The Founder of Metallogenic Science (to the 130th Anniversary of S.S. Smirnov)

The paper considers the main results of the works by Acad. S.S. Smirnov (1895–1947) in studying tin and polymetallic (lead–zinc) deposits, in developing metallogenic ideas, and in establishing the basics of the theory of ore formation. His input in establishing a metallogenic classification of tin deposits is recognized, with distinguishing the most perspective type of tin-polymetallic (cassiterite–sulfide) deposits that was accompanied by discoveries of such deposits in the eastern regions of Russia. Smirnov has defined a belt-like metallogenic zonation of the Eastern Transbaikalia (with distinguishing polymetallic, tungsten–tin, and molybdenum–gold ore belts), and then a belt-like metallogenic zonation of the largest Pacific mobile belt, with characteristic spatial decoupling of tin (tin–tungsten) and copper (copper–gold) deposits, respectively, in the outer (rearward) and inner (frontal) zones of this belt. He has developed a pulsing model of formation of ore zonation in magmatic–hydrothermal deposits, with an interrupted character of ore-bearing fluid release by a magmatic source (chamber), and with a regular compositional change of released portions of fluids. Smirnov developed ideas on the relationships of certain complexes of ore deposits to certain tectonic–magmatic complexes and posed the issue of distinguishing magmatic complexes, which are specialized in different ore mineralization. He considered many topics with regard to the composition, aggregate state, and spatial-temporal evolution of magmatic–hydrothermal fluids, and pointed out a possibility of both genetic and paragenetic (with a common magmatic source) relationships of magmatism and ore mineralization. Smirnov pointed out the possibility of releasing both liquid alkaline fluids and gaseous acidic fluids from a crystallizing magma, with ore element transport in the form of haloid and complex species, including that by a gaseous fluid. The works by Smirnov have defined many directions of development in the further studies of ore deposits and in the metallogeny of ore districts and provinces.