The First Find of Silver Nuggets in Gold Placers of the Subpolar Urals

Abstract

In the gold placers of the Subpolar Urals, silver nuggets have been found for the first time. Galena, cassiterite, wolframite, cosalite, tetradymite, ferberite, cobaltine, tellurojoseite, and native bismuth are associated with silver. The silver is generally represented by subrounded and angular gray particles of up to 2–2.5 cm in size. The particles have a lumpy, slightly flattered, elongated shape. Sometimes, Au and Hg admixtures are detected in the composition of the silver. Inclusions of fine particles of gold and mineral phases of bismuth and tellurium are encountered. The results of studies show the widespread development of Au–Ag–Bi–Te mineralization, original occurrences of which are currently unknown. The relatively poor roundness of the silver nuggets and the presence of the coarse-grained gold, which is also poorly rounded, point to the proximity of the original sources to the gold-bearing placers.