Au-Pb compounds in nature: A general overview and new evidence from the Inagli Pt–Au placer deposit, the Aldan Shield, Russia

Abstract

This study presents a new and first finding of Au-Pb intermetallic compounds in the Inagli Pt–Au placer deposit, the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), Russia. This is the first time that all three accepted minerals (hunchunite, anyuiite and novodneprite), as well as unnamed Au-Pb intermetallics, corresponding in composition to Au1.5Pb and AuPb, are present together in the same locality. We provide chemical compositions of Au-Pb compounds and host gold particles, describe morphology and relationships between different mineral phases. We also present an unexpected finding of unusual inclusion of Pb-Fe-aluminosilicate associated with K-feldspar and anyuiite in the gold grain. The new data together with data from other occurrences of Au-Pb compounds worldwide were reviewed to discuss type localities, mineralogy, conditions and possible mechanisms of formation of Au-Pb intermetallics and to provide an overview of current knowledge about these uniquely rare but naturally occurring minerals.