Abstract

The recent work of the varicolored marble of central Jordan has indicated the presence of a diverse set of trace elements (Cd, Ce, Cu, Ni, Th, U, V, La, Nd, Ag, Zn, Zr, Sn, etc) in potential new accessory and minor minerals (oxides/sulfides/sulfates/silicates). The sulfides indicate its formation under reducing conditions. Sulfates, oxides, uranates, vanadates and silicates are indicative of combustion metamorphism under oxidizing conditions. The oxygen supply during combustion events has controlled the formation of the high temperature minerals. The circulating highly alkaline water has controlled alteration, leaching, mobility and formation of supergene secondary minerals along the weakness zones. The given mineralogical data have an important impact on natural analogues.

Keywords:Varicolored marble; New minerals; Mottled zone; Central Jordan; Tulul Al Hammam; Pyrometamorphism; Natural analogues; Natural cement