Signatures of the Involvement of Microorganisms in the Formation of Nodular Monazite (Kularite), Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), Russia.

Data indicating the important role of microorganisms in the formation of nodular monazite (NM) (kularite) of the Kular Range, Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), are presented. The NM contains microorganisms (cyanobacteria) replaced by REE-bearing phosphate (monazite) in the form of stromatolitic microedifices, as well as framboidal Fe sulfides in monazite. The C_org isotopic composition of kularite corresponds to biogenic carbon: the δ¹³С values vary from –22.2 to –22.3‰. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]