THE MODEL RE-OS AGE OF PLATINUM GROUP MINERALS FROM VILYUI PLACERS IN THE EASTERN SIBERIAN CRATON

Abstract

The mysterious “Vilyui” placers of fine gold and Rh-rich platinum have been known in the eastern Siberian Craton since the beginning of the 20th century, but their source rocks are still unknown. However, the large areas of their development indicate that the sources are probably characterized by high productivity and significant scales. Rhodium specialization of the Vilyui platinum was first reported by Vysotskii based on the bulk composition of platinum flakes from the Vilyui River. Subsequently, we carried out detailed mineralogical investigations and revealed the typomorphic paragenetic association of platinum group minerals (PGM) of the Vilyui placers.