REDISTRIBUTION OF Au IN VOLCANIC ASHES IN THE COURSE OF THEIR POSTSEDIMENTARY ALTERATIONS

Abstract

The redistribution of Au in Late Precambrian volcanic ashes from the Vendian section of the East European Platform and the Sinian section of the South China Platform is characterized by high Au concentration (up to >20 ng/g) in Fe3+-rich samples. The Au content decreases to ∼2 ng/g in Fe2+-rich volcanic ashes from the Vendian section of the East European Platform. This distribution pattern suggests the mobility of Au-bearing compounds in postsedimentary processes.