Geochemical Characteristics and Zircon U–Pb Geochronology of the Granitoid From West of Yazd, Central Iran

ABSTRACT The origin and tectonic significance of Eocene granitoids in Central Iran remain poorly constrained, particularly concerning their source and geodynamic context within the broader framework of Neo‐Tethyan subduction. This study aims to address this knowledge gap by focusing on the granitoids located near Khezrabad, west of Yazd. Khezrabad Granitoid was investigated to elucidate their source, tectonic setting, and magmatic evolution. Whole‐rock geochemistry, zircon U–Pb geochronology, and zircon geochemistry were employed. U–Pb dating of zircon yielded a crystallisation age of 39.8 ± 0.2 Ma, corresponding to the Middle Eocene (Bartonian). Ti‐in‐zircon thermometry indicates crystallisation temperatures between 630°C and 730°C, while Th/U ratios of 0.17–0.87 in zircon are suggestive of a magmatic origin. The granitic rocks exhibit metaluminous, high‐K calc‐alkaline, I‐type characteristics, with enrichment in light rare earth elements and depletion in Nb, Ta, Ti and Sr relative to primitive mantle. These features are indicative of magmatism within an active continental margin and were generated by the partial melting of meta‐igneous rocks in the middle continental crust as a result of subduction of the Neo‐Tethys beneath the Sanandaj‐Sirjan Zone in Central Iran.