NATIVE METALS IN LAMPROITES OF THE CENTRAL ALDAN

Abstract

Rocks of the lamproite series, like kimberlites, are products of very deep processes and extreme enrichment of the upper mantle. They are now being studied far more widely because of diamond finds in lamproites of Australia. Although no native metal finds in lamproites are mentioned in Soviet or foreign publications, there are reports of native metal finds in lamproitic rocks of Central Asia. This publication is the first description of native metals and their alloys in rocks of the lamproite series. Lamproitic igneous activity in the Soviet Union was most complete and diverse at the south margin of the Siberian craton, where the Aldan lamproite province of Mesozoic age is distinguished.