HYDROTHERMAL MINERALIZITION IN THE QUATERNERY KHANDO AND KHAVETI LAVA FLOWS OF THE JAVAKHETI VOLCANIC PLATEAU (SOUTH CAUCAUSUS FLOOD BASALT PROVINCE, GEORGIA)

M. Kavsadze; K. Gabarashvili; V. Gabunia; T. Beridze; G. Vashakidze; K. Lobzhanidze; R. A. Duraiswami

doi:10.52340/pajig.2026.137.04

Authors

M. Kavsadze Alexandre Janelidze Institute of Geology of Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University https://orcid.org/0009-0009-8916-002X
K. Gabarashvili Alexandre Janelidze Institute of Geology of Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University https://orcid.org/0009-0008-3045-9150
V. Gabunia Petre Melikishvili Institute of Physical and Organic Chemistry of Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3321-5783
T. Beridze Alexandre Janelidze Institute of Geology of Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5142-2698
G. Vashakidze Alexandre Janelidze Institute of Geology of Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4185-5641
K. Lobzhanidze Alexandre Janelidze Institute of Geology of Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0176-9703
R. A. Duraiswami Department of Geology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, India https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8263-1604

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.52340/pajig.2026.137.04

Keywords:

Javakheti Volcanic Plateau, hydrothermal alteration, secondary mineralization, chabazite

Abstract

During the 2024 field campaign, conducted within the scope of investigating the physical volcanology of Javakheti plateau flood basalts, detailed studies were conducted on lava flows in its southwestern part (vicinities of villages Khando and Khaveti). The Khando lava flow is recorded in a quarry near the same-named village and represents one massive flow. It is rich in pores/fractures formed as a result of cooling, which are filled with minerals. Two Khaveti lava flows are exposed near the same-named village, on the right bank of the Mtkvari River. The upper, strongly altered Khando flow has massive crystallization of a white mineral in it. Secondary minerals in the Khando and Khaveti flows are the subject of the presented research.

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