SUPERPURE QUARTZITES OF THE EASTERN SAYAN (BURAYT REPUBLIC, RUSSIA)

Abstract

A new type of rocks is defined belonging to the quartzite family and termed as superpure quartzite (hereafter, superquartzite) owing to its virtually monomineral composition, high chemical purity, and specific genesis. These rocks are of a significant and, in particular, economic interest as a potential source of the superpure raw quartz material for several industry branches. The paper discusses the first data on these unique rocks, their geology, geochemistry, and origin.