Mineralogical Research Research Articles

Сollectable stone of Kryvyi Rih basin

The results of geological and mineralogical researches of deposits, manifestations, points of mineralization of gemstones in iron ore productive and host strata of Kryvyi Rih basin deposits have been analyzed. The list of the main varieties has been given. Representative samples of the collectable stone from the exposition of the Mineralogical museum named after E.K.Fuks in Kryvyi Rih national university have been described.

Petrological Features of Korsun'-Novomyrhorod Anorthosite-Rapakivi Granite Pluton

The Korsun’-Novomyrhorod pluton is the second after the Korosten one in terms of the scale of Proterozoic (1757-1748 Ma) anorthosite-rapakivi-granite magmatism in the Ukrainian Shield. According to geochronological data, pluton was formed as a result of multiple ascending and crystallization of basic to acidic melts. Differentiation of initial melts because to be responsible for gabbro-anorthosite and monzonites series crystallization. Whereas rapakivi granites, which are predominate in the modern erosion level, were formed from felsic magma not directly related with differentiation of basic melt. In view of the current level of mineralogical research, it is difficult to use modern geobarometry methods to reliably estimate the depth of rocks crystallization. At the same time, a number of factors (absence of volcanic and dike analogues of basic rocks, insignificant distribution of pegmatite bodies, predominance of high-Fe mafic minerals, absence of primary magnetite, etc.) indicate deeper conditions for rocks disclosed by modern erosional cut in comparition to similar Korosten pluton. Therefore, the liquid line of dissent, petrological and mineralogical features of the rocks can be explained by the reducing (low fO2) or abyssal conditions of their formation. It is possible that the deeper conditions of crystallization of parental melt are due to more distinctly developed syenitic trend of evolution with the appearance of high-Fe syenites during final stages. Preliminary data indicate on possibility of vertical layering of gabbro-anorthosite massifs, which manifested by increasing proportion of high-Fe basic rocks with depth. Available isotope-geochemical studies do not provide unambiguous data on regarding reservoirs of primary melts implaying both mantle and mixed mantle-crustal their origin. The evolution of the petrochemical features of basic rocks, in our opinion, is in better agreement with their formation as result of differentiation of the primary high-alumina tholeiitic melt, significantly contaminated by lower crustal material. This determined the subalkaline nature of basic rocks and a significant predominance of norites, in comparition to more typical gabbros, and monzonites. In contrast to the previously proposed hypotheses of the formation of intermediate rocks because of partial melting of felsic rocks by basic intrusions, or mingling of basic and acidic melts, some of petrochemical features and geological position can be satisfactorily explained by their crystallization from the residual melt.

Mineralogy in Independent Ukraine (1991-2021)

This article discusses the state of mineralogical research in independent Ukraine in the period from 1991 to 2021. The main achievements in various Earth sciences disciplines, including regional, systematic and genetic mineralogy, the chemistry and physics of minerals, mineralogical crystallography, bio- and nanomeralogy, experimental, space and applied mineralogy, and technical studies are considered. Four world-famous research groups and disciplines are notable. They are: i) regional and mineralogical led by academician Yevhen Lazarenko, ii) thermobarogeochemical studies led by professor Mykola Yermakov, iii) crystal chemistry led by academician Oleksandr Povarennykh, and iv) mineral physics led by professors Ivan Matyash, Oleksiy Platonov, and Arkady Tarashchan. Problems facing mineralogy including personnel, scientific, and applied are briefly discussed in the "Conclusion" section.

Деятельность научных обществ Кольского научного центра РАН.

The article considers the activities of the Kola Branch of the Mineralogical Society, the Northern Branch of the Geographical Society of USSR (SFGO), and the branch of the All Union Society “Znaniye”. Scientific, organizational, and educational activities of the named societies were various and successful for quite a long period. They were aimed at promoting development of science and research, popularization of most recent achievements in science, mutual informing and coordinating of corresponding research being the main trend. The Kola Branch of the Mineralogical Society assisted in joining geological research in mineralogy. SFGO was mainly involved in humanitarian research inviting experts for cooperative joint archeological, ethnographic expeditions in the region. Popularization of science was extensively performed in cooperation with the society Znaniye.

QUATERNARY PALAEOGEOGRAPHY AT THE LVIV UNIVERSITY: MAIN ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE XXI CENTURY AND PROSPECTS

The Department of Geomorphology and Palaeogeography of the Faculty of Geography at the Ivan Franko National University of Lviv employs a group of palaeogeographers (A. Bogucki, O. Tomeniuk, A. Yatsyshyn, R. Dmytruk), which comprehensively studies Quaternary sediments in Western Ukraine and other territories of the country. The thematic focus of palaeogeographic research is very diversified: the study of key sections of Quaternary sediments; conditions of formation and structure of periglacial loess-palaeosol sequences; research of the deposits of the glacial complex; periglacial processes and forms; the role of tectonics in the formation of Quaternary sediments; interdisciplinary research of the Palaeolithic; engineering and geological investigations; geophysical research; mineralogical research; weathering of anhydrite; study of the Holocene stage of the formation of the Dnister River valley; river terraces; lithology of alluvium; study of the Vyshnia River valley; malacological research; research of travertines, history of geography, etc. The selected issues are a priority research topic of the palaeogeographic group of the Department of Geomorphology and Palaeogeography. On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the department, an attempt to summarize the scientific achievements of palaeogeographers over the past twenty years, particularly in thematic directions of research, was made. A large amount of new original factual material has been received, a significant number of international and Ukrainian scientific grants have been implemented, ten PhD students have defended their theses and received a PhD degree, more than 500 scientific papers have been published, more than half of which are in European Union languages. Due to the limited scope of this article, the greatest attention among all of the publications is paid to selected monographic works, collections of scientific papers prepared by researchers, papers in the journals from Scopus and Web of Science databases, and some others. It is worth mentioning the close cooperation of palaeogeographers of the Faculty of Geography with researchers from Ukraine, Poland, Belarus, Lithuania, France, Belgium and other countries. Without doubts, there are all the reasons to talk about a progressive palaeogeographic school at the Faculty of Geography, whose work is gaining momentum. Key words: palaeogeography; key sections; loess-palaeosol sequence; Quaternary period; periglacial processes; Palaeolithic.

Characterization and Gold Extraction of Gold-bearing Dust from Carbon-bearing Gold Concentrates

ABSTRACT Gold-bearing dust generated during the roasting process of refractory gold concentrates is valuable as secondary gold resources. In this study, the characterization of gold-bearing dust from carbon-bearing gold concentrates was determined by direct cyanidation and mineralogy research. Moreover, identification of refractoriness in the dust was determined by selective removal of minerals. Results showed that the dust belonged to refractory ores. Gold was observed to be presented as native and electrum which main associated with iron oxides. After preleaching with a 6 mol/L NaOH solution, arsenic, and carbon removal rates were 99.66% and 60.63%, respectively, and gold extraction was 58.90%, only 4.60% higher than that of direct cyanidation. After preleaching with a 15 wt.% H2SO4 solution, iron, arsenic, and carbon removal rates were 33.65%, 80.38%, and 12.60%, respectively, and gold extraction achieved 80.40%. After roasting, carbon and arsenic removal rates were 95.00% and 54.65%, respectively, and gold extraction achieved 84.52% under the optimum condition. Removal of carbonaceous matter and iron oxides could efficiently improve gold extraction, and the adverse effects of carbonaceous matter and iron oxides were the main reasons for refractoriness. Based on these results, a proper process for gold extraction from the dust was developed, and gold extraction achieved 95.50%.

Mineralogy and BCR sequential leaching of ion-adsorption type REE: A novelty study at Johor, Malaysia

Since year 2010, advance research in resource investigation, mineralogy and geochemistry, environmental impact as well as processing technique of ion-adsorption type rare earth elements (REE) deposit particularly in mining industry has been conducted worldwide. Ion-adsorption type REEs are formed by weathering process of igneous rocks (typically granites) that contain certain REE-bearing minerals. Effect of the rapidly weathering, REE minerals are decomposed, and ionized REEs are absorbed on clay minerals such as kaolinite and halloysite. A research study has been made in discovery the ion-adsorption type REE prospecting in Johor, Southern Peninsular Malaysia with three vertical weathering profiles (up to 11 m) sampled on Besar island, Tengah island and Hujung island. Parent granite is A-type consist of quartz, K-feldspar, plagioclase, biotite and 0.6–1.4 wt% accessory minerals (zircon, apatite, monazite-(Ce) and chlorite). The main REE-bearing minerals are monazite-(Ce), apatite, zircon, titanite, allanite-(Ce) and bastnaesite-(Ce). Total REE concentrations in raw saprolite (potential REE horizon in weathering profiles) is ranging between 1167 and 2339 ppm. The laboratory leach ability of the REE in different parts of the A-type granite weathering profiles was determined by carrying out a three step BCR sequential extraction procedures. The evidence from the three-step BCR-701 (certified freshwater sediment standard) sequential extraction procedure for ion-adsorption was consistent with a near instant process (≤1 h) with 70–80% recovery rate. This is due to the re-precipitation of REE3+ ions in solution and due to hydrolysis of ions on the clay surface. The ion-adsorption (leached) fraction was enriched in light rare earth elements (LREE) compared with the raw sample compositions of the saprolites and saprocks (Ce/Ce* ratio range largely from 0.17 to 0.82). The LREE accounted for 80–90% of the total REE content in the investigated saprolite and saprock; allowed in agreement with the trend that was observed in Thailand and South China ores.

PROFESSOR YA. V. SAMOILOV: CONTRIBUTION TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF PALEOBIOCHEMISTRY, THE DOCTRINE OF BIOLITHS AND AGRONOMIC ORES. TO THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BIRTH

Yakov Vladimirovich Samoilov (1870-1925) - a large and original mineralogist, geologist, paleobiogeochemist of the early 20th century, one of the first students of V.I. Vernadsky at Moscow University, a talented teacher, professor at Moscow University, Moscow Agricultural Institute, Novoaleksandriysky Institute of Agriculture and Forestry. As a mineralogist he worked in the Urals, in Central Russia, in the Donetsk basin. Head of a large-scale program for the study of phosphorites in European Russia, founder and first director of the Scientific Institute for Fertilizers, an active participant in several international geological congresses. Developed the doctrine of biolites and agronomic ores. He made an original contribution to the substantiation of paleobiochemistry, sedimentology and lithology. I'M IN. Samoilov was one of the first scientists to pay attention to the study of the mineralogy of sedimentary deposits. Organizer and head of a large-scale program for studying phosphorite deposits in European Russia with the aim of using phosphorus fertilizers in agriculture. Organizer of the Public Committee and the Scientific Institute for Fertilizers (now the Ya.V. Samoilov Scientific Institute for Fertilizers and Insectofungisides), an active participant in the organization of research in mineralogy and geochemistry at the Institute of Applied Mineralogy and the Floating Marine Scientific Institute, chairman of a number of commissions at the Supreme Council of the National Economy of the USSR, a consultant State Planning Committee of the USSR. All his life he was in close communication with V.I. Vernadsky.

Visszapillantás a transzmissziós elektronmikroszkópia (TEM) módszerek ásványtani és földtani alkalmazásának hazai történetére (1970–2020)

Az anyagvizsgálati eszközök és módszerek alkalmazása terén a TEM uralkodóvá vált a természettudományok orvosbiológiától meteoritikáig terjedő skáláján. Nincs egyetlen olyan módszer sem, amely nagyobb mértékben növelte volna ismereteink minőségét és mennyiségét az anyagok szerkezetéről, összetételéről, egymással való kapcsolatairól, elektromos és mágneses tulajdonságairól, mindezek változásáról a legnagyobb tér- és időbeli fölbontás mellett, mint a TEM. Az itt dokumentált történet az ásványtani TEM-vizsgálatok hazai eseményeinek összefoglalása.

The Vesuvianite Gems of the Val d’Ala (Piedmont, Italy)

In Val d’Ala (Western Alps in Piedmont, Italy), the most interesting rocks for mineralogical research are represented by rodingite (rich in mineralized veins and fractures) associated with serpentinite in the eclogitized oceanic crust of Piedmont Zone, south of Gran Paradiso Massif. Among the vein-filling minerals, vesuvianite is well appreciated for its potential as gem-quality materials, even though it has never been characterized in detail. This study provides a gemological characterization of eleven vesuvianite crystals from different localities of the Val d’Ala. The refractive index (1.717–1.708) and density (1.705–1.709) values of our vesuvianite are in the range of those in the literature. Scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) and laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) established that the samples are pretty compositionally homogeneous in terms of major elements, while trace and rare earth elements (REE) contents are more variable. All REE patterns are characterized by pronounced positive Eu anomalies. The variations in color (from olive green to dark green with chocolate (reddish-brown color shades and polychrome bands) are due to the relevant presence of Fe and, to a lesser extent, Ti and Cr. The X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) analyses and SEM/EDS quantitative study indicate that the other phases associated with vesuvianite are represented by diopside, garnet, clinochlore.

Применение оперативного метода контроля и управления на основе компьютерного физико-химического моделирования в процессах спекания глиноземной шихты

The present study is aimed at the development of a method for computer control and management of mineral formation and emissions of hazardous compounds during processing of nepheline ore by sintering in tubular rotary kilns. Technological, mathematical and mineralogical research approaches taken when developing the method included physical and chemical modelling using the Selector software package. In accordance with the technological stages of obtaining sintered mass (drying, dehydration, decarbonisation, reflow, sintering and cooling), the developed physical and chemical model is conventionally divided into six thermodynamic tanks (furnace zones) with simulation of mutual mass and energy transfer. Coordination of the simulation results with the production and statistical data of RUSAL Achinsk JSC was carried out by analysing a furnace operation with a processing volume of 120 tons of charge per hour. During the processing of nepheline charge with the production of alumina and sodium products (having a standard analysis methodical accuracy of 1-5%), the deviation of production indices for the extraction of Al 2 O 3 from the predicted results was shown to comprise 0.1-0.6 and 1.5-2.1% for physical and chemical modelling and thermophysical field controlling, respectively. The applied sintering process modelling using the Selector software package provides for a significant increase in the degree of control and management of the raw material processing cycle. The proposed method of thermodynamic analysis is shown to provide high-precision control of the mineral formation processes in technological zones of the alumina charge sintering furnace and to guarantee a deviation of Al 2 O 3 content in the sintering mass from the predicted data of no more than 0.1-0.6%. The 85.8% rate of Al 2 O 3 extraction calculated using the physical and chemical modelling corresponds closely with the average value of 85.7% according to production data.

Mineralogy and Stable Isotopes of Tetradymite from the Dashuigou Tellurium Deposit, Tibet Plateau, Southwest China

Due to the very limited quantity of associated tetradymite, both mineralogical and geochemical research on tetradymite is scarce and incomplete. By taking advantage of the discovery of the Dashuigou tellurium deposit in Tibet Plateau, the authors conducted mineralogical studies on tetradymite. The authors present new mineralogical data including reflectance, micro-pressure hardness, chemical compositions focusing on its chemical formula Bi2.00Te1.89S0.95~1.00, unit cell parameters (a = 4.239 Å, c = 29.595 Å) and lattice parameters (a = 10.172 Å, v = 154.391 Å3), pyroelectricity (N type), and stable isotopes including sulfur and lead. The authors find that: δ34S‰ of tetradymite varies between −0.5~2.1 with a 15-sample average of 0.56, similar to that of meteorites and rocks from the mantle, indicating that the sulfur is from the mantle; lead isotopes of the tetradymite formed in the late metallogenic epoch is different from that of both pyrite and pyrrhotite formed in the early metallogenic epoch, further indicating that the three minerals formed in different metallogenic epochs; lead isotope compositions reveal that tellurium ore bodies emplaced in a quick process mainly in the form of ore magma; lead of the deposit is primarily from the mantle with some captured from the Earth’s crust. These findings help fill in large gaps of information for the mineral tetradymite.

Conditions of Early Paleozoic Basaltic and Picritic Magmatism in West Siberia

Abstract ––Geological, petrological, isotope-geochemical (40Ar/39Ar analysis, petrochemical data, and geochemistry of trace elements and REE), and mineralogical researches testify that the formation of the early Paleozoic basalt and picrite complexes of the West Siberian Plate basement was related to the development of the Cambrian subduction zone of the Paleo-Asian Ocean. Using the compositions of clinopyroxenes and amphiboles (and also programs of computational modeling), we have established the Р–Т conditions of formation of early Paleozoic picrite complexes. Crystallization of clinopyroxenes began at significant depths (25–20 km) and at high temperatures (1300–1275 °C). Olivine might have formed at elevated pressures (8–7 kbar) and temperatures of 1540–1490 °C. Amphiboles formed, most likely, at 6.1–4.5 kbar and much lower temperatures, 1105–1060 °C. Petrochemical analysis and data on trace elements and REE in the rocks of the studied early Paleozoic complexes in West Siberia testify to their intricate formation involving magmatic systems with basalt (island arc and back-arc basins), picrite, and shoshonite (and also WPB type) melt characteristics. Taking into account the similar geochemical characteristics of the early Paleozoic basaltoids and picrites of the West Siberian Plate basement and the Kamchatka volcanics, we suggest that a considerable part of the studied ancient complexes formed by the model implying (as in the case of the Sredinnyi Ridge in Kamchatka) the action of enriched magmatic systems during the development of a destructive window (“slab-window”) under rupture of subducted plate on the background of common island arc magmatism.

Garnets from Val d’Ala Rodingites, Piedmont, Italy: An Investigation of Their Gemological, Spectroscopic and Crystal Chemical Properties

In Val d’Ala (Piedmont, Western Alps, Italy), the more interesting rocks for the mineralogical research are represented by rodingites (rich in mineralized veins and fractures) associated with serpentinites in the eclogitized oceanic crust of Piemonte Zone, south of Gran Paradiso Massif. Among the vein-filling minerals, garnets are the most appreciated as mineral specimens and, in less degree despite their vivid and rich colors, for their potential as gem-quality materials. This study provides a complete gemological characterization of five faceted samples and offers new information by means of Synchrotron X-ray computed micro-tomography imaging gem features. Electron-probe microanalysis (EMPA) and laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (LA–ICP–MS) established that the chemical composition of garnets from different localities, resulted both close to pure andradite, enriched in light rare earth elements (LREE) with a positive Eu anomaly, and grossular-andradite solid solution (grandite), enriched in heavy rare earth elements (HREE). X-ray powder diffraction analyses indicate the possible coexistence of almost pure grossular and andradite. A spectroscopic approach, commonly used with gem-like material, by Raman and diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform (DRIFT) spectroscopy, completes the characterization of the samples. The new data on the textural and geochemical features of the grandite and andradite garnets suggest local growth processes under various chemical and oxidation conditions of metasomatic and metamorphic fluids interacting with the host-rocks. Garnets represent long-lasting mineral records of the complex geological history of the Val d’Ala rodingitic dikes during their oceanic- and subduction-related metamorphic evolution.

Phase change, micro-structure and reaction mechanism during high temperature roasting of high grade rare earth concentrate

The deposit of Bayan Obo in Inner Mongolia is the world's largest rare earth element (abbreviated as REE) resource. The exploration of the theory of mineral formation of Bayan Obo is an important foundation for mineralogical research, and is the scientific basis for mining, industrial beneficiation, smelting and extraction, and processing and utilization. With the rapid development of science and technology, the demand for the utilization of rare earth elements is increasing, and the separation process between rare earth elements needs to be developed. The purpose of this paper is to provide high temperature experimental information for the formation and application of rare earth minerals. To this end, the mineral evolution of high-grade rare earth concentrates with increasing temperature and the migration of rare earths at different stages and their reaction mechanisms were studied. According to thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC), calcination was carried out at different temperature ranges, and the calcined products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive spectrometer (SEM-EDS) and other analytical techniques. The results are shown in this process, the rare earth phase is first converted into rare earth oxide and rare earth oxyfluoride. As the temperature increases, Ca5(PO4)3F and a large number of self-shaped spherical Ca-RE-OF and Ca-RE-PO4 particles are formed, and the separation of La and Ce elements is discovered. According to the phase diagram analysis, the production of Ca5(PO4)3F is due to the reaction of monazite and fluorite, and the phases CeF2 and CeF3 are formed during the reaction. When it reaches 1500 °C, barium ferrite is produced and a new substance containing Ba2+ is formed.

Geology and mineralogy of the Novo-Akhmirovskoe deposit of lithium topaz-zinnwaldite granites (East Kazakhstan)

Research subject. The Novo-Akhmirovskoe lithium-bearing deposit in the East Kazakhstan region, which is represented by an intrusive layer of topaz-zinnwaldite granites, is located within of the Kalba-Narym-Koktogai lithium-tantalum raremetal-granite belt. Being part of the Altai collision system, this belt is considered unique in terms of its length (more than 1000 km). Ores in the Novo-Akhmirovskoe deposit are represented by massive to low porphyry leucocratic granites composed of quartz (30–40%), albite (25–40%), microcline (15–35%), lithium mica varying in composition from zinnwal dite to lepidolite (up to 10%) and topaz (up to 5%). According preliminary estimates, the Novo-Akhmirov deposit is factually a poor lithium deposit with the Li2O content of 0.2–0.4 wt % and the estimated Li2O reserves of 110 thousand tones. Despite the favourable infrastructure and close proximity of this stock to Ust-Kamenogorsk mining and chemical-metallurgical enterprises, its ore-generating potential has not been sufficiently studied.Materials and Methods. In this research, we obtained new data on the geological structure, age, mineral composition and formation conditions of topaz-zinnwaldite granites in the Novo-Akhmirovskoe deposit. In addition, a comparative analysis of these ores with the topaz-biotite granites of the Black Sopka massif (0.6–0.7 wt % Li2O in protolitionite) and spodumene granite porphyries of the Alakha stock (Li2O = 0.9–1.1 wt %) was conducted. Results and Discussion. It is concluded that the development of this unique nonpegmatite lithium-bearing deposit requires deep exploratory drilling, mineralogical and technological research of core samples and reconsideration of economic efficiency parameters.

Damaging Mineral Transformation of Greywacke Aggregate in SMA 11 and AC 11 Wearing Courses Used in A1 Motorway Pavement in Silesia Poland

The paper covers the issues of mineral transformations in the natural aggregate made of greywacke rock used in A1 Motorway asphalt wearing courses (SMA 11 and AC 11) under hypergenic conditions (connected with external environment factors), typical for pavements. The results of these transformations have an appearance of rusty efflorescences on surfaces, which denote destruction process of some grains of the aggregate. This process can next initiate local damage to the wearing course. The research was focused on the experimental tests and mineralogical studies aimed at greywacke grains isolated from A1 Motorway pavement. Experimental tests in laboratory conditions allowed to simulate the process leading to arising of the efflorescences, which finally adopted an evaporite form. Precipitates recreated in laboratory conditions, acquired for mineralogical research, were similarly coloured to those observed on the pavements. Mineralogical studies – performed using optical microscopy, X-ray methods and a scanning electron microscope (SEM), for grains which were the sources of rusty efflorescences and the received precipitates – allowed to identify minerals involved in the transformations (primary minerals) and the minerals subsequently produced (secondary minerals). The most important primary mineral involved in the process leading to arising of efflorescences was pyrite, while the most important secondary minerals were gypsum, halotrichite and copiapite. What was noticed was that mechanism of mineral transformations leading to creation of hydrated sulphates on the surface and in the pores of the grains can be accompanied by the exudation process. The work is closed by short description of the proposal procedure according to PN-EN 1744-1 method modified for pavements applications, which allows to predict the tendency of natural aggregates to the mineral transformations. The modification involves activation of aggregate susceptible to mineral transformation using different than standard lime water factor which can imitate accurately hypergenic conditions typical for pavements.

The Pocket Laboratory: The Blowpipe in Eighteenth-Century Swedish Chemistry

This article examines the role of the blowpipe in the discovery process of the disproportionately large number of new elements found by Swedish chemists during the eighteenth century and into the nineteenth. While individual chemists abroad used versions of the tool, in Sweden alone its use was ubiquitous across the chemical and mineralogical research community, and its consistently simple handheld design made basic dry chemical analysis quick, cheap, and portable. This shared use of the tool was crucial to the development of the mineral analysis projects that uncovered new substances, first by enabling the adoption of a system defining minerals by their chemical components and mineralogy by chemical analysis, and second by providing a simple and practical method for that analysis that facilitated collaboration across institutions, physical distance, and time.

Mineral Properties of Euphrates and Shatt Al-Arab River Sediments

The mineralogical research described in this paper was carried out during 2018, about 30 samples from twelve river core sediments (from S1 to S12)at six sites in Euphrates and Shatt Al-Arab rivers from Hilla to Basrah cities. The coordinate number of these cores are between 38°41°32.48''N-38°14'24.10”N latitude and 39°56’4.59”E-39°8°13.41”E longitude. The mineralogy is determined by X-ray diffraction, and reveals that carbonate minerals, quartz, and anorthite feldspar are the main of light minerals in the different depth intervals, while Kaolinite, palygoreskite and chlorite are the main of clay minerals. Calcite and dolomite are more abundance than quartz. Calcite is present at high percentage in Basrah city (S11) compare with the other area.The highest value of dolomite is pointed in Diwaniya (S4) and Qurna (S9), whereas the lowest in Simawa and Nasiria cities (S5 and S8). The abundant ratio of quartz reduces to south Euphrates River direction and downward of depth intervals. Anorthite feldspar is absent in Nasiria and Basra, whereas it is present in other sites. Major oxides represented by SiO2, AhO3, Fe2O3, CaO, MgO, Na2O, K2O, and TiO2are the main in the sediments, it detect by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES) analyses. Silica is attribute to quartz minerals, while alumina is connect with clay minerals. The domination of calcite with lack of dolomite reflected in the low content of the MgO. Redox elements (Fe and Ti) contents in the sediments of studied cores were high within the uppermost part of the profiles, but with increase the depth it have undergoing some degree of depletion. Sodium is originated from halite, and clay minerals, while potassium from illite. Micro and nano texture features took place by SEM-EDAX. There are several of mechanical and chemical features are detected; conchoidal, rounded, pits, and microgranular. These features resulted from dissolution by river water (chemical) or during long distance of transportation.

Baddeleyite from Large Complex Deposits: Significance for Archean-Paleozoic Plume Processes in the Arctic Region (NE Fennoscandian Shield) Based on U-Pb (ID-TIMS) and LA-ICP-MS Data

Baddeleyite is an important mineral geochronometer. It is valued in the U-Pb (ID-TIMS) geochronology more than zircon because of its magmatic origin, while zircon can be metamorphic, hydrothermal or occur as xenocrysts. Detailed mineralogical (BSE, KL, etc.) research of baddeleyite started in the Fennoscandian Shield in the 1990s. The mineral was first extracted from the Paleozoic Kovdor deposit, the second-biggest baddeleyite deposit in the world after Phalaborwa (2.1 Ga), South Africa. The mineral was successfully introduced into the U-Pb systematics. This study provides new U-Pb and LA-ICP-MS data on Archean Ti-Mgt and BIF deposits, Paleoproterozoic layered PGE intrusions with Pt-Pd and Cu-Ni reefs and Paleozoic complex deposits (baddeleyite, apatite, foscorite ores, etc.) in the NE Fennoscandian Shield. Data on concentrations of REE in baddeleyite and temperature of the U-Pb systematics closure are also provided. It is shown that baddeleyite plays an important role in the geological history of the Earth, in particular, in the break-up of supercontinents.