Introduction

Felsic plutonic rocks ranging from dioritic to granitic in composition and from 900 to 550 Ma in age are a major component of the Arabian Shield. These rocks and the potential for associated mineralization have been extensively investigated by the Saudi Arabian Deputy Ministry for Mineral Resources during the past decade in particular. This volume describes the multidisciplinary approach which has been developed, and summarizes results. The classification, distribution, petrology, mineralogy and structure of the felsic plutonic rocks, petrogenetic and metallogenetic concepts and representative examples of mineralization are described. It is concluded that the potential for additional mineral resources is substantial.