high-angle ASZ.
The Atalla gold mine (26°09ʹ15”N, 33°30ʹ50”E) is located
~ 20 km north of the Fawakhir area along the Quft-Quseir
asphaltic road. Gold mineralization is related to milky and
smoky quartz veins in NE-trending faults cutting a small
monzogranite body, the Atalla intrusion. The mine area is
underlain mainly by a NW–SE elongate belt of ophiolitic
rocks, cut by felsic dyke swarms and the Atalla intrusion
(Figure 2). Fragments of metabasalt, serpentinite and meta-
gabbro are embedded in a matrix of metasiltstone form
large exposures west and north of the mine area. To the
east, mafic and intermediate island arc metavolcanic/vol-
caniclastic rocks include foliated metabasalt intercalated
with andesite tuffs and breccias. Rhyolite and rhyodacitic
tuffs and ignimbrites of the Dokhan group (610–580 Ma,
Wilde and Youssef 2000) are exposed at the extreme west
of the mine area (Figure 2). Successions of purple meta-
greywacke, siltstone and conglomerate (Hammamat
Sediments) unconformably overlie the arc metavolcanic
rocks. These sediments are generally characterized by
NW-SE bedding. Post-Hammamat felsite porphyries (Rb/Sr
isochron age of 588 ± 12 Ma; Hassan 1998) form a NNW-
INTERNATIONAL GEOLOGY REVIEW 3
elongate body cutting the ophiolitic and island arc rocks. In
the mine area, these rocks are intensely jointed, fine-
grained porphyritic rhyodacites. Monzo-syenogranite
rocks occur as small intrusions orientated parallel to the
NNW–SSE ASZ. The Atalla intrusion (~ 0.35 km2) cuts ophio-
litic serpentinites and the Post-Hammamat felsite intrusion,
and is composed of medium- to coarse-grained, pale pink
monzogranite with abundant xenoliths of older rocks.
In the mine area, the NNW–SSE structural trend is
related to marginal shear zones and steeply dipping
mylonitic foliation. Strike-slip faults juxtapose the
ophiolitic mélange nappe to the Dokhan Volcanics
and Atalla felsites. The mineralized quartz veins are
confined to NE–SW brittle shear zones, cutting the
Atalla intrusion and characterized by sub-horizontal
slickenfibers. The main lode is manifested by a 270 m-
long and ~ 0.5 m-wide quartz vein. Other smaller and
less extensive quartz veins are parallel to subparallel to
the main lode. Structural synthesis reveals that the
mineralized shear zones represent component of the
major ASZ, which deforms the area and extends >30 km
southward in a NNW–SSE direction. In addition to the
Atalla deposit, the ASZ accommodates El-Sid and
Fawakhir gold deposits (Zoheir and Moritz 2014).
3. Petrography of the host rock and gold-
associated hydrothermal alteration
The Atalla monzogranite is composed essentially of
K-feldspar, quartz, plagioclase and biotite, and less abun-
dant muscovite (Figures 3(a,b)). Zircon and rutile are
accessory minerals. K-feldspar includes microcline and
orthoclase-micro perthite, ranging from 1 to 3 mm in
length. K-feldspar, commonly orthoclase perthite, consti-
tutes about 45% of the rock, and occurs as anhedral to
subhedral crystals (Figure 3). The large prismatic crystals
are twined and exhibit stringers and patchy perthitic
textures. Quartz is a major constituent (up to 30 vol. %),
and forms anhedral grains interstitial to both K-feldspar
and albite (Figure 3(a)). The large quartz crystals exhibit
weak to strong andulose extinction. Plagioclase (up to 10
vol. %) forms prismatic crystals with albite twin lamellae,
and is partially resorbed by K-feldspar in myrmekitic inter-
growths. In some samples, epidote and clay minerals
replace plagioclase intensively in the crystal core. Biotite
constitutes about 8 vol. % of the rock, and forms subhe-
dral flakes (Figure 3(b)). It is replaced in some samples by
variable amounts of chlorite. Muscovite (up to 3 vol. %)
occurs as tabular- or twinned-prismatic flakes in associa-
tion with biotite or along deformation planes in some
samples (Figure 3(b)). Muscovite appears to be a second-
ary mineral, commonly associated with disseminations of
4 B. ZOHEIR ET AL.
Figure 2. Geological setting of the Atalla shear zone (ASZ) and associated granitic intrusions and gold mineralization (modified from
Klemm and Klemm 2013; Zoheir et al. 2017).
sulfides or form clusters of aggregated flakes and quartz
subgrains (Figures 3(c,d)). Zircon and rutile occur com-
monly as fine disseminations in biotite or muscovite.
The gold-bearing quartz veins contain small amounts of
carbonate and white mica (≤10%). Ore minerals include
early pyrite and arsenopyrite, and a late assemblage of
galena-sphalerite-chalcopyrite and scarce tetrahedrite, hes-
site and electrum (see Osman et al. 1997; Zoheir et al. 2017).
Free gold globules and stringers occur in quartz veins, or
on surfaces of small pyrite crystals. Gold is also seen as
inclusions in pyrite and arsenopyrite, commonly
intergrown with galena and tetrahrderite along internal
microfractures. The hydrothermal alteration assemblage
associated with the mineralized quartz veins includes
quartz, white mica and iron oxides. Disseminated rutile
and sulfides characterize the intensely altered wallrock.
Fine, mostly ≤0.2 mm-large, subrounded quartz grains
intergrown with white mica and calcite delineate shear
lines in the mineralized quartz veins (Figures 3(c-e)). It is
noticed that disseminations of sulfide and gold in the
mineralized quartz veins are mostly confined to this altera-
tion assemblage. In some samples, mats of randomly-
oriented flecks of white mica occupy interstices between
deformed quartz crystals in quartz veins, or form blocky
masses in the adjacent wallrock (Figure 3(e,f)).
The field and petrographic features of the altered and
least altered samples imply that the Atalla intrusion experi-
enced brittle deformation and a hydrothermal overprint
after intrusion. This hydrothermal overprint (arsenopyrite
temperature ~ 340–380°C; see Zoheir et al. 2017) lead to
the growth of white mica together with disseminations of
pyrite and arsenopyrite at temperatures in the range of the
 INTERNATIONAL GEOLOGY REVIEW 5

Figure 3. Photomicrographs (XPL) of the Atalla monzogranite showing: (a), (b) main mineral constituents including quartz (Qtz),
orthoclase perthite (Or), plagioclase (Pl), biotite (Bt) and muscovite (Ms), (c)-(f) are silicified and variably altered wallrock with
abundant white mica flakes (Wmca) intermingle with comb hydrothermal quartz subgrains, calcite (Cal) and disseminated pyrite
(Py) and arsenopyrite (Apy). Notice that white mica flakes are parallel to shear planes and wrapped around quartz porphyroclasts,
but normal to veinlet wall where associated with comb quartz (e, f).

Ar-retention temperature of muscovite (350 ± 50°C; e.g.
Glasmacher et al. 2001). The coarse-grained flakes
(>100 µm-large) intermingling with hydrothermal quartz
in the altered wallrock and disseminated in quartz veins
show textural relationships imply spatial and temporal
association with sulfide mineralization. The field observa-
tions, simple mineralogy and textural relationships jointly
imply that this system was formed in a single-stage hydro-
thermal event. Accordingly, white mica is found suitable for
dating the sulfide-gold mineralization in the area.
4. Samples and methods
Thirty-eight granitic and quartz vein samples were col-
lected from outcrop and the underground mine. Only the
least hydrothermally altered samples of each rock type
were selected for geochemical and isotopic analysis on
the basis of hand lens and thin section observations.
4.1. Whole rock geochemistry
Eleven samples were selected for bulk rock analysis by the
X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) and Inductively Coupled Plasma
Mass Spectrometry (ICP–MS) at the BGR laboratories in
Hannover. One gram of finely ground (<40 µm) sample
material in a porcelain crucible was put in a muffle furnace
at 1030°C for 10 min to release volatile constituents. The
loss on ignition was determined from the weight loss after
roasting. The roasted samples were then mixed with 5 g
lithium metaborate and 25 mg lithium bromide and in
platinum crucibles in an automated crucible fluxer at
1200°C for 20 min until melting. The fused samples were
6 B. ZOHEIR ET AL.
automatically poured into platinum molds for casting. The
fused beads were analyzed on a PANalytical Axios PW XRF
spectrometer for the major element concentrations. The
DIN standard 51418 was used for calibration and concen-
tration calculation. The limit of detection is about 0.01 wt
% for most of the elements.
For ICP–MS analysis, about 100 mg of powdered
sample was dissolved in screw-top SavillexTM beakers.
Samples were dissolved by pressure digestion with a
mixture of 3 mL HCl, 2 mL HNO3, 1 mL HClO4, and
2 mL HF at 200°C under an HClO4 fume hood until the
solution is dried completely, then diluted with aqua regia
(3 parts HCl to 1 part HNO3) and allowed to react for
15 min. When no remaining solids are seen, the samples
are rinsed into 50-mL graduated centrifuge tubes and
the clear solution is diluted to a final concentration of
1.00 g/L. The solutions are then centrifuged and evapo-
rated to dryness. Evaporates were dissolved in HNO3 and
aliquots corresponding to about 4 mg of sample pre-
pared for ICP–MS measurement. An Agilent 7500ce
instrument equipped with an auto-sampler was used
for element concentrations measurement. At a tempera-
ture of 5000–7000 K in the plasma, the elements are
ionized. The degree of ionization of many elements is
more than 90% at these temperatures. For quantitative
determination of the elemental content of dissolved
samples, the device is calibrated with synthetic solutions
of known content. The results are controlled by using
commercially available reference solutions.
4.2. Electron microprobe analysis of white mica
Electron microprobe analysis of white mica flakes from the
mineralized quartz veins were carried out at the University
of Lausanne on a JEOL 8200 electron microprobe equipped
with five wavelength-dispersive spectrometers. An acceler-
ating voltage of 15 kV was employed, with a beam current
of 15 nA, and a spot size of 3 µm and measuring time of
10–30 s on peak and half this time on the respective back-
grounds. Natural and synthetic silicate standards were used
for external calibration.
4.3. Monazite U–Th–Pb geochronology
Monazite identified in the granite sample were drilled out
from doubly polished thick sections as ~ 2-mm-diameter
plugs, which were then cast into 25-mm epoxy mounts
along with reference standards. All monazite crystals were
analyzed in situ using the SHRIMP II at the John de Laeter
Centre for Isotope Research at Curtin University, Perth,
Australia. The SHRIMP analytical and data reduction pro-
cedures are similar to those described in detail by Fletcher
et al. (2010). During the analytical session, a narrow O2 –
primary ion beam of ~ 0.3 nA was focused onto a ~ 12 µm
spot. Seven scans were recorded for each analysis. The
mass resolution (1% definition) was >5400. Monazite
z2234 was used as the primary reference material for
Pb/U and Pb/Th calibrations. Matrix corrections were
applied to the data using U and Th contents derived
from the SHRIMP data and the REE and Y abundances
determined by electron microprobe analyses made adja-
cent to SHRIMP analytical spots.
4.4. Ar–Ar geochronology
Selected samples were crushed to 0.25 to 0.50 mm.
Several grains were loaded into aluminum foil packets
along with a single grain of Fish Canyon Tuff Sanidine
(FCT–SAN) to act as flux monitor (apparent
age = 28.03 Ma; Renne et al. 1998). The sample packets
were arranged radially inside aluminum can. The sam-
ples were then irradiated for 12 h at the research reac-
tor of the State University of New Jersey in a fast
neutron flux of approximately 3 × 1016 neutrons/cm2.
Laser 40Ar/39Ar step-heating analysis was carried out at
the Wright Geological Laboratory. Upon return from the
reactor, samples were split into several aliquots and
loaded into individual 1.5 mm-diameter holes in a cop-
per planchet. Heating of individual sample aliquots in
steps of increasing temperature was achieved using a
Merchantek MIR10 10W CO2 laser equipped with a
2 × 2 mm flat-field lens. Heating was continued until
the grains disintegrated or fused, releasing all gas. The
released Ar gas was cleaned over getters for 10 min,
and then analyzed isotopically using the secondary
electron multiplier system of a VG3600 gas source
mass spectrometer. Details of data collection protocols
can be found in Villeneuve et al. (2000). Error analysis
on individual steps follows numerical error analysis rou-
tines outlined in Scaillet (2000); error analysis on
grouped data follows algebraic methods of Roddick
(1988). The error on individual J-factor values is conser-
vatively estimated at ± 0.6% (2σ). Because the error
associated with the J-factor is systematic and not
related to individual analyses, correction for this uncer-
tainty is not applied until calculation of dates from
isotopic correlation diagrams (Roddick 1988). All errors
are quoted at the 2 sigma level of uncertainty.
5. Results
5.1. Whole rock geochemistry
The Atalla granite is characterized by high silica con-
tents (73.1–77 wt%), relatively high Al2O3 (12.8–14.2 wt
%); and low Fe2O3t, MgO and TiO2 (0.65–1.30, 0.18–0.76
 INTERNATIONAL GEOLOGY REVIEW 7

and 0.08–0.22 wt%, respectively). The CaO contents are
highly variable (0.15–1.99 wt%), and negatively corre-
late with the A/CNK values (Supplementary Table 1).
The P2O5 contents are consistently very low (≤0.07 wt
%). The total alkalis contents range from 7.13 to 8.19 wt
%, and Na2O/K2O = 0.7–1.55. Generally, Al2O3, CaO,
MgO, MnO and Zr decrease with increasing SiO2,
whereas K2O and Fe2O3t show weak or no systematic
relationship (Supplementary Table 1).
The aluminum saturation index [ASI = molar Al2O3/
(CaO+Na2O+K2O)] of these rocks varies from 1.03 to
1.27, indicating their peraluminous character (A/CNK
in Supplementary Table 1; Figure 4(a)). On the Rb
versus Nb + Y diagram of Pearce et al. (1984), all
samples plot in the volcanic arc‒post-collisional
granite field, close to the brink of the within-plate
granites field (Figure. 4(b)). The data show a negative
correlation between P2O5, and SiO2 and a positive
correlation between A/CNK and SiO2 (Figure 4(c,d)),
commonly considered typical for the I-type granites
(e.g. Chappell et al. 2012; Gao et al. 2016).
Gallium contents vary from 14 to 22 ppm; La varies
from 31 to 41 ppm; Ce varies from 72 to 129 ppm; Sr
values range from 96 to 154 ppm and Y varies from 20
to 32 ppm. The investigated rocks are characterized by
high values of incompatible elements like Ba, Rb and Zr
(714–834, 102–133 and 164–258 ppm, respectively).
Most of the analyzed samples have Rb/Sr values <1,
except two samples having ratios of 1.03 and 1.12
(Supplementary Table 1).
5.2. Chemical composition of white mica
The electron microprobe data of white mica flakes dis-
seminated in the quartz veins (Figure 5) show variable
concentrations of SiO2 (47.97–51.77 wt%), TiO2 (0.04–
0.50 wt%), Al2O3 (28.81–35.91 wt%), FeO (1.29–4.58 wt
%), MgO (1.04–3.84 wt%), MnO (≤0.13 wt%), BaO
(≤0.12 wt%), Na2O (0.07–0.18 wt%) and K2O (6.04–
9.93 wt%). The CaO and SrO contents in the analyzed
white mica are generally below detection limit
(Supplementary Table 2). The Ti content is extremely
low (≤0.05 apfu), which points toward post-magmatic
origin (e.g. Speer 1984). The low Na (<0.1 apfu) contents
indicate that paragonite was not a prominent end
member. The negative correlation between Fe, Mg
and Mn with Al is attributed to the Tschermak substitu-
tion (Alvi + Aliv↔(Fe, Mg, Mn)vi + Siiv).

Figure 4. (a) A/CNK [molar ratio Al2O3/(CaO + Na2O + K2O)] vs. A/NK [molar ratio Al2O3/(Na2O + K2O)] (after Maniar and Piccoli
1989), (b) tectonic discrimination Y + Nb versus Rb diagram (after Pearce et al. 1984), (c), (d) SiO2 vs. P2O5 and A/CNK plots.
VAG = volcanic arc granites; Syn-COLG = syn-collision granites; WPG = within plate granites; ORG = ocean ridge granites. Field of
post-COLG in the Rb vs (Y + Nb) diagram is adopted by Pearce (1996).
8 B. ZOHEIR ET AL.

5.3. Age of the host rock constrained by in-situ
SHRIMP U–Pb dating of monazite
The closure temperature of the U–Th–Pb system in mon-
azite is considered to be similar to that in zircon (≥700°C;
Suzuki et al. 1994; Spear and Parrish 1996; Kalt et al.
2000). It has been suggested that monazite is stable in
host compositions that are low in CaO (<0.7 wt%; Montel
1993). Magmatic monazite and zircon in some single
granites record the same ages (e.g. Townsend et al.
2001). For some granites, particularly leucogranites, mon-
azite is more reliable for dating crystallization than zir-
con, which tends to record xenocrystic ages (e.g.
Piechocka et al. 2017). Monazite geochronology can,
therefore, be employed to date the crystallization age
of granites (e.g. Wan et al. 2004; Kusiak et al. 2014).
The analyzed monazite grains are subhedral and homo-
genous in back-scattered electron images (Figure 5).
Twenty-one analyses were carried out on 16 monazite
grains (Supplementary Table 3). Uranium contents are
low (mostly 50–200 ppm). Five analyses record >10% com-
mon 206Pb (and also the highest common 208Pb, up to
3.4%) and were hence disregarded. The rest of the data
consisting of 16 analyses were evaluated applying an
apparent concordance criterion, namely overlap of radio-
genic 206Pb/238U and 208Pb/232Th dates at their 1σ limits.
Five analyses with large discordance were not considered
further in age calculation. The remaining 11 analyses from
10 monazite grains are within ±5% discordance, and
yielded a weighted mean 206Pb/238U date of 612 ± 12 Ma
(MSWD = 1.6) and 208Pb/232Th date of 622 ± 13 Ma
(MSWD = 0.86) including uncertainties of Pb/U and Pb/Th
(2σ of 0.9% and 1.52%, respectively) in the standard
(Figure 6(a)). Because the two ages are independently
calibrated, they can be combined (Figure 6(b)), to give a
weighted mean date of 615 ± 9 Ma (MSWD = 1.2), which is
considered the best estimate for the age of monazite
growth during crystallization of the host granite.
5.4. White mica Ar–Ar dating
Ar–Ar dating was performed on white mica concen-
trates separated from mineralized quartz veins and
adjacent hydrothermal alteration in the Atalla mine
(Supplementary Table 4, Figures 7 and 8). Each gas-
release spectrum plotted contains step-heating data
from two or more aliquots, normalized to the total
volume of 39Ar released for each aliquot. Such plots
provide a visual image of replicated heating profiles,
evidence for Ar–loss in the low temperature steps, and
the error and apparent age of each step. The data are

Figure 5. Back-scattered electron images showing the features and distribution of white mica and monazite in altered Atalla
monzogranite, showing: (a) white mica (Wmca) and calcite (Cal) intergrowth in quartz vein, and small euhedral crystals and stringers
of zircon (Zrn) along cleavage planes, (b) subhedral monazite (Mnz) crystals enclosed in white mica-calcite intergrowth and
associated with arsenopyrite (Apy) in altered monzogranite, (c) large monazite crystal embedded in white mica and is associated
with zircon and minute specks of xenotime (Xtm), (d) selvage of the host rock in quartz vein with large arsenopyrite enclosed a
fragmented monazite crystal and associated with white mica.
 INTERNATIONAL GEOLOGY REVIEW 9

Figure 6. (a) Concordia diagram of SHRIMP U–Pb data for monazite from Atalla intrusion, (b) Combined 208Pb/232Th and 206Pb/238U
mean ages of same monazite grains from Atalla monzogranite.

calculated using the trapped 40Ar/36Ar determined from 40

the 39Ar/40Ar vs. 36Ar/40Ar isotope correlation diagram
(Figures 7). The age given by the isotope correlation
diagram is 600.8 ± 5.5 Ma, corresponding to a MSWD of
0.77, whereas 40Ar/36Ar (trapped) is 580 ± 320.
The above result [40Ar/36Ar (trapped)] and the
associated error (±320) is used to calculate the total
fusion/integrated age (trapped Ar) as 599.6 ± 2.1 Ma.
The data produce a well-defined multi-step plateau
age of 600.8 ± 1.6 Ma (Figure 8(a)). If a 40Ar/36Ar of
modern atmosphere (298.65 ± 0.06) is used to calcu-
late the plateau and total fusion/integrated ages,
then the ‘Total fusion/Integrated Age’ (modern Ar)
is: 604.0 ± 1.4 Ma, and the ‘Plateau Age’ (modern
Ar) is: 602.9 ± 2.0 Ma (Figure 8(b)). Recent work,
however, indicates that the 40Ar/36Ar value of the
atmosphere changes through time (e.g. Bender et al.
2008); so assuming the modern value for the trapped
Ar/36Ar value (see Lee et al. 2006; Valkiers et al.
2010) and for the given error may not be justified.
Moreover, using an isotope correlation diagram to
estimate the 40Ar/36Ar (trapped) also goes toward
addressing the possibility of ‘inherited’ Ar as well as
assigning a more realistic error to the 40Ar/36Ar
(trapped) and is propagated though all of the calcu-
lations to arrive at an apparent age.
6. Discussion
Gold deposits in the CED are commonly associated with
granitic intrusions in carbonatized ophiolitic rocks and
molasse sediments (Hammamat Group). Examples
include the Abu Gaharish, Gidami, Atalla, Fawakhir, and
Um Rus deposits and other small occurrences (see Klemm
and Klemm 2013). The host intrusions vary in composition
from monzodiorite to syenogranite, with calc-alkaline,

Figure 7. lsochron diagram showing the data of Atalla white mica by stepped heating. The line corresponds to an age of
600.8 ± 5.5 Ma, which is concordant with its plateau age and is consistent with the time of gold mineralization.
10 B. ZOHEIR ET AL.

(a) (b)

Figure 8. (a) Gas-release spectrum diagram showing 40Ar/39Ar ages plotted against percentage of total 39Ar gas released during
step heating of white mica separates from the mineralized quartz veins. The plateau age is calculated at the 2-sigma level,
(b) Gas-release spectrum diagram showing 40Ar/39Ar ages (using modern Ar) plotted against percentage of total 39Ar gas released
during step heating of white mica separates from the mineralized quartz veins.

metaluminous to peraluminous, medium- to high-K geo-
chemistry (Zoheir et al. 2011). Rogers and Greenberg
(1981) suggested that these and other younger granitic
rocks in the Eastern Desert formed generally late in an
orogenic environment, and represent the transitional
phase of the continental stabilization following the oro-
geny. Emplacement of these intrusions was likely conco-
mitant with the ~ 620–585 Ma, transcurrent deformation
along major wrench structures (Loizenbauer et al. 2001;
Fritz et al. 2002; Andresen et al. 2009).
The granitoid-associated gold deposits in the CED
share many broad characteristics, including ore mineral-
ogy, hydrothermal alteration, ore fluids, and local struc-
tural controls (Zoheir et al. 2011, 2017). The mineralized
quartz veins are fault-fill sheets, showing variable degrees
of deformation and recrystallization. These features along
with a common two-fold ore paragenesis, in which early
Fe–As-sulfides are deformed and replaced or healed by a
late assemblage of chalcopyrite-sphalerite-galena ± free-
milling gold may imply that deformation lasted during the
vein formation and gold-sulfide mineralization. Klemm
and Klemm (2013) suggested a crucial role of the ASZ in
gold mineralization at Wadi Atalla el-Mur, Atalla mine,
Umm Esh el-Zarga, Fawakhir, El-Sid, Umm Soleimat and
Hammuda occurrences.
6.1. The Atalla shear zone (ASZ)- Najd structures in
the CED
The Najd Fault System in the Arabian Shield is
thought to be the largest recognized pre-Mesozoic
transcurrent fault system on Earth (Stern 1985). It
extends NW–SE over 1200 km in outcrop, with a
width of approximately 300 km (Agar 1987). Sultan
et al. (1988) mapped left-lateral faults and ductile
shear zones in the CED with characteristics of the
Najd System in the Arabian Shield, and therefore
assigned as Najd-related. These structures are sug-
gested to have been developed during an E–W tec-
tonic shortening and were associated with deeper
crustal thermal events and magmatism (Fritz et al.
2002; Fowler et al. 2006). Johnson et al. (2011) sug-
gested that extension and escape tectonics at the
late stages of evolution of the ANS promoted the
exhumation of discrete gneissic domes. Regional
cooling and exhumation of gneissic core complexes
in the region is constrained by 40Ar/39Ar ages of
hornblende and muscovite from Meatiq and Sibai
domes, ~ 623–579 Ma (Fritz et al. 1996, 2002).
Greiling et al. (2014) suggested that steep foliations
and shallow lineations in the Um Sheqila and Um Had
intrusions and along the ASZ are attributed to a late
shortening phase and lithospheric thinning by lateral
escape tectonics in the CED.
Fowler and Osman (2001) suggested that structures
and shear fabrics along the ASZ are associated with
two events that preceded Najd system. The first was
the most important – it involved low-angle extensional
shearing with a NW-wards transport direction and
NW–SE stretching lineation. This event was responsi-
ble for most of the assembly of the rock units, and
produced schistosity and mylonitic foliations in the

region (Zoheir’s personal communications with T.
Fowler). The second event included SW-ward thrusting
and NW–SE trending folding. The foliated rocks along
Wadi Atalla (mainly ophiolitic rocks, Dokhan and syn-
extension intrusions like the Atalla felsites) were thrust
stacked and folded. Soon after this emplacement of
the Fawakhir, Um Had and Atalla intrusions took place
(Figure 9). The effects of the Najd system were felt
then. These were rather minor compared to the pre-
vious two events, but included very local shearing and
some folding of the earlier thrusts.
6.2. Atalla magmatism, mineralization and
tectonic evolution
The geochemical data presented in this study reveal a
homogeneous composition of the Atalla monzogranite
with respect to both major and trace elements. The high
SiO2 and total alkalis (K2O + Na2O) contents and high
FeO*/MgO values (1.2–5.5) reflect a significant degree of
magmatic differentiation. The A/CNK values (>1) and
volcanic arc tectonic environment are consistent with
Figure 9. Distribution of radiometric ages of granitic intrusions, gold deposits and gneissic core complexes along the Atalla Shear
Zone (ASZ).
INTERNATIONAL GEOLOGY REVIEW 11
these rocks being peraluminous, highly fractionated
I-type granite. The low Sr/Y values (3.8–7.25), and high
K2O contents (3.08–4.62 wt%) in the investigated sam-
ples can be attributed to fractional crystallization of
plagioclase (e.g. Wang et al. 2006; Moyen 2009). The
low Rb/Sr values overlap with the Pan-African calc-alka-
line granites formed in association with compressional
tectonic regimes (Abdel-Rahman and Martin 1987).
The weighted mean 206Pb/238U and 208Pb/232Th dates of
10 monazite grains yield a combined weighted mean age
of 615 ± 9 Ma (MSWD = 1.2). This age is considered the best
estimate for the crystallization age of the Atalla monzogra-
nite. The Abu Ziran diorite intrusion at the eastern margin
of the ASZ marks extension and crustal thinning related to
a switch from compressional to extensional tectonics in the
CED at c. 606 Ma (Fritz et al. 2014).
According to Fritz and Puhl (1996) and Fritz et al.
(2002), interplay of tectonically-controlled magmatism
and magmatically-controlled tectonism is evident in
Meatiq and Sibai in the CED during orogen-parallel exten-
sion and exhumation of these core complexes. In their
model, Fritz et al. (2002) considered magmatism and
12 B. ZOHEIR ET AL.

shearing as auto-catalytic long-term processes that
formed gneissic core complexes without significant crus-
tal thickening. This is further constrained by robust ID–
TIMS geochronological data (Andresen et al. 2009) of the
Abu Ziran diorite, which indicate a magmatic emplace-
ment age of 606 ± 1 Ma. The Fawakhir monzogranite
(598 ± 3 Ma; Andresen et al. 2009) occurs within the ASZ
west of the Maetiq complex and shows only brittle defor-
mation and elongate morphology, whereas the circular,
nearly un-deformed Um Had intrusion (596 ± 2 Ma;
Andresen et al. 2009) cuts the Hammamat sediments
west of the ASZ. These ages predate the Ar–Ar age of ca.
590 Ma by Fritz et al. (1996) for white mica, which prob-
ably represents uplift and cooling below 350–400°C.
Terrane exhumation and brittle deformation was likely
associated with fluid circulation and gold deposition
along the ASZ.
The new 40Ar/39Ar age of white mica (600.8 ± 5.5 Ma) is
interpreted to date the hydrothermal system in which
gold mineralization formed. This age is similar to Re–Os
age of arsenopyrite (~ 600 Ma) from the Fawakhir-Sid gold
mineralization, which is controlled by the same ASZ
(Zoheir et al. 2015). Hence, orogenic lode gold along this
Najd-related structure in the CED (e.g. Sultan et al. 1988)

Figure 10. Gold mineralization throughout the evolution of the Eastern Desert of Egypt (modified from Zoheir et al. 2015). Suturing
due to accretion of island-arc terranes took place during the first tectono-magmatic episode (ca. 720–700 Ma) (Stern 2002), whereas
peak metamorphism was attained when the accreted terranes collided with the western Saharan Craton during the second episode,
~ 650–620 Ma (e.g. Stern 2002). Transpression by oblique convergence, 595–588 Ma (Fritz et al. 1996, 2002; Loizenbauer et al. 2001)
and orogenic gold mineralization is proposed to be spatially and temporally associated with shear zones and splays off the
convergent wrench structures (Zoheir 2011, 2012). The timing and deformation styles of Atalla shear zone (ASZ) compiles with Najd
Fault System.

most likely formed at ~ 600 Ma, roughly concurrent with
cooling and regional exhumation of the central Eastern
Desert. This period was characterized by formation of pull-
apart basins and deposition of molasse sedimentary suc-
cessions, as well as a change from calc-alkaline to alkaline
magmatism (see Figure 10)
Interestingly, a similar 40Ar/39Ar age (597.3 ± 8.2 Ma) of
gold-associated white mica from the Arabian Shield is
denoted for gold mineralization in a granodiorite intrusion
(615 ± 5 Ma) at the Sukhaybarat area (Harbi et al. 2018).
7. Conclusions
The Atalla monzogranite (615 ± 9 Ma) has geochemical
characteristics of peraluminous, I-type granites developed
in a tectonic environment transitional between compres-
sional and tensional environments. This setting is consis-
tent with spatial and temporal association with the ASZ.
The latter demarcates oblique convergence, wrench tec-
tonics in the CED that are commonly interpreted as Najd-
related structures. Timing of the gold mineralized attained
from the 40Ar/39Ar plateau age of white mica in gold-
bearing quartz veins (601 ± 5.5 Ma, 2σ) nicely overlap
with the period of cooling and regional exhumation in
the CED (~ 620–585 Ma). The estimated mineralization
age presented in this study interpreted together with
identical age estimates of gold mineralization in similar
granitoid-associated gold deposits in the CED and farther
east in the Arabian Shield suggest that the ~ 620–600 Ma
witnessed widespread granitic magmatism and local
hydrothermal systems in the ANS, particularly is areas
deformed by the Najd-related fault/shear structures.
Highlights
● Orogenic gold in CED Egypt is controlled by Najd
structures
● The age of Atalla gold mineralization has a signifi-
cant geological value in understanding the evolu-
tion of the CED
● The Atalla monzogranite intrusion (monazite U–Pb
age 615 ± 9 Ma) was overprinted by epigenetic
gold mineralization (Ar–Ar plateau age
601 ± 5.5 Ma)
● Najd-related structures appear as a favorable set-
ting for gold metallogeny in the CED at ~ 600 Ma
Acknowledgments
Basem Zoheir likes to thank Alexander von Humboldt-Stiftung
for making this research possible. The authors acknowledge the
help of Ian R. Fletcher with SHRIMP analysis of monazite. This
INTERNATIONAL GEOLOGY REVIEW 13
manuscript has benefited from discussions with Arild Andresen
and A. Fowler, and the journal chief-editor (R. Stern).
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
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