SPECIFIC FEATURES OF THE MINERAL COMPOSITION OF TITANIUM-ZIRCONIUM PLACERS IN RUSSIA

Abstract

Specific features of the mineral composition of economically promising titanium-zirconium placers in Russia are analyzed. Generalization of the data made it possible to classify titanium-zirconium deposits with respect to different parameters of mineral composition, which can govern technological properties, and to identify specific characteristics with insignificant differences. Ore sands of titanium-zirconium placers are characterized by the following qualitative characteristics: TiO2 content; mineral form of this dioxide (zircon); mineral-carriers of elements that degrade the quality of sands (primarily, Cr and P); physical properties of minerals; grain size composition of sands; and mass and composition of clayey fraction in the sands. Characteristics of the currently exploited Malyshev deposit are given. © Pleiades Publishing, Inc., 2006.