Metal concentrations and carbonaceous matter in the black shale type rocks of the Urals

Abstract

Here, the results of examination of black shale type rocks from the Urals for noble metal mineralization are presented for the first time: they have been obtained using atomic–absorption spectrometry along with data of a complex analysis of a carbon mineralization applying a complex of high-resolution techniques. The data acquired demonstrate anomalously high Au concentrations in all the rocks examined. The carbon matter occurs in a wide range of phase states, including nanocrystalline graphite, carbon nanofiber, nanoglobules, diamond-like carbon, and bitumens. The black shale type rocks were found to be promising for further studies in order to seek industrially valuable objects including in areas of the northern part of the Urals.