STRUCTURAL POSITION OF CHROMITE MINERALIZATION AT THE DEPOSIT CENTRAL (POLAR URALS)

The article presents the results of detailed structural studies carried out by us in the field of chromite ore Central, located in the massif of ultrabasic rocks of the Rai-iz in the polar Urals. The investigations included the mapping of structural elements in a rock: layering, pyroxene cleavage and the lineation of accessory chrome spinel, as well as the study of the morphology and spatial position of ore bodies that are installed from trenches and boreholes in the period of exploration and currently confirms in the mining process. The result of this work revealed the structure of host rocks and the relationship of the ore zone as a whole, and individual ore bodies with the elements of the structure. The layering creates an open sinform fold NE-SW trending, with subvertical axial surfaces and steeply (50°) sinking hinge toward North-Eaet. The enstatite flattening and related cleavage occupy the position corresponding to the axial surfaces cleavage of the folds, and the lineation of chrome spinel oriented parallel to its hinge. The ore bodies form a linearly elongated zone that can be traced along the axis of the folds to 1,5 km with a width of ~ 350 m. The prevailing ore bodies have flattened-lenticular and tubular form. Almost all ore bodies fitted steep (40-60°) North-Eastern declination. Thus, the structure of layering controls the spatial position of the ore zone as a whole, with individual ore bodies can be both intersecting and agree with banding. The flatness of enstatite defines the strike of the ore zone. The lineation of accessory chrome spinel reflects the decline of the ore bodies.

Chromites, structure, chromite field ‘Central’, Rai-Iz, cleavage, lineation, layering