Paragenesis of upper cretaceous titanium-zirconium placers and phosphate mineralization in the southern East European Platform

Association of titanium-zirconium placers and phosphate mineralization in Upper Cretaceous rocks of the East European Platform is shown with the Tsentral’noe (Central) and Unecha deposits as example. This paragenesis is caused by interaction between the multicomponent placer ore (phosphate-rare metal) concentrations and mechanical-chemical differentiation that shows up periodically during the sub-aerial migration of sedimentary material. Clastic ore components were mainly derived from intermediate collectors, while the phosphate material was delivered by the phosphate-containing solutions and particulates in the chemical weathering crust. Such phosphorite-titanium-zirconium occurrences can also be detected in other regions, including areas with rare metal placers.