NATIVE ELEMENTS AND METALLIC ALLOYS IN THE MRIYA PIPE, AZOV BLOCK OF THE UKRAINIAN SHIELD: INSIGHTS INTO THE MINERALOGY OF THE EARTH'S MANTLE
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.30970/min.76.05Keywords:
native metals, metallic alloys, highly reduced phases, spherules, mantle, corundum, diamond, kimberlites, the Ukrainian ShieldAbstract
This study examines the occurrence, composition, and origin of native metals and some other highly reduced mineral phases in kimberlite–lamproite magmatic systems, with particular emphasis on the Mriya pipe (Azov Block, the Ukrainian Shield). Native metals are extremely rare in crustal rocks due to relatively high oxygen fugacity, but are more typical of deep mantle environments. Their presence therefore, provides important insights into reduced conditions and deep geodynamic processes. SEM/EDS investigations reveal a diverse assemblage of native metals, including Pb, Sb–Pb, Sn–Pb, Cu–Zn, Fe, and Si–Ti–Fe phases. These occur both as individual grains with spherical, fluidal, and irregular morphologies, and as inclusions within titanium–manganese–iron–silicate (TMIS) spherules and Ti3+-bearing corundum. Textural features and phase relationships indicate crystallization from melts under highly reducing conditions, most likely during rapid adiabatic cooling in gas-charged flows associated with explosive volcanic activity. Integration of new data with previously published results demonstrates that certain components of the highly reduced mantle mineral association (HRMMA), such as TMIS spherules, Pb-dominated and Cu–Zn particles, are characteristic of kimberlite-like formations. The identification of similar mineral assemblages in some sedimentary deposits on the Ukraine, lacking evidence of weathering, supports their interpretation as primary pyroclastic material capable of scattering over a considerable distance. Possible genetic models are considered, including deep mantle sources, plume-related transport, and formation under the influence of reduced CH₄–H₂ fluids, with some hypotheses suggesting origins in the lower mantle or near the core–mantle boundary. The results underscore the significance of HRMMA minerals as potential indicators in diamond exploration and contribute to a better understanding of the formation and preservation of highly reduced mineral systems in the Earth’s interior.
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