GENETIC SIGNIFICANCE OF CHLORITOLITE FOR PYRITIC SULFIDE DEPOSITS OF THE URALS

Abstract

We studied pyritic copper sulfide deposits of the Central Urals, located in a highly deformed volcanic sequence. The deposits here are known to be confined to steeply dipping meridional zones of dynamically metamorphosed quartz-sericite schist, within which they occupy different positions. Because the rocks here are not uniformly metamorphosed, and chiefly on the basis of their now readily recognizable external appearance and mineral composition, we were able to detect relict chloritolites that locally were not totally sericitized or foliated. They occupy an asymmetrical position relative to the steeply dipping or vertical ore bodies. Our finds of chloritolite and its relics in wall rocks of pyritics sulfide deposits and systematic observations of the orientation of chloritite bodies relative to ore shoots should open new paths to studying various aspects of ore genesis and mechanisms of postmineral tectonic deformation.