Precious metal minerals in the ultrabasites of the Ariadne massif (Sikhote-Alin orogenic belt)

The results of detailed mineralogical and geochemical studies of precious metals from ultrabasic rocks of the Ariadne massif (Sikhote-Alin orogenic belt) are presented. The presence of several varieties of gold has been revealed, differing in different ratios of Ag, Cu and Hg. Isoferroplatin predominates among platinum minerals. The isotopic composition of ultrabasite sulfides corresponds to the mantle source, while basites are characterized by isotope–light sulfur, indicating the possibility of participation in the oreogenesis of crustal rocks. Isotope-carbon analysis of igneous rocks indicates the presence of derivatives of deep fluids and isotope-light biogenic matter of sedimentary rocks in them. These data show that mantle and crustal processes were involved in the formation of ore-bearing intrusions of ultrabasite-basites. The association of ilmenite, gold and platinum in ultrabasic basites, a derivative of these processes, can serve as a search criterion for the detection of industrially promising sources of strategic metals.