Group Minerals Research Articles

DIAMONDS IN COLLUVIOUS DEPOSITS AT TAPAJÓS (ITAITUBA, PARÁ)

The diamonds from the Painin garimpo, on the Tapajós River, in Itaituba, state of Pará, were mined in alluvial gravel in geological terrains dominated by the Barreirinha, Itaituba and Monte Alegre Paleozoic formations. 30 diamonds extracted from the concentrates of this garimpo were analyzed by stereomicroscopy, optical microscopy, x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy with EDS and luminescence. The average weight of these specimens is 0.42 ct and the predominant forms are dodecahedral and octahedral, in addition to others such as ballas and bort. Surface figures, microstructures, luminescence, and various inclusions are recognized. The inclusions can be classified as syngenetic (periclase, diopside, among others) and epigenetic (eg minerals of crandallite group). Green covers were also observed. This study, however, was not able to solve the problem of the genesis of the diamond in the studied region, as happens to date with most secondary diamond deposits in the Amazon region (Tapajós, Tocantins and Tepequém-Maú), except for those related to kimberlite pipes of Mato Grosso Rondônia.

Hydrothermal ore mineralization from the Polish part of the Tatra Mts., Central Western Carpathians

Several areas with hydrothermal ore mineralization are present in the Polish part of the Western Tatra Mts. Massive and disseminated sulfides, mainly minerals from the tetrahedrite group and chalcopyrite, fill quartz veins accompanied by siderite, dolomite and baryte – many of these were mined between the 16th and 18th century. This paper presents information on the mineralogy of the common sulfides and the preliminary studies of both the isotopic composition of sulfur in tetrahedrite as well as the origin of hydrothermal fluids. The most common primary sulfide minerals in the ores are tetrahedrite-(Zn) and tetrahedrite-(Fe) corresponding to Zn ranges from 1.83 to 5.87 wt.% (0.47–1.44 apfu), and Fe from 1.63 to 5.05 wt.% (0.48–1.52 apfu). The substitution of As for Sb shows maximum As content of 7.25 wt.% (1.588 apfu) which corresponds to the Sb/(Sb+As) = 0.60. Both varieties show substitutions of Bi and Hg, up 0.6 wt.% (0.049 apfu) and 0.96 wt.% (0.081 apfu), respectively, and content of trace elements: Co (max. 976 ppm), Cd (max. 735 ppm), In (max. 14 ppm). Chalcopyrite, pyrite, and galena show compositions close to the ideal formula. Differences in the content of trace elements in the studied tetrahedrite and chalcopyrite were explained by element partitioning between these minerals. The distributions of In, Ga and Sn in the studied minerals indicate that the mineralization was formed at low temperature and pressure. The homogenization temperature of the primary inclusions in quartz in the range of 120–174°C indicate the origin of mineralization in low-temperature stage from low salinity fluids (up to 17.92 wt.% NaCl eq.). Stable δ34S isotopes in minerals of the tetrahedrite group suggest that the igneous fluids might be one of the sources from which ores were crystallized.

Sr-bearing phosphates of the apatite supergroup from the alkaline rocks of the Konder pluton, Khabarovsk Krai

The paper presents a mineralogical description of Sr-bearing phosphates of the apatite supergroup found in eudialyte-aegirine-albite rocks of the Konder pluton, Khabarovsk krai. The Sr-dominant phases are associated with minerals of the lamprophyllite group and titanite, whereas the Ca-dominant phases are associated with calciocatapleite and kainosite-(Y), which are the products of the decomposition of eudialyte. The phosphates probably formed during post-magmatic alteration of host rock in a following sequence: stronadelphite > fuorostrophite > Sr-rich fuorapatite (fuorocaphite) > Na-REE-fuorapatite. Their variable chemical composition indicates decreasing Sr, Ba and F contents and increasing Ca, Na, REE and (OH) contents during crystallization. The crystallization sequence could refect a decrease in alkalinity of the mineral-forming conditions. Keywords: stronadelphite, fuorostrophite, fuorocaphite, Sr-rich fuorapatite, fuorapatite, alkaline rocks, hydrothermal alterations, Konder pluton, alkaline-ultramafc complexes.

First Finding of Platinum Group Minerals at the Malmyzh Porphyry Gold–Copper Deposit, Khabarovsk Krai, Russia

First Finding of Platinum Group Minerals at the Malmyzh Porphyry Gold–Copper Deposit, Khabarovsk Krai, Russia

Zinconigerite-2N1S ZnSn2Al12O22(OH)2 and zinconigerite-6N6S Zn3Sn2Al16O30(OH)2, two new minerals of the nolanite-spinel polysomatic series from the Xianghualing skarn, Hunan Province, China

Abstract Zinconigerite-2N1S ZnSn2Al12O22(OH)2 and zinconigerite-6N6S Zn3Sn2Al16O30(OH)2 are two new minerals with different numbers and ratios of nolanite (N) and spinel (S) modules. Both phases have been discovered in the Xianghualing skarn, Hunan Province, China. Zinconigerite-2N1S (zn-2N1S) and zinconigerite-6N6S (zn-6N6S) are named for their chemical composition, number, and ratios of N-S modules, according to the nomenclature of the nolanite-spinel polysomatic series of Armbruster (2002). Both phases occur as aggregates, sub-to-euhedral crystals, with maximal dimensions up to 100 μm, within fluorite aggregates, and they are closely associated with phlogopite, chrysoberyl, magnetite, cassiterite, margarite, and nigerite-taaffeite group minerals. They do not show fluorescence in long- or short-wave ultraviolet light. The calculated densities are 4.456 g/cm3 for zn-2N1S and 4.438 g/cm3 for zn-6N6S. Optically, zn-2N1S is uniaxial (+) with ω = 1.83(1), ε = 1.84(2); zn-6N6S is uniaxial (+) with ω = 1.85(1), ε = 1.87(2) (λ = 589 nm). Their chemical compositions by electron-microprobe analyses give the empirical formulas (Zn0.734Mn0.204Na0.122Ca0.063Mg0.044)Σ1.166(Sn1.941Zn0.053Ti0.007)Σ2 (Al11.018Fe0.6903+Zn0.200Si0.092)12O22(OH)2 for zn-2N1S and (Zn1.689Mn0.576Mg0.328Fe0.4073+)Σ3(Sn1.882Zn0.047 Ti0.071)Σ2(Al14.675Fe1.0883+Na0.13Ca0.086Si0.017)Σ15.996O30(OH)2 for zn-6N6S. Both phases have trigonal symmetry; the unit-cell parameters of zn-2N1S (P3m1) and zn-6N6S (R3m), refined from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data, are, a = 5.7191(2) and 5.7241(2) Å, c = 13.8380(6) and 55.5393(16) Å, V = 391.98(3) and 1575.96(12) Å3, and Z = 1 and 3, respectively. The structure of zn-2N1S is characterized by the alternating O-T1-O-T2-O-T1 layers stacked along the c-axis, showing the connectivity of N-S-N. The polyhedral stacking sequence of zn-6N6S is 3 × (O-T1-O-T2-O-T2-O-T1), reflecting a N-S-S-N-N-S-S-N-N-S-S-N connectivity of the polysomatic structure. By contrast, the structure of zn-2N1S shows the elemental replacements of Al → Sn and Al → Zn, suggesting the substitution mechanism of 2Al → Zn + Sn. The complex substitution of Zn by multiple elements (Al, Fe3+, Mn, Mg) in the structure of zn-6N6S, is coupled with the low occupancy of Al5-octahedra. Fe3+ → Al substitution occurs in Al1-tetrahedra of both zn-2N1S and zn-6N6S. The new polysomes, zn-2N1S and zn-6N6S, likely crystallized under F-rich conditions during the late stages of the Xianghualing skarn formation. The discovery of zn-2N1S and zn-6N6S provides new insights into the crystal chemistry of the N-S poly-somatic series and its origin.

Heating Effects in the Structure of Non-metamict Allanite-(La) from Palawan, Philippines

Allanite is one of the most common sources of rare-earth elements (REEs) and contains significant amounts of thorium (Th) and uranium (U). The presence of radioactive Th and U nuclides in the mineral exposes it to long-term radiation. Like other natural minerals containing Th and U, allanite can be used as a natural analog to understand the long-term radiation effects in high-level nuclear waste (HLW) matrices. Allanite group mineral is generally found in the amorphous phase due to structural damage induced by self-irradiation. In this work, crystalline allanite-(La) samples collected in San Vicente, Palawan, Philippines – having a low absorbed -dose of ~ 1014 α-decays/ mg – were heated at 450, 650, and 850 °C to study the response of non-metamict allanite to heating at elevated temperatures, particularly at the early stages of exposure to alpha-particle radiation. An increase in structural order was observed upon heating to 450 and 650 °C, which is exhibited by a decrease in the unit cell volume by 1.6% and a decrease of the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of selected Bragg planes. It was evident that certain Bragg planes respond differently to the annealing temperatures with preferential reorientation. After annealing at 850 °C, however, the loss of OH bonds was observed in the infrared (IR) spectra, and the broadening of Bragg peaks was seen in the x-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns, suggesting an onset of structural degradation. Surface cracks are also seen in the scanning electron microscope (SEM) images. The study shows that the non-metamict allanite-(La) mineral structure responds to heating similarly to that of metamict ones reported in the literature. This study will provide data on the properties of allanite as part of the ongoing studies on radiation damage in silicate matrices.

Challenge Tooth Regeneration in Adult Dogs with Dental Pulp Stem Cells on 3D-Printed Hydroxyapatite/Polylactic Acid Scaffolds.

Tooth regeneration is an important issue. The purpose of this study was to explore the feasibility of using adult dental pulp stem cells on polylactic acid scaffolds for tooth regeneration. Three teeth were extracted from each side of the lower jaws of two adult dogs. In the experimental group, dental pulp stem cells were isolated and seeded in the 3D-printed hydroxyapatite/polylactic acid (HA/PLA) scaffolds for transplantation into left lower jaw of each dog. The right-side jaw of each dog was transplanted with cell-free scaffolds as the control group. Polychrome sequentially labeling was performed for observation of mineralization. Dental cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) irradiation was used for assessment. Nine months after surgery, dogs were euthanized, and the lower jaws of dogs were sectioned and fixed for histological observation with hematoxylin and eosin staining. The results showed that the degree of mineralization in the experimental group with cells seeded in the scaffolds was significantly higher than that of the control group transplanted with cell-free scaffolds. However, the HA/PLA scaffolds were not completely absorbed in both groups. It is concluded that dental pulp stem cells are important for the mineralization of tooth regeneration. A more rapid absorbable material was required for scaffold design for tooth regeneration.

Systematics of smectite hydrogen-isotope composition: Structural hydrogen versus adsorbed water

Atmospheric water adsorbed onto clay mineral surfaces, of smectite group minerals in particular, can contaminate hydrogen released from structural hydroxyl groups during hydrogen-isotope analysis. Interlayer cation composition and cation hydration enthalpy, in particular, can affect the magnitude of this excess hydrogen yield and hence the hydrogen isotope composition (δ2H) of smectites. To evaluate this problem, δ2H of different cation-saturated (Ca2+, Na+, K+), dried forms of six smectite standards from the Clay Minerals Society Source Clays were measured using a modified sample drying and on-line High-Temperature-Conversion-Elemental-Analysis (TCEA) Continuous-Flow-Isotope-Ratio-Mass-Spectrometry (CF-IRMS) protocol. More negative interlayer cation hydration enthalpies (Ca2+ > Na+ > K+) led to higher residual adsorbed water contents, which produced poorer δ2H reproducibility for the determination of smectite hydroxyl hydrogen. The lowest adsorbed water contribution and the most reproducible and possibly accurate δ2H for smectite hydroxyl hydrogen was obtained for K-saturated smectites dried for both 4 and 24 h at 220 °C prior to isotopic analysis and transferred to a “Zero-Blank” autosampler in ≤2.5 min. This approach provided the lowest measurement error for hydroxyl δ2H and facilitated much greater sample throughput than classical methods for smectitic clays. This study proposes a protocol for hydroxyl δ2H determination in smectitic clay minerals, and reveals the effect of H-isotope fractionation of adsorbed water during sample preparation.

Criticality assessment of green materials: institutional quality, market concentration and recycling potential

The carbon transition and digitalization transformation are tied to a set of critical raw materials (CRM). Energy accumulators, renewable energy modules, and electronic devices all contain a certain amount of these. The versatility and utility of such elements come together with the limited number of countries where their extraction and refining take place. As the demand for these materials is growing globally, main concerns arise regarding the security of the production chain. Several works highlighted the risks associated with these materials without presenting clear interaction between such factors. This article presents a study over the three aspects showed: market concentration, institutional quality, and circularity. The approach will contain the presentation of the main characteristics of recyclability and the institutional status of exporters. A synthetic index is derived and plotted against the potential of recycling per material. In such a manner, we can group minerals according to sourcing vulnerability: one is coming from material recovery and the other via imports. An indicator calculated with a Cartesian distance method provides the synthesis of security versus safety. According to our findings, Electrical Vehicles carry the highest vulnerability for their main components in circularity and human rights violations. Ending remarks highlighted the limitations of our research, where possible interest for future research may lay.

A Combined EPMA and LA-ICP-MS Investigation on Bi-Cu-Au Mineralization from the Kizhnica Ore Field (Vardar Zone, Kosovo)

This paper describes a newly discovered Bi-Cu±Au mineralization co-occurring with Pb-Zn-Ag hydrothermal mineralization within the Kizhnica-Hajvalia-Badovc ore field, central Kosovo, Vardar Zone. The mineralogy of two styles of Bi-Cu±Au mineralization was described using EPMA in combination with reflected and transmitted light microscopy. Hydrothermal Cu-Bi veinlets in the Kizhnica andesite quarry consist of Bi sulfosalts (bismuthinite, cosalite, aikinite, and krupkaite), pyrite, hematite, chalcopyrite, galena, sphalerite, and tetrahedrite group minerals. Disseminated Bi-Au-Cu-Te mineralization from the contact type of mineralization (hornfels) consists of Bi sulfosalts (cannizzarite, bismuthinite, galenobismutite, cosalite), associated with sulfarsenides (arsenopyrite, gersdorffite, and cobaltite), base metal sulfides (chalcopyrite, pyrite, sphalerite, pyrrhotite, and galena), native gold, native bismuth, and tetradymite. LA-ICP-MS analyses of sphalerite, chalcopyrite, and tetrahedrite indicate increased content of In and Sn in the Kizhnica Bi-Cu-Au mineralizing system, while LA-ICP-MS analyses in pyrites show the presence of many elements, e.g., Au, As, Co, Sb, Tl, Hg, Pb, Bi related to the structure of pyrite or controlled by nano-inclusions. The results suggest a connection between Bi-Cu±Au mineralization and the proximity to intrusive rocks, which may be helpful for Au exploration in Kosovo.

High grade ores of the Onverwacht platinum pipe, eastern Bushveld, South Africa

ABSTRACT The platiniferous dunite pipes are discordant orebodies in the Bushveld Complex. The Onverwacht pipe is a large body (>300 m in diameter) of magnesian dunite (Fo80–83) that crosscuts a sequence of cumulates in the Lower Critical Zone of the Bushveld Complex. In a pipe-in-pipe configuration, the main dunite pipe at Onverwacht hosts a carrot-shaped inner pipe of Fe-rich dunite pegmatite (Fo46–62) which comprises the platinum-bearing orebody. The latter was ca. 18 m in diameter and a mining depth of about 320 m was reached. In the present work, a variety of ore samples were studied by whole-rock geochemistry, including analyses of platinum group elements, ore microscopy, and electron probe microanalysis. Olivine of the ore zone displays considerable chemical variation (range 46–62 mol.% Fo) and may represent either a continuum, or different batches of magma, or vertical or horizontal zonation within the ore zone. Chromite is principally regarded to be a consanguineous component of the pipe magma that crystallized in situ and simultaneously with olivine. The Onverwacht mineralization is Pt-dominated (>95% of the platinum group elements) and the ore is virtually devoid of sulfides. Platinum-dominated platinum group minerals predominate, followed by Rh-, Pd-, and Ru-species. Pt-Fe alloys are most frequent, followed by Pt-Rh-Ru-arsenides and -sulfarsenides, platinum group element antimonides, and platinum group element sulfides. Our hypothesis on the genesis of the Onverwacht pipe and its mineralization is as follows: After near-consolidation of the layered series of the Critical Zone, the magnesian dunite pipe of Onverwacht was formed by upward penetration of magmas that replaced the existing cumulates initially by infiltration, followed by the development of a central channel where large volumes of magma flowed through. Fractional crystallization of olivine within the deeper magma chamber and/or during ascent of the melt resulted in the formation of a consanguineous, residual, more iron-rich melt. This melt also contained highly mobile, supercritical, water-bearing fluids and was continuously enriched in platinum group elements and other incompatible elements. In several closing pulses, the platinum group element-enriched residual melts crystallized and sealed the inner ore pipe. Crystallization of the melt resulted in the coeval formation of Fe-rich olivine, chromite, and platinum group minerals. The non-sulfide platinum group element mineralization was introduced in the form of nanoparticles and small droplets of platinum group minerals, which coagulated to form larger grains during evolution of the mineralizing system. The suspended platinum group minerals acted as collectors of other platinum group elements and incompatible elements during generation and ascent of the melt. With decreasing temperature, the platinum group mineral grains annealed and recrystallized, leading to the formation of composite platinum group mineral grains, complex intergrowths, or lamellar exsolution bodies. On further cooling, platinum group minerals overgrowing Pt-Fe alloys formed by reaction of leached elements and ligands like Sb, As, and S mobilized by supercritical magmatic/hydrothermal fluids. Redistribution of platinum group elements/platinum group minerals apparently only occurred on the scale of millimeters to centimeters. Finally, surface weathering led to the local formation of platinum group element oxides/hydroxides by oxidation of reactive precursor platinum group minerals.

Hydroxymcglassonite-(K), KSr4Si8O20(OH)·8H2O, the first Sr-bearing member of the apophyllite group, from the Wessels mine, Kalahari Manganese Field, South Africa

Abstract A new mineral species, hydroxymcglassonite-(K), ideally KSr4Si8O20(OH)·8H2O, has been found in the Wessels mine, Kalahari Manganese Field, Northern Cape Province, South Africa. It is granular (<0.05 mm), associated with meieranite, sugilite, aegirine, pectolite, and yuzuxiangite. The mineral is colorless, transparent with a white streak and a vitreous luster. It is brittle and has a Mohs hardness of 4.5–5.0; cleavage is perfect on {001} and no parting or twinning was observed. The measured and calculated densities are 2.60(3) and 2.614 g/cm3, respectively. Optically, hydroxymcglassonite-(K) is uniaxial (+), with ω = 1.555(5), ε = 1.567(5) (white light), and absorption O > E. Hydroxymcglassonite-(K) is insoluble in water or hydrochloric acid. An electron microprobe analysis yielded an empirical formula (based on 13 non-H cations pfu) K1.01(Sr2.99Ca1.03)Σ4.02Si7.99O20(OH)·8H2O, which can be simplified to K(Sr,Ca)4Si8O20(OH)·8H2O. Hydroxymcglassonite-(K) is tetragonal with space group P4/mnc and unit-cell parameters a = 9.0792(2), c = 16.1551(9) Å, V = 1331.70(9) Å3, and Z = 2. It is isostructural with hydroxyapophyllite-(K), KCa4Si8O20(OH)·8H2O, with Sr substituting for Ca. The crystal structure of hydroxy-mcglassonite-(K) is characterized by SiO4 tetrahedra sharing corners to form (Si8O20)8– sheets parallel to (001), which are connected by the K and B (= Sr + Ca) cations, as well as hydrogen bonding. The K cation is coordinated by eight H2O groups, and the average K–O distance of 2.941(3) Å is shorter than that of 2.950(3)–2.975(3) Å in hydroxyapophyllite-(K) or fluorapophyllite-(K). The B cation is sevenfold-coordinated (4O + 2H2O + OH), and the average B-O distance of 2.522(3) Å is noticeably longer than that of 2.422–2.435 Å in hydroxyapophyllite-(K) or fluorapophyllite-(K). The Raman spectra of hydroxymcglassonite-(K) and hydroxyapophyllite-(K) are very comparable, especially in the O-H stretching region. The discovery of hydroxymcglassonite-(K), the first Sr-bearing mineral of the apophyllite group, implies that more Sr-bearing members of the group may be found in nature or synthesized in laboratories, but the possibility for an incomplete solid solution between hydroxyapophyllite-(K) and hydroxymcglassonite-(K), due to the size difference between Sr2+ and Ca2+, cannot be ruled out.

Redox-controlled chalcophile element geochemistry of the Polaris Alaskan-type mafic-ultramafic complex, British Columbia, Canada

ABSTRACT The Early Jurassic Polaris Alaskan-type intrusion in the Quesnel accreted arc terrane of the North American Cordillera is a zoned, mafic-ultramafic intrusive body that contains two main styles of magmatic mineralization of petrologic and potential economic significance: (1) chromitite-associated platinum group element (PGE) mineralization hosted by dunite (±wehrlite); and (2) sulfide-associated Cu-PGE-Au mineralization hosted by olivine (±magnetite) clinopyroxenite, hornblendite, and gabbro-diorite. Dunite-hosted PGE mineralization is spatially associated with thin discontinuous layers and schlieren of chromitite and chromitiferous dunite and is characterized by marked enrichments in iridium-subgroup PGE (IPGE) relative to palladium-subgroup PGE (PPGE). Discrete grains of platinum group minerals (PGM) are exceedingly rare, and the bulk of the PGE are inferred to reside in solid solution within chromite±olivine. The absence of Pt-Fe alloys in dunite of the Polaris intrusion is atypical, as Pt-enrichment of dunite-hosted chromitite is widely regarded as a characteristic feature of Alaskan-type intrusions. This discrepancy appears to be consistent with the strong positive dependence of Pt solubility on the oxidation state of sulfide-undersaturated magmas. Through comparison with experimentally determined PGE solubilities, we infer that the earliest (highest temperature) olivine-chromite cumulates of the Polaris intrusion crystallized from a strongly oxidized ultramafic parental magma with an estimated log f(O2) > FMQ+2. Parental magmas with oxygen fugacities more typical of volcanic arc settings [log f(O2) ∼ FMQ to ∼ FMQ+2] are, in turn, considered more favorable for co-precipitation of Pt-Fe alloys with olivine and chromite. More evolved clinopyroxene- and hornblende-rich cumulates of the Polaris intrusion contain low abundances of disseminated magmatic sulfides, consisting of pyrrhotite and chalcopyrite with minor pentlandite, pyrite, and rare bornite (≤12 wt.% total sulfides), which occur interstitially or as polyphase inclusions in silicates and oxides. The sulfide-bearing rocks are characterized by strong primitive mantle-normalized depletions in IPGE and enrichments in Cu-PPGE-Au, patterns that resemble those of other Alaskan-type intrusions and primitive arc lavas. The absolute abundances and sulfur-normalized whole-rock concentrations (Ci/S, serving as proxy for sulfide metal tenor) of chalcophile elements, including Cu/S, in sulfide-bearing rocks are highest in olivine clinopyroxenite. Sulfide saturation in the relatively evolved magmas of the Polaris intrusion, and Alaskan-type intrusions in general, appears to be intimately tied to the appearance of magnetite. Fractional crystallization of magnetite during the formation of olivine clinopyroxenite at Polaris resulted in reduction of the residual magma to log f(O2) ≤ FMQ+2, leading to segregation of an immiscible sulfide melt with high Cu/Fe and Cu/S, and high PGE and Au tenors. Continued fractionation resulted in sulfide melts that were progressively more depleted in precious and base chalcophile metals. The two styles of PGE mineralization in the Polaris Alaskan-type intrusion are interpreted to reflect the evolution of strongly oxidized, hydrous ultramafic parental magma(s) through intrinsic magmatic fractionation processes that potentially promote sulfide saturation in the absence of wallrock assimilation.

Trace precious metals in major sulfide minerals from the Federova Tundra platinum group element deposit in the Fedorova-Pana layered intrusion, central Kola Peninsula, Russia

ABSTRACTDrill-core samples from the basal Cu-Ni-platinum-group element mineralization of the Early Proterozoic Fedorova Tundra intrusion in the Fedorova-Pana layered intrusion, central Kola Peninsula, Russia, were studied in two separate projects in Canada and Russia. In Canada, trace precious metal analyses by laser ablation inductively coupled mass spectrometry of 323 base metal sulfide particles [pentlandite (101), pyrrhotite (98), chalcopyrite (25), and pyrite (99)] show that Pd is highly concentrated in pentlandite. Most of the analyses (71%) were done using two master composite samples of comminuted drill core representative of the West Pit and East Pit mineralization, FWMC and FEMC, respectively. Fewer analyses were made of three other comminuted drill core samples from the West Pit referred to as “lithology” samples: OLFW (olivine-bearing rocks), ANFW (leucocratic rocks), and GNFW (gabbronorite). In Russia, 120 polished sections sliced from drill core from the West and East Pits and from four other Fedorova Tundra intrusion deposits (Kievey, Northern Kamennik, Eastern Chuarvy, and Southern Kievey) were studied mineralogically. Platinum group mineral characterization and trace Pd electron probe microanalyses of pentlandite were done using polished sections from all six locations (n = 95). The trace electron probe microanalysis data for Pd in pentlandite from the West (n = 35) and East (n = 19) Pit samples, though at much higher detection levels, are considered to be comparable to the laser ablation inductively coupled mass spectrometry data. The Eastern Chuarvy samples show particularly high Pd concentrations averaging 0.49 wt.% Pd (n = 11) and as high as 1.64 wt.% Pd. The combined data from these studies guides our estimate that pentlandite accounts for 30 to 50% of the Pd in these ores and that Rh solid solution in sulfides may account for >98% of the total Rh.

Supergene mobilization and redistribution of platinum-group elements in the Merensky Reef, eastern Bushveld Complex, South Africa

ABSTRACT Near-surface supergene ores of the Merensky Reef in the Bushveld Complex, South Africa, contain economic grades of platinum-group elements, however, these are currently uneconomic due to low recovery rates. This is the first study that investigates the variation in platinum-group elements in pristine and supergene samples of the Merensky Reef from five drill cores from the eastern Bushveld. The samples from the Richmond and Twickenham farms show different degrees of weathering. The whole-rock platinum-group element distribution was studied by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry and the platinum-group minerals were investigated by reflected-light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and electron microprobe analysis. In pristine (“fresh”) Merensky Reef samples, platinum-group elements occur mainly as discrete platinum-group minerals, such as platinum-group element-sulfides (cooperite–braggite) and laurite as well as subordinate platinum-group element-bismuthotellurides and platinum-group element-arsenides, and also in solid solution in sulfides (especially Pd in pentlandite). During weathering, Pd and S were removed, resulting in a platinum-group mineral mineralogy in the supergene Merensky Reef that mainly consists of relict platinum-group minerals, Pt-Fe alloys, and Pt-oxides/hydroxides. Additional proportions of platinum-group elements are hosted by Fe-hydroxides and secondary hydrosilicates (e.g., serpentine group minerals and chlorite). In supergene ores, only low recovery rates (ca. 40%) are achieved due to the polymodal and complex platinum-group element distribution. To achieve higher recovery rates for the platinum-group elements, hydrometallurgical or pyrometallurgical processing of the bulk ore would be required, which is not economically viable with existing technology.

Evolution of Nb–Ta Oxide Minerals and Their Relationship to the Magmatic-Hydrothermal Processes of the Nb–Ta Mineralized Syenitic Dikes in the Panxi Region, SW China

Previous geochemical and petrological studies have concluded that initially magmatic Nb–Ta mineralization is often modified by post-magmatic hydrothermal fluids; however, there is still a lack of mineralogical evidence for the syenite-related Nb–Ta deposit. From the perspective of Nb–Ta minerals, the pyrochlore supergroup minerals have significance for indicating the fluid evolution of alkaline rock or related carbonatite type Nb–Ta deposits. The Panzhihua–Xichang (Panxi) region is a famous polymetallic metallogenic belt in southwestern China, abound with a huge amount of Nb–Ta mineralized syenitic dikes. This study focuses on the mineral textures and chemical compositions of the main Nb–Ta oxide minerals (including columbite-(Fe), fersmite, fergusonite-(Y), and especially pyrochlore group minerals) in samples from the Baicao and Xiaoheiqing deposits, in the Huili area, Panxi region, to reveal the magma evolution process of syenitic-dike-related Nb–Ta deposits. The Nb–Ta oxides in the Huili syenites are commonly characterized by a specific two-stage texture on the crystal scale, exhibiting a complex metasomatic structure and compositional zoning. Four types of pyrochlore group minerals (pyrochlores I, II, III, and IV) formed in different stages were identified. The euhedral columbite-(Fe), fersmite, and pyrochlores I and II minerals formed in the magmatic fractional crystallization stage. Anhedral pyrochlore III minerals are linked to the activity of magma-derived hydrothermal fluids at the late stages of magma evolution. The pyrochlore IV minerals and fergusonite-(Y) tend to be more concentrated in areas that have undergone strong albitization, which is a typical phenomenon of hydrothermal alteration. These mineralogical phenomena provide strong evidences that the magmatic-hydrothermal transitional stage is the favored model for explaining the Nb–Ta mineralization process. It is also concluded that the changes in chemical composition and texture characteristics for pyrochlore group minerals could serve as a proxy for syenite-related Nb–Ta mineralization processes.

Atypical Mineralization Involving Pd-Pt, Au-Ag, REE, Y, Zr, Th, U, and Cl-F in the Oktyabrsky Deposit, Norilsk Complex, Russia

Highly atypical mineralization involving Pd-Pt, Au-Ag, REE, Y, Zr, U, Th, and Cl-F-enriched minerals is found in zones with base metal sulfides (BMS; ~5 vol.% to 20 vol.%) in the eastern portion of the Oktyabrsky deposit in the Norilsk complex (Russia). The overall variations in Mg# index, 100 Mg/(Mg + Fe2+ + Mn), in host-rock minerals are 79.8 → 74.1 in olivine, 77.7 → 65.3 in orthopyroxene, 79.9 → 9.2 in clinopyroxene, and An79.0 → An3.7. The span of clinopyroxene and plagioclase compositions reflects their protracted crystallization from early magmatic to late interstitial associations. The magnesian chromite (Mg# 43.9) trends towards Cr-bearing magnetite with progressive buildups in oxygen fugacity; ilmenite varies from early Mg-rich to late Mn-rich variants. The main BMS are chalcopyrite, pyrrhotite, troilite, and Co-bearing pentlandite, with less abundant cubanite (or isocubanite), rare bornite, Co-bearing pyrite, Cd-bearing sphalerite (or wurtzite), altaite, members of the galena-clausthalite series and nickeline. A full series of Au-Ag alloy compositions is found with minor hessite, acanthite and argentopentlandite. The uncommon assemblage includes monazite-(Ce), thorite-coffinite, thorianite, uraninite, zirconolite, baddeleyite, zircon, bastnäsite-(La), and an unnamed metamict Y-dominant zirconolite-related mineral. About 20 species of PGM (platinum group minerals) were analyzed, including Pd-Pt tellurides, bismuthotellurides, bismuthides and stannides, Pd antimonides and plumbides, a Pd-Ag telluride, a Pt arsenide, a Pd-Ni arsenide, and unnamed Pd stannide-arsenide, Pd germanide-arsenide and Pt-Cu arseno-oxysulfide. The atypical assemblages are associated with Cl-rich annite with up to 7.54 wt.% Cl, Cl-rich hastingsite with up 4.06 wt.% Cl, ferro-hornblende (2.53 wt.% Cl), chlorapatite (>6 wt.% Cl) and extensive solid solutions of chlorapatite, fluorapatite and hydroxylapatite, Cl-bearing members of the chlorite group (chamosite; up to 0.96 wt.% Cl), and a Cl-bearing serpentine (up to 0.79 wt.% Cl). A decoupling of Cl and F in the geochemically evolved system is evident. The complex assemblages formed late from Cl-enriched fluids under subsolidus conditions of crystallization following extensive magmatic differentiation in the ore-bearing sequences.

STING inhibition accelerates the bone healing process while enhancing type H vessel formation.

The stimulator of interferon genes (STING), one of the critical factors of innate immunity, is indicated to be closely related to angiogenesis. This study examined STING's role in angiogenesis and the formation of type H vessels, a specific subtype of bone vessels that regulates bone healing. Different concentrations of 2',3'-cGAMP, and H-151 or C-176 were applied to activate or inhibit STING, respectively. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were used to examine the effect of STING on angiogenesis in vitro; cell viability, cell migration, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reactions were performed. Also, the metatarsal experiment was applied as ex vivo proof. Bone fracture or defect mice models were used to examine the effect of STING in vivo; the bone healing process was evaluated by radiography weekly and by μCT on the 14th day after surgery. The formation of type H vessels (CD31hi Emcnhi endothelial cells) and osteogenesis (OCN-positive cells) was assessed using the cryosection and paraffin section. STING activation inhibited angiogenesis both in vitro and ex vivo and slowed down the bone healing process in vivo. Histological analysis showed an increased callus formation, fewer type H vessels, and almost no callus mineralization in the STING activation group compared to the control group. By contrast, H-151 (a hsSTING inhibitor) promoted angiogenesis at a low dose. Moreover, inhibition of mmSTING by C-176 enhanced type H vessels' formation, implying osteogenesis promotion in bone healing (higher bone volume density and more OCN-positive cells). Our data suggested that STING inhibition accelerates the bone healing process while enhancing type H vessel formation.

Ore mineralogy of podiform-type chromite deposit in Tedubara area and its vicinity, Kabaena Island, Indonesia

Kabaena Island is one of the areas in Southeast Sulawesi that has the potential for chromite deposits. This paper is aimed to provide information on the mineralogical aspects of chromitite from the research area. Back-scattered electron (BSE) imaging and chemical analysis of chromite were performed using an electron microprobe. Chromite deposits in the study area are of podiform-type. Chromite is massive and brecciated. Based on the content of Cr # = Cr/(Cr + Fe3+) of the chromite, comprised between 0.61 and 0.74, the studied chromitite can be classified as Cr-rich. The only PGM (Platinum Group Minerals) found in several chromitite samples is laurite (RuS2). PGM occurs enclosed in chromite crystals and in the contact with microfractures of chromite crystals.

Mineral paragenesis of the Anfangba gold deposit, western Qinling Orogen, China: Implication for coupled dissolution-reprecipitation reactions and the liquid bismuth collector model

The newly discovered Anfangba gold deposit is hosted in the Middle Triassic pumpellyite-actinolite facies metamorphosed turbidites in the western Qinling Orogen, Central China. It is characterized by a pyrite-quartz vein type, a medium-high temperature, and the development of visible gold and abundant bismuthides. It is the first reported Au-Bi-associated deposit in this area and remains poorly understood. In this study, the mineral paragenesis has been studied to further understand ore formation, including sulfides (pyrite, chalcopyrite, pyrrhotite, bornite, bismuthinite, tetrahedrite and arsenopyrite), Cu-Bi(Sb) sulfosalts (emplectite, wittichenite, and skinnerite), sulfoselenide (unnamed sulpho-tellurian nevskite), tetradymite group minerals (joséite-A, joséite-B and tetradymite), native bismuth and electrum. The physicochemical conditions of the ore-forming process can be estimated based on the mineral paragenetic sequence. The calculated logαH2S and logfO2 of the main mineralization stage are higher than −2.25 and lower than −37.96, respectively. EPMA mapping indicated that ore-forming fluid with low sulfur and oxygen fugacities may have played an important role in provoking the activity of the semimetals such as Bi, Sb, Se and Te. This may have result in the formation of accessory minerals, including native bismuth, skinnerite and an unnamed sulpho-tellurian nevskite via coupled dissolution-reprecipitation (CDR) reactions. Mineralography, EPMA and LA-ICP-MS analysis have revealed a close relationship between Au mineralization and Bi-blebs. It suggests that the “liquid bismuth collector model” contributed to the Au enrichment of the Anfangba deposit. As the coexistence of native bismuth and bismuthinite is commonly seen in different types of hydrothermal gold deposits, the presence of Bi-melts and the influence of the “liquid bismuth collector model” in these gold deposits may have been underestimated.