What is the Aravalli Craton?

The Aravalli Craton is a geological formation in India that is one of the oldest cratons in the world. It forms the basement for the Aravalli Range and consists of ancient rock formations dating back to the Proterozoic Eon.

What is the Aravalli Supergroup?

The Aravalli Supergroup is a sequence of Proterozoic rocks in northwestern India. It includes various formations of quartzites, schists, and conglomerates, and represents a significant period of geological history.

What is the significance of the Aravalli Range?

The Aravalli Range is a range of mountains in India running approximately 692 km in a southwestern direction, starting near Delhi. It is significant for its rich mineral resources and unique biodiversity.

What types of rocks are found in the Aravalli Hills?

The Aravalli Hills contain a variety of rocks including quartzites, schists, phyllites, marbles, and conglomerates. These rocks provide valuable insights into the geological history of the region.

What is the geological importance of the Aravalli Range in Delhi?

The Aravalli Range in Delhi represents the northern extension of the Aravalli Mountain range and provides crucial information about the geological history and structural formation of the region.

How is mineral exploration conducted in the Aravalli region?

Mineral exploration in the Aravalli region involves geological surveying, sampling, and various geophysical methods to identify and evaluate mineral deposits. This area is rich in minerals like copper, lead, zinc, and marble.

What geological surveys have been conducted in the Aravalli region?

Numerous geological surveys have been conducted in the Aravalli region to map its rock formations, mineral resources, and structural features. These surveys help in understanding the region's geology and guide mineral exploration activities.

What types of rocks and minerals are prevalent in the Aravalli Range?

The Aravalli Range is rich in rocks like quartzite, marble, schist, and phyllite. Minerals such as copper, lead, zinc, and building stones like marble and limestone are also prevalent.

What is a geological map and how is it useful in studying the Aravalli region?

A geological map illustrates the distribution, nature, and age of rock formations on the surface of the Earth. It is useful in studying the Aravalli region as it helps in identifying various geological formations and mineral deposits.

What is the role of structural geology in understanding the Aravalli region?

Structural geology helps in understanding the deformation and arrangement of rocks within the Aravalli region. It provides insights into the tectonic history and structural evolution of the area.

What are mobile belts and how do they relate to the Aravalli region?

Mobile belts are regions of the Earth's crust that have experienced significant deformation due to tectonic forces. The Aravalli region is part of the Aravalli-Delhi Mobile Belt, which has undergone multiple phases of deformation.

How does the Aravalli Range affect the geology of the surrounding areas?

The Aravalli Range significantly influences the geology of surrounding areas by contributing to the formation of various geological structures and mineral deposits. It also affects the topography and natural drainage systems.

What are some notable geological formations in the Aravalli region?

Notable geological formations in the Aravalli region include the Ajabgarh Group, Alwar Group, and Raialo Group. These formations consist of various types of sedimentary and metamorphic rocks.

How is rock dating performed in the Aravalli region?

Rock dating in the Aravalli region is performed using radiometric dating methods, such as uranium-lead dating, to determine the age of rock formations. This helps in understanding the geological history of the region.

What is the importance of quartzite rock in the Aravalli region?

Quartzite rock is significant in the Aravalli region due to its durability and resistance to weathering. It is widely used as a construction material and provides insights into the region's metamorphic history.

How does sedimentary geology contribute to the understanding of the Aravalli region?

Sedimentary geology studies the formation, composition, and distribution of sedimentary rocks in the Aravalli region. It helps in reconstructing past environments and understanding the processes that shaped the region.

What is the geological history of the Aravalli Mountains?

The Aravalli Mountains have a complex geological history that includes the formation of ancient cratons, multiple phases of sedimentation, and significant tectonic activity over billions of years.

How do the Aravalli Hills near Delhi differ from the main range?

The Aravalli Hills near Delhi are the northern extension of the main range and have similar geological characteristics. However, they are smaller in height and less continuous than the main Aravalli Range.

What is the Dharwar Supergroup and its relation to the Aravalli region?

The Dharwar Supergroup is a sequence of Archean to Proterozoic rocks in southern India. While not directly related, studying both the Dharwar and Aravalli supergroups provides insights into the early geological history of the Indian subcontinent.

What are schist rocks and where are they found in the Aravalli region?

Schist rocks are metamorphic rocks with a foliated texture found in various formations within the Aravalli region. They are significant for their mineral content and structural properties.

Aravalli Craton | Aravalli Supergroup | aravalli craton stratigraphy

Aravalli Craton

What areas does the Aravalli Craton cover?

The Aravalli Craton covers over one lakh(100000) sq. km, including the entire state of Rajasthan, parts of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and fringes of Delhi and Haryana.

What are the main components of the composite Aravalli Craton?

The composite Aravalli Craton consists of the Mewar Craton in the east and the Marwar Craton in the west, separated by the Phulad lineament. It is bound by the Great Boundary Fault (GBF) and the Vindhyan Basin to the east, the SONATA (Son Narmada-Tapti) Lineament to the south, and extends into the Himalayas to the north.

What is unique about the Aravalli Craton?

The Aravalli Craton does not contain typical greenstone belts or volcanic-dominated belts. Instead, it is composed predominantly of quartzites, marbles, pelites, greywackes, and volcanic, exposed in the Proterozoic Aravalli-Delhi orogen.

What significant geological features are present in the Aravalli Craton?

Largest felsic province in India, Malani Igneous Suite (750 Ma)
Prominent fold belts of Aravalli and Delhi
Archean basement of grey gneisses known as the Banded Gneissic Complex (BGC)
Significant mineral deposits, including Pb-Zn-Cu at Agucha and Zawar

How is the Aravalli Craton divided?

The Aravalli Craton is divided into several tectono-stratigraphic elements:

Archaean: Mewar Gneiss with Ancient Supracrustal Enclaves (Jagat Group)
Bhilwara Supergroup: Hindoli Group, Mangalwar Complex, Sandmata Complex
Mineralized Supracrustal Belts: Rajpura-Dariba, Pur-Banera, Zawar-Jahazpur, etc.
Palaeoproterozoic: Aravalli Fold Belt
Mesoproterozoic: Delhi Fold Belt
Neoproterozoic: Basins (Sirohi, Sindreth, Punagarh), Malani Igneous Suite, Marwar Basin

Geological Formations and Groups
Era/Period	Age (Ma)	Supergroup/Complex	Specific Groups/Notes
NeoProterozoic	500-550	Marwar Supergroup
NeoProterozoic	720-750	MIS (Malani Igneous Suite)	Felsic
NeoProterozoic	800-850	Sindhreth/Punagarh Groups, Sirohi Group
NeoProterozoic	900	Erinpura Granite
Meso Proterozoic	1100-900	Delhi Supergroup	South Delhi Fold Belt
Palaeoproterozoic	1600-1450	North Delhi Fold Belt
Palaeoproterozoic	1800	Sandmata Complex
Palaeoproterozoic	1800-1700	Hindoli Group
Palaeoproterozoic	2800-1800	Aravalli Supergroup	Mineralized basins (Rajpura-Dariba)
Neo Archean	–	Mangalwar Complex with Bhilwara Group
Meso Archean	2900-2600	Mangalwar Complex with Bhilwara Group
Meso Archean	3300-3000	Mewar Gneiss with Jagat Group
Detailed Supergroups and Complexes
Era/Period	Supergroup/Complex	Specific Groups/Notes
Archean	BHILWARA SUPERGROUP	Sand Mata Complex, Mangalwar Complex, Hindoli Group
Proterozoic	BHILWARA SUPERGROUP	Hindoli Group, Sandmata Complex, Pur-Banera Group, Jahazpur Group, Sawar Group
Proterozoic	ARAVALLI SUPERGROUP	Rajpura-Dariba Group, Udaipur Group, Bari Lake Group, Kankroli Group
Proterozoic	DELHI SUPERGROUP	Alwar Group, Ajabgarh Group, Raialo Group, Darwal Group
Proterozoic	DELHI SUPERGROUP	Alwar Group, Ajabgarh Group, Raialo Group, Neem-Ka-Thana Group
Proterozoic	VINDHYAN SUPERGROUP	Bhander Group, Rewa Group, Kaimur Group
Proterozoic	MARWAR SUPERGROUP	Jodhpur Group, Bilara Group, Nagaur Group
Mesozoic/Cenozoic	–	Deccan Traps, Tertiary Alkaline Complex, Sedimentaries

What are the major crustal-scale lineaments in the Aravalli Craton?

Great Boundary Fault
Banas Lineament or Jahazpur Thrust
Delwara Lineament
Kaliguman Lineament
Rikhabdev Lineament
Phulad Lineament

What is the Bhilwara Supergroup?

The Bhilwara Supergroup, also known as the Banded Gneissic Complex (BGC), consists of a series of gneisses and granulites, now divided into:

Hindoli Group
Mangalwar Complex
Sandmata Complex

What are the mineralized supracrustal belts in the Aravalli Craton?

Rampura-Agucha Belt
Rajpura-Dariba Belt
Pur-Banera Belt
Sawar Belt

Detailed Description of Aravalli Craton

Geographic and Geologic Overview of Aravalli Craton

The Aravalli Craton spans over one lakh sq. km, covering the entire state of Rajasthan, parts of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and fringes of Delhi and Haryana. This vast geological structure consists of the Mewar Craton in the east and the Marwar Craton in the west, separated by the Phulad lineament. The craton is bound by the Great Boundary Fault (GBF) and the Vindhyan Basin to the east and the SONATA (Son Narmada-Tapti) Lineament to the south. In the north, it extends into the Himalayas, likely through the Delhi-Haridwar Ridge, and sparse outcrops in the west extend into Pakistan’s Thar Desert.

Unique Geological Features of Aravalli Craton

The Aravalli Craton is notable for its lack of typical greenstone or volcanic-dominated belts, which are common in other regions. Instead, it primarily comprises quartzites, marbles, pelites, greywackes, and volcanics, forming the well-known Proterozoic Aravalli-Delhi orogen. This orogen features two prominent fold belts, Aravalli and Delhi, which lie unconformably on the Archaean basement of grey gneisses, known as the Banded Gneissic Complex (BGC). The craton also hosts India’s largest felsic province, the Malani Igneous Suite, which is the third-largest in the world, dating back to 750 Ma.

Mineral Wealth of Aravalli Craton

The Aravalli Craton is home to significant mineral deposits, including the country’s only large Pb-Zn-Cu deposits at Agucha and Zawar. Other notable deposits include stromatolites, phosphorites, and marbles (Makrana, Ras).

Tectono-Stratigraphic Elements of Aravalli Craton

The Aravalli Craton is divided into several tectono-stratigraphic elements:

Archaean: Mewar Gneiss with Ancient Supracrustal Enclaves (Jagat Group)
Bhilwara Supergroup: Hindoli Group, Mangalwar Complex, Sandmata Complex
Mineralized Supracrustal Belts: Rajpura-Dariba, Pur-Banera, Zawar-Jahazpur, etc.
Palaeoproterozoic: Aravalli Fold Belt
Mesoproterozoic: Delhi Fold Belt
Neoproterozoic: Basins (Sirohi, Sindreth, Punagarh), Malani Igneous Suite, Marwar Basin

Major Crustal Scale Lineaments

Great Boundary Fault: Bounds the Vindhyan Basin to the east and Hindoli belt to the west.
Banas Lineament or Jahazpur Thrust: Separates the Hindoli belt from the Mangalwar Complex in the north and Mewar Gneiss in the south.
Delwara Lineament: Marks a metamorphic-migmatitic or sheared tectonic contact between the Mangalwar and Sandmata Complexes.
Kaliguman Lineament: Separates the Delhi fold belt from the Sandmata Complex in the north and the Aravalli fold belt in the south.
Rikhabdev Lineament: Encloses an ultramafic-mafic belt (ophiolite) between shallow shelf and deep-water facies in the Aravalli fold belt.
Phulad Lineament: Marks the tectonic boundary between Mewar and Marwar cratons.

Bhilwara Supergroup

The Bhilwara Supergroup, formerly known as the Banded Gneissic Complex (BGC), consists of a series of gneisses and granulites that form the basement of the Aravalli-Delhi Orogen. It is divided into:

Hindoli Group: Turbidites and volcanics, including Berach granite and Jahazpur granite (intrusive).
Mangalwar Complex
Sandmata Complex
Mineralized belts: Including Ranthambor Group, Jahazpur Group, Sawar Group, Pur Banera Group, Rajpura-Dariba, Berach Granite, Untala and Gingla Granite.

Mineralized Supracrustal Belts

Rampura-Agucha Belt: Located near the Delwara Lineament at the contact of the Mangalwar and Sandmata Complexes, hosting the largest Pb-Zn deposit in the country. The main host rock for sulfide mineralization is graphite biotite-sillimanite gneiss.
Rajpura-Dariba Belt: Contains Pb-Zn-Cu deposits.
Pur-Banera Belt: Hosts BIF, Zn-Pb-Cu deposits.
Sawar Belt: Contains chalcopyrite, sphalerite, pyrrhotite, and galena.

Schemese of Aravalli Super Group

Heron (1953)
Stratigraphic Units
Impure limestone, quartzite, phyllite, biotite schist and composite gneiss	Granite, basic, and ultrabasic rocks
Quartzite, grit, conglomerate & soda syenite	Aravalli System
Local amygdaloids and tuffs	Aravalli System
– Unconformity –
Banded Gneissic Complex
Gupta et al. (1997)
Aravalli Supergroup
Chanpaner Group	Aravalli Supergroup
Lunavada Group
Granites, Rikhbdev ultramafic suite
Jharol/Dovda/Nathdwara Groups
Bari Lake/ Kankroli Groups
Udaipur Group
Debari Group
– Unconformity –
Bhilwara Supergroup
Sinha-Roy et al. (1998)

Darwal Granite	Aravalli Supergroup
Jharol Group (including Rikhbdev ultramafics)
– Unconformity –
Leucogranite
Debari Group (including Jahazpur, Pur-Banera, Rajpura-Dariba etc. belts)
Delwara Group
– Unconformity –
Bhilwara Supergroup
Roy and Jakhar (2002)
Upper	Aravalli Group
Serpentinite
Lakhavali Phyllite
Kabita Dolomite
Debari Formation
Middle
Tidi Formation
Bowa Formation
Mochia Formation
Udaipur Formation
Lower
Jhamarkotra Formation
Delwara Formation
– Unconformity –
Mewar Gneiss

Proterozoic Aravalli-Delhi Orogen

What does the Proterozoic Aravalli-Delhi Orogen consist of?

The Proterozoic Aravalli-Delhi Orogen comprises the Paleo-Proterozoic Aravalli Fold Belt and the Mesoproterozoic Delhi Fold Belt, renowned for their rich base metal deposits.

Paleo-Proterozoic Aravalli Fold Belt

Aravalli Supergroup (2200-1800 Ma)

Champaner Group

Lunavada Group

Jharol Group

Bari Lake Group

Udaipur Group (Zawar formation (Pb-Zn-Ag) deposit, dolomite host)

Debari Group (Distinct Stromatolitic Assemblages)

Delwara Group

————– Unconformity ————–

Bhilwara Supergroup (Mangalwar complex/sandmata complex)

Mewar Gneiss with Jagat Group Enclaves

Delhi Supergroup (Meso-Upper Proterozoic)

Delhi Supergroup (Meso-Upper Proterozoic)	South West Rajasthan	Ajmer Sector	North Eastern Sector
MIS Malani Igneous Suite (750 Ma)
Erinpura Granite
Godhra Granite
Punagarh Group
Sindreth Group	Sindreth Group
Dadikar, Ajitgarh, Bairath, Sikar			Dadikar, Ajitgarh, Bairath, Sikar
Sirohi Group
Chapoli Granite			Chapoli Granite
Sendhra-Ambaji Granite	Sendhra-Ambaji Granite
Kishengarh Syenite (1500 Ma)		Kishengarh Syenite (1500 Ma)
Kumbalgarh Group	Kumbalgarh Group
Ajabgarh Group		Ajabgarh Group	Ajabgarh
Gogunda Group	Gogunda Group
Alwar Group		Alwar Group
Raialo Group			Raialo Group

Heron (1953)

Heron (1953)
Group/System	Series/Subgroup
Malani Series	Erinpura granite
Delhi System	Ajabgrh Series, Alwar Series, Railo Series
Aravalli System
Banded gneissic complex (BGC)

Gupta et al. (1980)

Gupta et al. (1980)
Group/System	Supergroup/Subgroup
Proterozoic-III	Marwar Supergroup, Malani suite, Erinpura granite and gneiss, Vindhyan Supergroup
Delhi Supergroup (2000–740 Ma) Proterozoic-II	punagarh group= sinderth group, sirohi group= sendra ambaji granite (Ca. 800 Ma), Kumbhalgarh group = Aajbgarh group, Gogunda Group-= Alwar group
Aravalli Supergroup Aravalli Supergroup (2500–2000 Ma)
Bhilwara Supergroup Archean

Roy and Jakhar (2002)

Roy and Jakhar (2002)
Group/System	Supergroup/Subgroup
Marwar Supergroup	Malani Group = Sindreth Group (780–680 Ma), Granite of Erinpura, Pali, etc. 835 Ma, Sirohi Group, Intrusion of gabbro, diorite (1000 Ma)
Proterozoic-II	Synorogenic granite (1400 Ma), Delhi Supergroup
Proterozoic-I	Darwal granite (1850 Ma), Aravalli Supergroup
Archean	Untala, Ahar, Berach granitoids (2500 Ma), Mewar gneiss (Heron’s BGC) (2600–3300 Ma)

Comparisons

Comparisons
Group/System	Heron (1953)	Gupta et al. (1980)	Roy and Jakhar (2002)
Malani Series	Erinpura granite	Marwar Supergroup, Malani suite, Erinpura granite and gneiss, Vindhyan Supergroup	Marwar Supergroup, Malani Group = Sindreth Group (780–680 Ma), Granite of Erinpura, Pali, etc. 835 Ma, Sirohi Group, Intrusion of gabbro, diorite (1000 Ma)
Delhi System	Ajabgrh Series, Alwar Series, Railo Series	Delhi Supergroup (2000–740 Ma)	Synorogenic granite (1400 Ma), Delhi Supergroup
Aravalli System	Aravalli Series	Aravalli Supergroup (2500–2000 Ma)	Darwal granite (1850 Ma), Aravalli Supergroup
Banded gneissic complex (BGC)		Bhilwara Supergroup	Untala, Ahar, Berach granitoids (2500 Ma), Mewar gneiss (Heron’s BGC) (2600–3300 Ma)

Table 5.2 Lithostratigraphy of the Delhi Supergroup (after Singh 1988)

Group	Formation	Description
Ajabgarh Group	Kankwari Formation	Quartz–sericite schist, quartzite, thin lenses of marble and felspathic schist with quartzite and slate
Ajabgarh Group	Rajgarh Formation	Quartzite with lenses of schists and phyllites. Quartzite with two thick horizons of conglomerates
		Unconformity
Alwar Group	Pratapgarh Formation	Quartzite and quartz–sericite schist
	Lakhanpur Formation	Sandstone
	Kanawar Formation	Quartzite
	Umraind Formation	Conglomerate
	Mohioni Formation	Conglomerate and quartzite
	Martalab Formation	Quartzite
Unconformity
Raialo Group	Tehla–Govindpura Formation	Lava flows (including pillow lava), agglomerate and tuff and associated conglomerate, quartzite, phyllite and marble
	Serrate Formation	Quartzite with lenses of oligomictic Conglomerate
	Dogeta Formation	Banded siliceous marble, phyllite, quartzite, dolomitic marble and bands of conglomerate and phyllite
Unconformity
Banded Gneissic Complex/Aravali Supergroup

What is the Malani Igneous Suite (MIS)?

The Malani Igneous Suite (745-725 Ma) is the largest felsic province in India, underlain by the Sirohi and Sindreth Groups. It consists of granitoids from the Delhi Supergroup, mainly Sendhra-Ambaji and Erinpura Granite, and is unconformably overlain by the Glacial Pokhran Bed and Marwar Supergroup.

How is the MIS developed?

The MIS developed in three phases:

Bimodal Volcanics: Rhyolite basaltic flows
Granitoidal Bodies: Jalor plutons and Siwana Granite (ring dyke)
Dyke Swarms: Dolerite

What is the Marwar Supergroup?

The Marwar Supergroup, dating back to 680 Ma, includes:

Nagaur (SST)
Bilara (Hansenram Group) (LST)
Jodhpur (SST)

Litho Map Of Aravalli-Bundelkhand

Mineralization

Deposit	Ore reserve (Mt)	Lithological association	Mode of occurrence	Isotope composition	Transformation	Age (Ma)
Rampura-Agucha	61 (16.1 wt% Zn + Pb)	Graph-sill-mica Schists, Gt-biot-sill gneiss	Sheet-like, deformed into doubly plunging synform	δ³⁴S (Sph): +7 to +10.3 δ¹³C: -24 to -29	Upper amphibolite facies Max. T = 650 °C, P = 6 kbar	Model PB age: 1800
Rajpura-Dariba	152.62 (2.67-3.28 wt% Zn + Pb + Cu)	Dolomitic marble, Ky-St-bearing Chl-mica schists	Sheet-like/lensoid	δ³⁴S (Py): +9.1 to 6.7 δ¹³C: -21 to -22	Metamorphosed T = 525-625 °C, P = 2-4 kbar	Model PB age: 1880
Zawar	74.3 (6.6-6.7 wt% Zn + Pb)	Dolostone, phyllite, quartzite	Transgressive stratiform	δ³⁴S (Gal): +4 to +8.8	Low-temperature modification-induced remobilization	Model PB age: 1700
Khetri	83 (0.88-1.5 wt% Cu)	Gt-chl schists, amphibolite, quartzite in the northern part	Lensoid/sheet-like, concordant with host rocks	δ³⁴S (Py): +7 to +11 δ¹³C: -28	Metamorphosed T = 525-625 °C, P = 2-4 kbar	Model PB age: 1780
Saladipura	115 (22.5 wt% S)	Amphibolite, qtz-cordierite-anth rock, and-meta schists, marble	Sheet-like (7 km strike), deformed into a synformal structure	δ³⁴S (Po, Py): +3 to +5.5 δ¹³C: -28	Metamorphosed T = 525-625 °C, P = 2-4 kbar	Model PB age: 1780
Ambaji-deri	9.2 (12.1-14.7 wt% Zn + Pb + Cu)	Cord-anth rocks, Gt-chl-trem schists, diopsolite marbles	Tabular/lensoid bodies, concordant with host rocks	δ³⁴S (Sulphides): +15.5	Metamorphosed T = 525-625 °C, P = 2-4 kbar	Model PB age: 900
Basantgarh	3.5 (2.9 wt% Cu + Zn)	Chl-mus-qtz schists, tholeiitic Metabasalts	Lensoid bodies, accordant with host rocks	δ³⁴S (Sulphides): +6.8 (mean)	Co-metamorphosed with host rocks in the greenschist-amphibolite facies	Model PB age: 1300

Mineral abbreviations:

Amph: amphibole
And: andalusite
Anth: anthophyllite
Biot: biotite
Chl: chlorite
Diop: diopside
Forst: forsterite
Gal: galena
Graph: graphite
Grt: garnet
Ky: kyanite
Mus: muscovite
Qtz: quartz
Sill: sillimanite
Sph: sphalerite
St: staurolite
Po: pyrrhotite
Py: pyrite

The Jhamarkotra Formation of the Lower Aravalli supergroup in the Udaipur region contains moderately large phosphorite deposits. The phosphorite, intimately associated with columnar branching stromatolites, was formed in porewater within buried sediments under anaerobic conditions generated by biological activity of algae