Petrography and Geochemistry of Bukit Yong and Sungai Nal, Kelantan

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to understand rock alteration, mineralogy and geochemistry at Bukit Yong and Sungai Nal which are located in Ulu Sat Forest Reserve, Machang, Kelantan. It is quite close to Ulu Sokor Forest Reserve, Tanah Merah which is well-known with gold deposition. Thus, this study is essential to know the alteration as well as the potential of mineralisation in Ulu Sat. Five samples of rock and soil were collected randomly according to the alteration and rock types. Thin section samples were prepared for the petrography and soil samples for geochemical analyses such as Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS) and X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) in order to determine the concentration of elements. Based on the petrography, some rocks in Bukit Yong display perthite texture which consist of large xenomorphic alkali feldspar crystals that possibly related to igneous intrusion. The compaction and strained grains of rock in certain area of Bukit Yong also could be identified and this texture reflects the area is resulted from metamorphism. Geochemical analyses of soil samples from Bukit Yong and Sungai Nal have shown some enrichment in iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) elements which potentially have ore deposition.