Zincochromite in gold–fuchsite veins at the Chudnoe Au–Pd deposit (Subpolar Urals): Genetic aspects
https://doi.org/10.24930/1681-9004-2025-25-6-1384-1403
Abstract
Research subject. Zincochromite in veins of chromium-bearing mica (fuchsite) in metarhyolites.
Aim. To establish the relationships of zincochromite with other minerals and Au–Pd mineralization. To determine the place and role of zincochromite in the process of mineral formation.
Methods. Polished sections from ore samples and concentrates of heavy
minerals mounted in epoxy resin were studied using optical and electron microscopes. The composition of minerals was determined using SEM/EDS.
Results. Idiomorphic crystals of zincochromite in fuchsite veins (up to 12 µm in size) are localized directly in fuchsite, less frequently in allanite; intergrowths with native gold and palladium arsenoantimonides were noted. Zincochromite contains 15.5–27.5 wt % ZnO and 40.2–47.5 wt % Cr2O3. The most Zn-rich mineral has the following formula: (Zn0.77Fe2+0.13Mn0.10) (Cr1.37Fe3+ 0.42Al0.21)2O4. The Cr2O3 content in fuchsite veins varies across a significant range (from 0.2 to 12.4 wt %); however, zincochromite is usually enclosed in fuchsite with a Cr2O3 content of more than 1.5 wt %.
Conclusions. All rocks in the area of the Chudnoe deposit, including ores, are metamorphosed in the conditions of biotite subfacies of greenschist facies. The formation of zincochromite is associated with metamorphic transformations of fuchsite veins enclosed in rhyolites. During recrystallization of fuchsite, zincochromite crystals are formed at the expense of the latter. Zinc required for the synthesis of zincochromite came from metamorphosed fuchsite veins and host rhyolites.
About the Author
S. A. Onishchenko
N.P. Yushkin Institute of Geology, FRC Komi SC UB RAS
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Sergei A. Onishchenko
167982; 54 Pervomaiskaya st.; Syktyvkar
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For citations:
Onishchenko S.A. Zincochromite in gold–fuchsite veins at the Chudnoe Au–Pd deposit (Subpolar Urals): Genetic aspects. LITHOSPHERE (Russia). 2025;25(6):1384-1403. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.24930/1681-9004-2025-25-6-1384-1403
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