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Extraterrestrial chrome spinel and chromite extracted from the sedimentary rock record are relicts from coarse micrometeorites and rarely meteorites. They are studied to reconstruct the paleoflux of meteorites to the Earth and the collisional history of the asteroid belt. Minor element concentrations of Ti and V, and oxygen isotopic compositions of these relict minerals were used to classify the meteorite type they stem from, and thus to determine the relative meteorite group abundances through time. While coarse sediment‐dispersed extraterrestrial chrome‐spinel (SEC) grains from ordinary chondrites dominate through the studied time windows in the Phanerozoic, there are exceptions: We have shown that ~467 Ma ago, 1 Ma before the breakup of the L chondrite parent body (LCPB), more than half of the largest (>63 μm diameter) grains were achondritic and originated from differentiated asteroids in contrast to ordinary chondrites which dominated the meteorite flux throughout most of the past 500 Ma. Here, we present a new data set of oxygen isotopic compositions and elemental compositions of 136 grains of a smaller size fraction (32–63 μm) in ~467 Ma old pre‐LCPB limestone from the Lynna River section in western Russia, that was previously studied by elemental analysis. Our study constitutes the most comprehensive oxygen isotopic data set of sediment‐dispersed extraterrestrial chrome spinel to date. We also introduce a Raman spectroscopy‐based method to identify SEC grains and distinguish them from terrestrial chrome spinel with ~97% reliability. We calibrated the Raman method with the established approach using titanium and vanadium concentrations and oxygen isotopic compositions. We find that ordinary chondrites are approximately three times more abundant in the 32–63 μm fraction than achondrites. While abundances of achondrites compared to ordinary chondrites are lower in the 32–63 μm size fraction than in the >63 μm one, achondrites are approximately three times more abundant in the 32–62 μm fraction than they are in the present flux. We find that the sources of SEC grains vary for different grain sizes, mainly as a result of parent body thermal metamorphism. We conclude that the meteorite flux composition ~467 Ma ago ~1 Ma before the breakup of the LCPB was fundamentally different from today and from other time windows studied in the Phanerozoic, but that in contrast to the large size fraction ordinary chondrites dominated the flux in the small size fraction. The high abundance of ordinary chondrites in the studied samples is consistent with the findings based on coarse extraterrestrial chrome‐spinel from other time windows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied the quality characteristics, chemical, mineral and isotope composition of nephrite, diopsidite and rodingite of the Nyrdvomenshor nephrite deposit in the Polar Urals. We applied visual petrographic and mineralogical studies, X-ray spectral fluorescence, ICP-MS analysis, and a scanning electron microscope with a dispersive microanalysis system, to measure the oxygen isotope composition. According to its quality characteristics, the nephrite was substandard. Here, uvarovite, which forms idiomorphic grains, sometimes sheath-like and less often xenomorphic elongated, and substituting the chromite, was commonly encountered. The nephrite was formed due to both metamorphic and metasomatic processes. The serpentinite was replaced by diopsidite, which was then replaced by nephrite. The metamorphism intensified the metasomatism of the serpentinite melange and provided the cryptocrystalline tangled-fibrous structure of the nephrite. Then, metamorphism and metasomatism led to the formation of omphacite and the cracking of the nephrite, which reduced its quality. As these processes progressed, the contribution of the crustal fluid increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ospinsk is an area in Russia well-known for mining the highest quality green nephrite in the world. However, the chatoyant green nephrite found here has not been studied to date. This study explores the mineralogy, geochemistry, and petrogenesis of chatoyant green nephrite collected from Ospinsk using polarizing microscope back-scattered electron images, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, laser Raman spectroscopy, electron microprobe analysis, and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and compares them with S-type green nephrite from other regions of the world. Tremolite is the main mineral constituent, and chromite, chlorite, graphite, and magnetite are accessory minerals in the samples. The chatoyant green nephrite from Ospinsk is serpentinite-related green nephrite. The Ti content of the chatoyant green nephrite from Ospinsk is significantly higher than that of green nephrite from other places. The chatoyant green nephrite deposit in Ospinsk is a contact metasomatic deposit related to ultramafic rocks. The ultramafic rocks first altered to serpentinite and later converted to tremolite after repeated thermal contact-based metasomatism. During the metasomatism of serpentinite into green nephrite, unilateral, compressive, and shear stresses caused by obduction forced directional growth of tremolite, resulting in chatoyancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kaznakhtite, ideally Ni6Co3+2(CO3)(OH)16⋅4H2O, is a new member of the hydrotalcite group within the hydrotalcite supergroup. The mineral was discovered at the Kaznakhtinskiy ultrabasic massif, Altai Republic, SW Siberia, Russia. It occurs as powdery aggregates forming flattened lenses up to 1.5 × 0.5 cm and veinlets up to 1 cm long and up to 1 mm thick in aggregates of chrysotile, lizardite, stichtite and dolomite. Other associated minerals include brucite, chromite, heazlewoodite, manganochromite, magnetite and magnesioferrite. Kaznakhtite aggregates are composed of tiny platy grains up to 0.01 mm across. Kaznakhtite is light green and translucent in aggregates. It has an earthy lustre and white streak. Cleavage is micaceous on {001}. Dcalc = 2.864 g cm–3. The mineral is optically uniaxial (–) with ɛ = 1.657(3) and ω = 1.676(3), and weakly pleochroic in greenish hues, ω > ɛ. Chemical composition (wt.%, electron microprobe, Co valence state determined by XANES spectroscopy, CO2 and H2O calculated by stoichiometry) is: MgO 2.15, NiO 47.40, ZnO 0.22, Al2O3 0.16, Cr2O3 0.98, Co2O3 17.42, Cl 0.63, CO2 5.05, H2O 24.60, –O=Cl –0.14, total 98.47. The empirical formula calculated based on the sum of all metal cations = 8 apfu is (Ni5.54Mg0.47Zn0.02)Σ6.03(Co3+1.83Cr0.11Al0.03)Σ1.97C1.00O2.99(OH)15.84Cl0.16⋅4H2O. Infrared spectroscopy confirmed the presence of CO32– anions, OH– groups and H2O molecules. The crystal structure was refined by the Rietveld method with RB = 0.19%. Kaznakhtite is trigonal, space group R͞3m, a = 3.0515 (3), c = 23.180 (3) Å, V = 186.93 (4) Å3 and Z = 3/8. The strongest lines of the powder X-ray diffraction pattern [d, Å (I, %) (hkl)] are: 7.72 (100) (003); 3.863 (24) (006); 2.630 (4) (101); 2.576 (10) (012); 2.294 (6) (015); 1.950 (4) (018); 1.526 (4) (110); and 1.497 (4) (113). Kaznakhtite is a Co3+ analogue of reevesite, Ni6Fe3+2(CO3)(OH)16⋅4H2O. The mineral is named after its type locality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six minor alluvial chromite placers (Kolkhoznyi Prud, Verkhne-Yaushevo, Sukhoy Izyak, Bazilevo, Novomikhaylovka, Kiryushkino) and one major littoral placer (Sabantuy) were found in sandy sediments of the Kazanian stage of the Permian System (Late Roadian and Wordian Stages) in the Southern Pre-Urals. It is shown that the morphological features of chromian spinels are diverse, which is not evidence of the heterogeneity of the source. The bulk chemical composition of chromian spinels from all placers is similar and generally correlates with compositions of chromian spinels from the Kraka ophiolitic complex in the Southern Urals. The morphological diversity of grains, varied chemical composition and presence of melt inclusions in Ti-high octahedral grains of chromian spinels comply with the ophiolitic nature of the source. Thus, there is no need to refer to other sources for chromite ores but ophiolitic. The new placers expand the dissemination area of chromite-bearing deposits on the east edge of the East-European Platform and offer a prospect to discover new placers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Origin of abundant alkaline and related lamproite massifs and dykes in Aldan shield have no explanation and the geochemistry of rocks and their xenocrysts is used for the explanation. Bulk-rock geochemistry, mineral chemistry data of the Kayla lamproites of Russia and mineral chemical data (trace and rare elements) of the mantle xenocrysts found in these lamproites was studied using ICP MS and electron microprobe analyses (EPMA). The trace element spectrum of Kayla tuffs and breccias show the similarity with the olivine lamproites and belong to the orogenic type according to Th–U–Nb systematics. Primitive mantle normalized trace element (TRE) spider diagrams show right-leaning patterns with the peaks in large ion lithophile elements Sr, Pb, U, and troughs in Ta, Nb suggesting melting of original peridotites mixed with the ancient EMI (according to Nd, Sr isotopes) source probably belonging to eclogites or lower crust. The age of the emplacement is 132–134 Ma, similar to the Chompolo lamprophyres and many other alkaline Aldan complexes. Thermo-barometric estimation from Cr-diopsides and chromites xenocrysts suggest the origin from the spinel-garnet transition in the lithospheric mantle region. The P–T estimates derived from low-Cr-clinopyroxene xenocrysts, and related to lamproites show a high heat flow of 90 mW/m2 due to interaction with the plume-related magma. The Cr-diopsides and chromites give 45 mW/m2 geotherm similar to regional heat flow. The chondrite normalized rare earth element (REE) pattern for chrome-diopsides is steeper, compared to the low-chrome varieties. Primitive mantle normalized spidergram of Cr-diopsides displays peaks for Sr, U, and Th, and deep troughs of Nd, Nb, Ta. REE. The trace element spider diagrams of both types of xenocrysts show that they were equilibrated with the lamproitic melts and reconstructed parental melts of low-Cr-clinopyroxene coincides with the lamproite spectrums. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Sopcha massif, which is part of the Paleoproterozoic layered Monchegorsk Pluton (Monchepluton), contains an ore horizon with an average thickness of ca. 4 m within the homogeneous orthopyroxenite sequence. This horizon has a layered internal structure with variations in composition from dunite to orthopyroxenite and sulfide mineralization enriched in platinum group elements (PGE). All the rocks of the ore horizon include accessory chrome-spinels, which demonstrate a high variability of the composition and are divided into two groups based on their optical properties and chemical composition. Group I chrome-spinels belong to Al-chromites. They occur as homogeneous grains in fine-to-medium-grained orthopyroxenite at the top of the horizon and form cores of zoned chrome-spinels in the medium-to-coarse-grained orthopyroxenite and harzburgite. Group II chrome-spinels belong to Fe-chromites. They form homogeneous grains in dunite and harzburgite and rims of zoned grains in harzburgite. Chemical compositions of Group I chrome-spinels are characterized by high contents of Al2O3 and Cr2O3, an increased MgO but low contents of FeOtot and values of Cr#= Cr/(Cr + Al) and Fe3+# = Fe3+/Fetot. Group II chrome-spinels have low Al2O3 and MgO contents, and sharply increased values of Cr# and Fe3+#. This variability in the composition of chrome-spinels is caused by decreasing melt temperature in the process of its cooling during two stages of magmatic crystallization. At the first stage, cumulus crystallization of Group I chrome-spinels and subsolidus diffusion between spinel and olivine ("mineral-mineral" reaction) occurred at a temperature of about 1170 °C. At the second stage, reactions between Group I chrome-spinels and intercumulus melt ("mineral-melt" reactions) resulted in the formation of a rims of zoned chrome-spinels and homogeneous Group II chrome-spinels at a temperature of 1070–970 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Results of a microstructural study of spinel peridotite samples obtained from the Kraka massif in the Southern Urals, involving findings of Cr-spinel neomineralisations within intensive ductile deformed silicates (olivine and orthopyroxene), are presented. The new-formed Cr-spinel grains show different stages of syn-deformation growth as evidenced by investigations combining petrography, decorated dislocation structure analysis, scanning electron microscopy and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). Initial precipitations appearing as rods or lamellae are observed to form around structural defects of host silicate grains (olivine and orthopyroxene) by means of impurity segregation or heterogeneous nucleation in the most distorted lattice regions (i.e., in the predominant recrystallisation zones). Syn-deformational crystal growth leads to a complication and coarsening of the grain morphology by coalescence due to a reduction in grain boundary (interfacial) energy. While in the process of growing, the Cr-spinel grains capture fragments of silicate matrix in the solid-state process. The final stage of Cr-spinel growth involves a change in morphology resulting in their characteristic crystallographic forms (spheroidisation). The presence of euhedral Cr-spinel grains, typical for ophiolitic dunite bodies, is a result of interfacial energy reduction in areas of grain boundaries of the hardest phase. The general trend of the observed stages relates closely with the localisation of deformation zones in the upwelling upper mantle (diapir), which are composed by the weakest phase of olivine (dunites). The concentration of the weakest olivine phase in the mobile zones, which is energetically beneficial, explains why dunite bodies having euhedral chromite grains comprise the dynamic equilibrium rocks in the plastic flow localisation zones in upper mantle diapirs. Conversely, assemblages having pyroxene phases, which are stronger and larger in size compared to olivine, are not stable in these zones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper describes disseminated tabular, podiform massive, and transitional chromitite deposits from a mantle section of the Kraka ophiolite massif, South Urals, Russia. The chromitite is hosted by dunite with no correlation between their size and quality and the size of the dunite bodies. Thick dunite bodies mostly host disseminated fine-grained banded chromitite; massive ores are composed of coarse-grained chromitite typically with a thin dunite envelope. The chromitite and host ultramafic rocks exhibit plastic deformation of silicates and chromite, which is expressed in microstructural features, preferred orientation of rock-forming olivine, and folding of the chromitite bodies. The ultramafic rocks are also characterized by deformation-induced textures leading to the formation of the small-size chromite grains on structural defects of plastically deformed rock-forming olivine and orthopyroxene. The formation of dunite bodies and associated chromitite is related to the localization of deformation of rising mantle flows under decompression conditions. Dunite was the most rheologically weak zone exhibiting a focused solid state flow and effective separation of mineral phases (olivine and chromite). The higher amount of the latter in dunite is a result of deformation-induced breakdown of enstatite and removal of trace elements from olivine. The structural features of massive chromitite aggregates indicate that they are a product of concentration and aggregation of grains under the influence of tectonic stresses at high temperatures and pressures, similar to pressure sintering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents petrochemical, geochemical, and mineralogical data on rocks of the phoscorite–carbonatite complex in the Kovdor alkaline–ultramafic massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia. In contrast to what is usually thought, trace elements were determined to be concentrated not in the carbonatites themselves but in the related phoscorites. The paper presents data on the evolution of the compositions and zoning of minerals in successive generations of both rock types as a result of the fractional crystallization of their parental magmas, and data on general trends in the concentrations of trace elements. The Fe-rich phosphate–carbonate melt seems to have separated from the primitive alkaline–ultramafic silicate melt during its advanced differentiation. The Fe-rich phosphate–carbonate magma was parental for the phoscorite–carbonatite complex. The possibility of its splitting into immiscible Fe-rich phosphate and carbonatite melts is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Some Fe-oxide grains crystallized from silicate melt were incorporated into downward percolated sulfide liquid. • Fe-oxide in massive ores crystallized from the sulfide liquid pool mingled with the downward percolated sulfide liquid. • Downward percolation of sulfide liquid is crucial in the formation of the net-textured and massive ores. The mineralogy and chemical composition of magnetite and chromite series (simplified as magnetite) can provide valuable insights into the formation processes of magmatic Ni-Cu-(PGE) sulfide deposits. Previous studies mainly focus on magnetite in disseminated ores and massive ores, but very little is known about the magnetite in net-textured ores. In this study, magnetite in net-textured ores (type 1 magnetite) and massive ores (type 2 magnetite) from the Zhdanov Ni-Cu-(PGE) deposit in the Pechenga ore field, were recognized and analyzed using scanning electron microscope (SEM), electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). Both the type 1 and type 2 magnetite grains show zoned textures with Cr concentration decreasing from the core to the rim. Type 1 magnetite has higher Al and Mg concentrations than type 2 magnetite. These observations indicate that type 1 and type 2 magnetite crystallized from and record the solidification process of silicate melt and sulfide liquid, respectively. Type 1 magnetite within sulfides of net-textured ores has identical chemical composition to that within silicates, which suggests that the chemical composition of magnetite is not significantly affected by sub-solidus re-equilibrium with sulfide minerals. It also suggests that the type 1 magnetite within sulfides was incorporated into sulfide liquid later during the downward percolation of sulfide liquid through the magnetite-bearing olivine crystal mush. On the other hand, type 2 magnetite has comparable concentrations of W, Sc, Ga, Cr, Mo, and Mn to the type 1 magnetite. Such compositional similarity can be explained by the crystallization of type 2 magnetite from the sulfide liquid pool that have been mingled with the downward percolated sulfide liquid. Accordingly, the downward percolation of sulfide liquid plays an important role in the formation of net-textured ores and massive ores in the Zhdanov deposit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We measured the He and Ne concentrations of 50 individual extraterrestrial chromite grains recovered from mid-Ordovician (lower Darriwilian) sediments from the Lynna River section near St. Petersburg, Russia. High concentrations of solar wind-like He and Ne found in most grains indicate that they were delivered to Earth as micrometeoritic dust, while their abundance, stratigraphic position and major element composition indicate an origin related to the L chondrite parent body (LCPB) break-up event, 470Ma ago. Compared to sediment-dispersed extraterrestrial chromite (SEC) grains extracted from coeval sediments at other localities, the grains from Lynna River are both highly concentrated and well preserved. As in previous work, in most grains from Lynna River, high concentrations of solar wind-derived He and Ne impede a clear quantification of cosmic-ray produced He and Ne. However, we have found several SEC grains poor in solar wind Ne, showing a resolvable contribution of cosmogenic 21Ne. This makes it possible, for the first time, to determine robust cosmic-ray exposure (CRE) ages in these fossil micrometeorites, on the order of a few hundred-thousand years. These ages are similar to the CRE ages measured in chromite grains from cm-sized fossil meteorites recovered from coeval sediments in Sweden. As the CRE ages are shorter than the orbital decay time of grains of this size by Poynting–Robertson drag, this suggests that the grains were delivered to Earth through direct injection into an orbital resonance. We demonstrate how CRE ages of fossil micrometeorites can be used, in principle, to determine sedimentation rates, and to correlate the sediments at Lynna River with the fossil meteorite-bearing sediment layers in Sweden. In some grains with high concentrations of solar wind Ne, we nevertheless find a well-resolved cosmogenic 21Ne signal. These grains must have been exposed for up to several 10Ma in the regolith layer of the pre-break-up L chondrite parent body. This confirms an earlier suggestion that such regolith grains should be abundant in sediments deposited shortly after the break-up of the LCPB asteroid. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article presents a study on the zirconology of dunite contained by Sarany ultramatic complexes such as the Southern and Northern massifs, located in the Middle Urals of Russia. It states that the massifs, which contains chromite ores, were characterized by a strong tectonic violation. It mentions that the age of zircons from dunites of Southern and Northern massifs differs significantly as metasomic alterations in Northern massifs are more intense than that of the Southern massifs.

The article offers information on the seismic tomography data based on the zoned platinum bearing alkali positioning in the ultra basic plutons of the Southeast of Russia. It mentions of the petrogeochemical data of the Central Aldan platue and Omninsk-Batomga uplifts that reveals the presence of large plutons along with numerous small ultra basic bodies characterized by elevated chromium contents that contained chromite and chrome diopsides. It mentions that Seismic Tomography Data confirms the role of ascending mantle plumes in destruction of the North Asian craton margin and formation of the ring intrusions.

- Numerous fossil meteorites and high concentrations of sediment-dispersed extraterrestrial chromite (EC) grains with ordinary chondritic composition have previously been documented from 467 ± 1.6 Ma Middle Ordovician (Darriwilian) strata. These finds probably reflect a temporarily enhanced influx of L-chondritic matter, following the disruption of the L-chondrite parent body in the asteroid belt 470 ± 6 Ma. In this study, a Volkhovian-Kundan limestone/marl succession at Lynna River, northwestern Russia, has been searched for EC grains (>63 μm). Eight samples, forming two separate sample sets, were collected. Five samples from strata around the Asaphus expansus- A. raniceps trilobite Zone boundary, in the lower-middle Kundan, yielded a total of 496 EC grains in 65.5 kg of rock (average 7.6 EC grains kg−1, but up to 10.2 grains kg−1). These are extremely high concentrations, three orders of magnitude higher than 'background' levels in similar condensed sediment from other periods. EC grains are typically about 50 times more abundant than terrestrial chrome spinel in the samples and about as common as terrestrial ilmenite. Three stratigraphically lower lying samples, close to the A. lepidurus- A. expansus trilobite Zone boundary, at the Volkhov-Kunda boundary, yielded only two EC grains in 38.2 kg of rock (0.05 grains kg−1). The lack of commonly occurring EC grains in the lower interval probably reflects that these strata formed before the disruption of the L-chondrite parent body. The great similarity in EC chemical composition between this and other comparable studies indicates that all or most EC grains in these Russian mid-Ordovician strata share a common source--the L-chondrite parent body. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which focuses on the genesis of ultramafite rock complexes in the basement of West Siberian Platform. The study was conducted to the complexes of the ultramafite which is divided into two groups, wherein the first group is characterized by complete serpentinization and the second group which is represented by peridotites that contains chromites, olivines, and orthopyroxenes. The study used chromium (Cr)/ aluminum (Al) ratios in chromespinelides to determine the depletion degree of ultramafites. Results of the study show that there are two types of ultramafite complexes in the area.

Abstract: Platinum mineralization has been studied within two zoned clinopyroxenitedunite massifs of the Urals Platinum Belt. Within the Svetloborsky massif, platinum group minerals (PGM) occur directly in serpentinized dunite. The ore-forming system demonstrates the features of an early evolutionary stage: a significant portion of PtFe alloys belongs to ferroan platinum; native osmium is depleted in Ir; an isoferroplatinumosmium paragenesis is present. Within the Kamenushinsky massif, PGM are genetically related to chromitite and belong to the late-magmatic stage of the ore-forming system evolution: osmium and isoferroplatinum are rich in Ir; both isoferroplatinumosmium and isoferroplatinumiridium magmatic parageneses are present. The elevated Pt in the dunite of the Svetloborsky massif and in the chromitite of the Kamenushinsky massif is the result of two events: the primary-magmatic crystallization of PGM and later hydrothermal overprint. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Cheder meteorite, found 23 km south of Kyzyl, has been studied in terms of mineral composition and internal structure. Structurally, it is a medium octahedrite, which measures 26 × 9 × 8 cm and weighs 5.39 kg. Its surface is streamlined and features flow lines. One of the sides, probably that facing the flight direction, features regmaglypts and a sinuous cavern (9 × 1.5 cm). The meteorite consists of kamacite admixed with taenite. The inside of Widmanstätten bands is of complex kamacite–taenite composition and flanked by taenite lamellae. Phosphides are present in kamacite in small amounts as variously sized and shaped bodies. They are divided into three types depending on the Ni/Fe ratio. Small shapeless wormlike grains, which are usually assigned to rhabdites, consist of nickelphosphide (Ni-rich variety). All the minerals in the meteorite contain Co (up to 0.67 wt.%) and, sometimes, Cu and P (just above the detection limit). The total PGE content of the meteorite is several times higher than that of chromitites, which are one of the terrestrial PGE sources. The REE in the meteorite are dominated by HREE. The total REE content of the meteorite is lower than that of chondrite C1 by two orders of magnitude. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Arkhangelskaya kimberlite pipe belongs to the Zolotitsa kimberlite field in the Arkhangelsk region, NW Russia. It is the first pipe of the Lomonosov diamond mine to be put into production, with 2 million tons of ore already extracted. In this study major and trace element compositions of garnet, clinopyroxene (Cpx), Mg-ilmenite and chromite xenocrysts from the Arkhangelskaya pipe have been used to infer information about the compositional variability of the mantle underlying the Zolotitsa field. Single-grain thermobarometry of peridotitic Cpx xenocrysts yields a cool cratonic geotherm that follows a ca. 36 mW/m2 conductive model. Equilibration temperatures of garnet and chromite grains based on Ni- and Zn-thermometry, respectively, indicate a sampling interval of ca. 70–230 km of the lithospheric mantle when projected onto the Cpx-derived geotherm. The major element chemistry of Mg-ilmenite xenocrysts suggests that almost optimal redox conditions for diamond preservation prevailed in the mantle during the time of emplacement of the host kimberlite magmas. Garnet major and trace element compositions combined with the Cpx-geotherm indicate that the peridotitic diamond window extends from 130 to 210 km under Zolotitsa and that the deeper parts of the lithosphere have been affected by metasomatic events. Arkhangelskaya seems to have sampled the bulk of its diamonds from the deepest portion of the diamond stability field, between 190 and 210 km. In comparison, the neighbouring Lomonosova and Pionerskaya pipes are known to have collected their diamonds from 130–160 km. The comparable grade of the three pipes suggests that diamondiferous material is generously distributed within the diamond stability field. The remarkable difference evidenced by garnet composition and thermobarometry between Arkhangelskaya and the two other Zolotitsa pipes probably derives from differences in rheology and eruption rates of the rising kimberlite magmas. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Spinel is often used as a magmatic indicator of crystallization processes, without considering the effects of metamorphic alteration on spinel geochemical features. Serpentinized mélanges in the southern Urals host different kinds of disseminated to massive chromitite mineralization. In mélange environments, intense metamorphic alteration above 300 °C leads to major changes in chromite chemistry and to the growth of secondary phases such as ferritchromite and chromian-chlorite. Based on textural and chemical analyses, mélange-hosted Kalkan chromitites exhibit a hydration and oxidation reaction that can explain the formation of ferritchromite and chromian-chlorite from chromite and serpentine: 2(Mg0.60Fe0.40)(Cr1.30Al0.70)O4 + 3/2(Mg2.57 Al0.32Fe0.11)Si2O5(OH)4 + H2O + 1/12O2 → Chr Atg 7/6(Mg0.40Fe0.60)(Cr1.85Fe0.08Al0.07)O4 + 1/2(Mg9.18Fe0.34Al1.60Cr0.88)(Al2Si6)O20(OH)16. Fe-Chr Cr-Chl Textural analyses fit well with the proposed reaction and show that it usually proceeds very close to completion. The degree of alteration of chromite into ferritchromite is controlled by the initial chromite to serpentine ratio. In chromitites, high ratios prevent complete transformation of chromite into ferritchromite. The most likely environment for such reaction is a prograde metamorphic event post-dating serpentinization of the Kalkan ophiolite, possibly related to emplacement within an accretionary wedge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The natural garnets from chromite ores associated with pegmatoid pyroxenites of Sangalyk area (Uchaly ore district, southern Urals, Russia) were studied by means of micro-Raman spectroscopy. The compositions of these garnets were close to ugrandite, an isomorphous intermediate group of uvarovite–grossularite–andradite, X3Y2(SiO4)3, X=Ca2+, Y=Al3+, Fe3+, Cr3+, according to Raman spectra and X-ray microprobe analyses. An assignment of most of the observed bands in visible and near infrared Raman spectra is reported. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Electrical resistance measurements, thin-section, chemical, thermal differential, and thermal gravity analyses have been applied to study samples of chromite and the host serpentinite from the Podenny and Kurman deposits in the Alapaevsk ophiolite and from the Piany Bor and southern deposits in the Klyuchevskoi ophiolite. Samples from the four sites exhibit similar patterns of activation energy E 0) vs. resistance coefficient (log R 0). The E 0–log R 0 points of samples collected away from ore fields align along a straight line corresponding to the log R 0 = a − bE 0 relationship typical of nonmineralized rocks, with the a and b coefficients as in alpine ultramafics. The samples of mineralized rocks depart from the basic line, the departure increasing as they approach the orebody. Though having similar patterns, the E 0–log R 0 fields of the samples from different sites show no overlap. The revealed features may be useful as implicit diagnostic criteria for ophiolite-hosted chromite mineralization. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A genetic relationship between diamond and subcalcic Cr-pyrope garnet, both being produced by a metasomatic process, can be inferred from the sampling patterns of kimberlites in the Daldyn-Alakit province, Yakutia, Russia. Pressure-temperature estimates for xenoliths and xenocrysts show a strong concentration of highly depleted rocks in a well-defined zone 140–190 km deep; diamond inclusions and diamond-bearing xenoliths show that most diamonds come from harzburgites within this layer. Xenocryst distribution curves indicate that diamondiferous kimberlites have sampled both garnet and chromite from the harzburgitic layer, but low-grade pipes have sampled only chromite. Diamond formation probably is due to the oxidation of methane-rich, silica-bearing fluids: Fe2O3 (in chromite) + CH4 → C + H2O + FeO (in chromite), accompanied by another reaction: chromite ± olivine ± orthopyroxene + Si, Ca (in fluid) → low-Ca, high-Cr garnet. The presence or absence of diamond in kimberlites thus reflects the distribution of metasomatized fluid conduits in a lithospheric mantle that originally consisted of highly refractory harzburgites containing neither garnet nor diamond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mafic–ultramafic-hosted hydrothermal Fe–Cu–(Ni–Co) sulfide ores from the Main Uralian Fault Zone (MUFZ), South Urals (Ivanovka and Ishkinino ore fields), contain a relatively large (up to 3%) proportion of chromite. This association is common for magmatic Fe–Ni–Cu sulfides, but definitely unusual for hydrothermal sulfides. Textural, morphological and compositional data are used here to gain an insight into the origin and significance of this unusual chromite–sulfide association. The studied chromites occur both as broken fragments and as euhedral or subhedral crystals, which are included in the sulfides or scattered in their talc±chlorite±saponite±quartz±carbonate matrix. They are characterized by high Cr/(Cr+Al) ratios (0.58–0.85) and range in composition from magnesiochromite to chromite sensu stricto. Textural, morphological and compositional features, as well as the occurrence of relatively high-silica, low-Ti, low-K melt inclusions in some of the crystals, indicate that the ore-associated chromites (i) are a mixed population of grains derived from mafic–ultramafic mantle and crustal magmatic rocks and mantle peridotite melting residua, (ii) have no genetic relation with the host sulfides and (iii) represent relicts derived from the hydrothermally altered country rocks. The compositions of the chromites and of the melt inclusions denote a clear supra-subduction zone signature. The melts parent to the cumulitic chromites had an arc tholeiitic to, possibly, boninitic affinity. These data suggest that the host mafic–ultramafic complexes formed in an early arc or forearc setting and do not represent obducted portions of MORB oceanic lithosphere. Hence, contrary to previous interpretations, the associated massive sulfides could not originate on a mid-ocean ridge, but rather in an early arc or forearc environment. Given the relatively short life of the western Uralian arc system, the most probable time window for sulfide ore deposition is confined to Early to Middle Devonian time. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The mantle tectonite of the Kraka ophiolite contains several chromite deposits. Two of them consisting of high-Cr podiform chromitite—the Bolshoi Bashart located within harzburgite of the upper mantle transition zone and Prospect 33 located in the deep lherzolitic mantle—have been investigated. Both deposits are enveloped in dunite, and were formed by reaction between the mantle protolith and high-Mg, anhydrous magma, enriched in Al2O3, TiO2, and Na2O compared with boninite. The PGE mineralization is very poor (<100 ppb) in both deposits. Laurite (RuS2) is the most common PGM inclusion in chromite, although it is accompanied by erlichmanite (OsS2) and (Ir,Ni) sulfides in Prospect 33. Precipitation of PGM occurred at sulfur fugacity and temperatures of logƒS2 = (−3.0), 1300–1100 °C in Bolshoi Bashart, and logƒS2 = (−3.0/+1.0), 1100–800 °C in Prospect 33, respectively. The paucity of chromite-PGM mineralization compared with giant chromite deposits in the mantle tectonite in supra-subduction zones (SSZ) of the Urals (Ray-Iz, Kempirsai) is ascribed to the peculiar petrologic nature (low depleted lherzolite) and geodynamic setting (rifted continental margin?) of the Kraka ophiolite, which did not enable drainage of the upper mantle with a large volume of mafic magma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 1990, the Sopcheozero Cr deposit was discovered in the Monchegorsk Paleoproterozoic layered mafic-ultramafic layered intrusion (Monchepluton). This stratiform early-magmatic deposit occurs in the middle part of the Dunite Block, which is a member of the Monchepluton layered series. The Cr2O3 average-weighted content in ordinary and rich ores of the deposit is 16.65 and 38.76 wt.%, respectively, at gradually changing concentrations within the rich, ordinary and poor ore types and ore body in general. The ores of the Sopcheozero deposit, having a ratio of Cr2O3/FeOtotal = 0.9–1.7, can serve as raw materials for the refractory and chemical industries. The ore Cr-spinel (magnochromite and magnoalumochromite) is associated with highly magnesian olivine (96–98 Fo) rich in Ni (0.4–1.1 wt.%). It confirms a low S content in the melt and complies with the low oxygen fugacity. The coexisting Cr-spinel-olivine pairs crystallized at temperatures from 1258 to 1163 °C, with accessory Cr-spinel crystallizing at relatively low, while ore Cr-spinel at higher temperatures. The host rock and ore distinguish with widespread plastic deformations of olivine at the postcrystallization phase under conditions of high temperature (above 400 °C) and pressure (5 kbar). At the post magmatic Svecofennian stage (1.84 Ga), the deposit, jointly with the Monchepluton, was subject to diverse tectonic deformations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper studies accessory Cr-spinels from deep drill holes crossing the Nude-Poaz massif, which is a part of the Monchegorsk mafic-ultramafic layered complex (2.5 Ga, Kola Peninsula, Russia). Cr-spinels occur as two morphological types that differ in their chemical composition, i.e., Cr-spinels of the first type are more aluminous, while Cr-spinels of the second type are more ferruginous and titaniferous. Cr-spinels of the Nude-Poaz massif are characterized by a Fe-Ti trend known for layered intrusions in the world. Cr-spinels of the Nude-Poaz massif quite clearly differ in composition from chromites of the Sopcheozero deposit: they are more ferruginous and less chromous. The specific composition of Cr-spinels in rocks of the Nude-Poaz massif can be correlated with the sequence of the magmatic phases intrusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Russia and South Africa are the world's leading producers of platinum group elements (PGEs). This places them in a unique position regarding the supply of these two key industrial commodities. The purpose of this paper is to provide a comparative high-level overview of aspects of the geological occurrence, mineralogy, and processing by flotation of the platinum group minerals (PGMs) found in each country. A summary of some of the major challenges faced in each country in terms of the concentration of the ores by flotation is presented alongside the opportunities that exist to increase the production of the respective metals. These include the more efficient recovery of minerals such as arsenides and tellurides, the management of siliceous gangue and chromite in the processing of these ores, and, especially in Russia, the development of novel processing routes to recover PGEs from relatively low grade ores occurring in dunites, black shale ores and in vanadium-iron-titanium-sulphide oxide formations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The work is devoted to the study of pollution by technogenic magnetic particles and heavy metals of soils in the city of Gubakha, Middle Ural (Russia). The aim of the work is the ecological and geochemical assessment of the elemental chemical composition of the soils of the city of Gubakha, and the establishment of the geochemical role of technogenic magnetic particles (TMPs). For the first time, the regularities of the spatial distribution of magnetic susceptibility in the soils of the city of Gubakha were revealed, and the morphology, elemental and mineralogical compositions of magnetic particles in the soils of an industrial city in the Middle Urals were characterized using the methods of the chemical extraction of iron compounds, magnetic separation, ESEM/EDS, and Mössbauer spectroscopy. The magnetic phase of soils contains magnetite/maghemite, hematite, pyrrhotite, intermetallic alloys and chromite. Spherical magnetic particles are hollow, and have a magnetite shell and a varied surface texture. The crystal lattice of magnetite is characterized by low stoichiometry. The heavy metals Zn, Cu, Ni and Cr are concentrated in magnetic particles and have a high correlation coefficient with magnetic susceptibility. The level of contamination of Cu, Ni, Zn, Cr and Mn in the soils of a residential zone of Gubakha, estimated by the value of the pollution load index (PLI), was high. The Igeo index for Fe ranges from 6.2 to 12.2, for Cu–1.1 and Ni–1.1. The combination of methods for measuring magnetic susceptibility, determining the mineralogical composition of iron compounds, and determining the elemental chemical composition by X-ray fluorescence, has shown the effectiveness of an integrated approach for carrying out an ecological–geochemical assessment of the soil cover of Gubakha. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Composition variations of Cr-spinel in high-Mg rocks of the Primorsky Ridge (Western Baikal region, Russia) are reported here. A specific feature of Cr-spinels in ultramafic rocks of the Primorsky Ridge is their noticeably high Ti content (up to 6.5 wt.%) compared to spinels in mantle peridotites. The presence of high TiO2 content in Cr-spinels enclosed in olivine crystals may be a clear indication of the primary magmatic nature of Ti enrichment. Two types of Cr-spinel were identified in ultramafic rocks from all intrusions. Cr-spinels of Type I are enclosed in the inner part of olivine crystals and are homogeneous Al-rich chromites and Fe2+-rich chromites. They are characterized by variable content of TiO2 (1.0–5.3 wt.%), moderately high Cr# (0.7–0.83), and low Fe3+# (0.20–0.34). Cr-spinels of type II occur in the interstitial space and occur as homogeneous and zoned grains with Al-rich chromite and Fe2+-rich chromite cores. Al-rich chromite cores have a composition similar to that of the Cr-spinel enclosed in olivine crystals. Fe2+-rich chromite cores have relatively high MgO (3.8–6.2 wt.%), Al2O3 (8–9 wt.%), and TiO2 (2.6–2.8 wt.%) content, low MnO (0.34–0.52 wt.%) content, and a low Fe3+# (0.25–0.27) ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Podiform chromitites are abundant in the Matysken Ural-Alaskan type complex. • Multiphase silicate inclusions are found in isoferroplatinum from lode chromitites. • Multiphase inclusions are in total disequilibrium with any possible ultramafic melt. • Non-magmatic models of podiform platiniferous chromitites formation are advocated. The origin of large platinum-group mineral (PGM) nuggets inside chromitite schlieren in some Ural-Alaskan type ultramafic complexes has been assigned to orthomagmatic processes. A promising phenomenon which may provide new insights into the processes responsible for PGE mineralization formation, or at least place constraints on existing models, are the multiphase inclusions hosted in PGM which have been previously found in platinum nuggets from alluvial deposits. For the first time, this study examines multiphase inclusions hosted in isoferroplatinum nuggets from lode chromitite schlieren in almost unaltered dunite from the Matysken Ural-Alaskan type complex (Koryak Highlands, Far East Russia). These multiphase inclusions are comprised of diopside, hydrous silicates, apatite, plagioclase, K-feldspar, silica and other minerals that are distinctly different from the host dunite mineralogy. Taken together with similar mineral assemblages in Cr-spinel-hosted inclusions, these inclusions cannot be crystallization products of a mafic/ultramafic melt, but instead require an alternative explanation. We critically evaluate different genetic models and conclude that a range of fluid-assisted metamorphic processes should be involved in producing massive PGM within chromitite schlieren in dunites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies that track and compiled transformations of ilmenite and magnetite under conditions of different metamorphic grades are still very limited. The Sedova Zaimka intrusion in Western Siberia (Russia) is a good example to examine the effect of contact metamorphism from greenschist to low-amphibolite facies on magmatic Fe-Ti oxide minerals, as this small mafic-ultramafic body is located within contact metamorphic aureole of a large granite pluton. In the Sedova Zaimka, ilmenite with little to no magnetite is present as an accessory dissemination throughout metamorphosed rocks. Ilmenite is variably enriched in MnO (1 to 13.3 wt%) and depleted in MgO (less than 0.3 wt%), suggesting that its primary magmatic composition has been unevenly modified by diffusion re-equilibrium with coexisting metamorphic silicates. The elevated content of ZnO (up to 0.5 wt%) and NiO (up to 0.4 wt%) in ilmenite suggests that both ZnO and NiO, like MnO, must be strongly partitioned into ilmenite relatively to silicate minerals under the reducing contact metamorphic conditions, if chromite is absent. The textural observations of ilmenite–sulfide and ilmenite–titanite–sulfide relationships indicate that Ti-magnetite, in contrast to ilmenite, is an unstable phase in the presence of sulfur-rich reduced metamorphic fluids and is completely replaced by sulfides, with the development of specific "octahedral meshes" of ilmenite in sulfides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The commercialisation of vanadium redox flow batteries for large scale electric energy storage and power grid stabilisation is expected to increase the global demand for vanadium in the coming years. Currently most of the vanadium is used in the production of steel alloys and this amount is expected to remain consistent in the years to come. Much of the new demand is expected to come in the form of electrolytes for the application of vanadium to energy storage in the vanadium redox flow batteries and in the form of ultrapure vanadium salts for use a precursor reagents in the production of cathodes for lithium ion batteries. Unlike other metals such as copper, nickel or zinc, vanadium does not form concentrated deposits. Owing to the similarities between the V3+ and Fe3+ cations, vanadium is often found as a minor component of iron minerals. The vanadium mineral coulsonite, FeV 2 O 4 forms series with chromite, FeCr 2 O 4 and magnetite, Fe 3 O 4. Most of the vanadium is produced from titanomagnetites either directly from titanomagnetite ores/concentrates or indirectly from the slag left from smelting titanomagnetite ores. Titanomagnetite ores are associated with mafic igneous rock and have been found in large quantities in Russia, China, South Africa and other countries. Vanadium can also be produced from vanadiferous sandstone, shale and vanadate deposits, though these are of lesser industrial importance compared to titanomagnetites. Vanadium is usually extracted from ores, concentrates and slags by roasting with sodium carbonate or another sodium salt to convert vanadium into water soluble sodium vanadates. This review summarises the established and proven processes for vanadium production as well as some newer processes which have yet to be commercialised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Oleninskoe intrusion-related gold–silver deposit is the first deposit in the Precambrian of the Fennoscandian Shield, where mustard gold has been identified. The mustard gold replaces küstelite with impurities of Sb and, probably, gold-bearing dyscrasite and aurostibite. The mosaic structure of the mustard gold grains is due to different orientations and sizes of pores in the matrix of noble metals. Zonation in the mustard gold grains is connected with mobilization and partial removal of silver from küstelite, corresponding enrichment of the residual matter in gold, and also with the change in the composition of the substance filling the pores. Micropores in the mustard gold are filled with iron, antimony or thallium oxides, silver chlorides, bromides, and sulfides. The formation of mustard gold with chlorides and bromides shows that halogens played an important role in the remobilization of noble metals at the stage of hypergene transformation of the Oleninskoe deposit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Complex Zr-Hf-Nb-Ta-REE-Ga mineralization in coals of the Kuznetsk Basin (Russia). • Oxides of Fe, Ti, Nb, Zr, Ta, carbonates, and phosphates represent the ore matter. • Ore is associated with volcanogenic pyroclastics of pantellerite composition. The research describes the detailed mineralogical and geochemical characteristics of rare-metal Nb-Ta-Zr-Hf-Y-REE-Ga ores found in Permian coals in the layer XI in the south of the Kuznetsk Basin. The concentrations and distribution of ore, and related elements, were studied in the coal seam section and along the seam strike. Spatial and genetic relationships of the mineralization in the coal were found to be related to the presence of an altered volcanogenic pyroclastic horizon of REE-enriched pantellerite composition. The highest concentrations of basic ore elements in the coal are associated with the contact zones above and below the volcanogenic horizon. The ore matter is mainly concentrated in the fine mineral phases, composed mainly of Zr-Nb-Ti-Fe oxides, fine zircons, rare-earth carbonates (bastnesite) and phosphates (monazite, xenotime, goyacite). Resource estimates are made of the rare metals. Confirmation of the connection between the complex rare-metal mineralization and the alkaline volcanogenic pyroclastics significantly expands the prospects of revealing further such mineralization in the coals of East and Central Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mineral eskolaite (Cr2O3) has been discovered in association with natural diamond from the Udachnaya pipe in Yakutia, where it is intergrown with an octahedral diamond, mostly as an inclusion in the diamond, but also exposed at its surface. A detailed study was performed on fragments extracted from the outer surface of the diamond, using single-crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution electron microscopy (HRTEM), analytical electron microscopy (AEM), including line-scan and elemental-mapping, EMP, and SIMS. These applied techniques confirmed the nature of the eskolaite with 86.8 wt% Cr2O3 and notable impurities of TiO2 (3.99 wt%), Al2O3 (2.00 wt%), Fe2O3 (5.83 wt%), and MgO (1.11 wt%). Trace elements, including V (4900 ppm), Mn (129 ppm), Zr (56 ppm), and Nb (32 ppm) were also detected. The entire range of REE is just at or below the limits of detection. A small picrochromite inclusion (XMg 81.2; YCr 94.7) was detected in the eskolaite; its chemistry is typical of chromite diamond inclusions. It also contains minute inclusions of perovskite, corundum, and an unidentified Ti-phase. Nano-sized cavities in picrochromite were determined to consist of carbonate and quench products, including Si, Mg, Ca, P, K, and Cl. This may represent relics of the diamond-forming metasomatic fluids. The eskolaite, containing a picrochromite inclusion, was formed at high pressure within the diamond stability field from C-O-H-bearing fluids containing Ca, K, Cl, P, and possibly even peridotitic (U-type) oxides and silicates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]