Nanomineralogy and nanogeochemistry of ores from gold deposits of Uzbekistan

Gold deposits of Uzbekistan are localized in the Kyzylkum, Nurata, and Kurama ore districts of the Kyzylkum-Kurama metallogenic belt. They comprise a consecutive series of deposit types corresponding to the series of geochemical associations: (Au-W)—(Au-As)—(Au-Te)—(Au-Ag)—(Au-Sb)—(Au-Hg), which are arranged as a system of zones in orebodies, deposits, ore fields, and ore districts. The distribution of chemical elements characterized by average global concentrations in the crust within the ppm-ppb (10⁻⁶-10⁻⁹ t) range was studied in ores of gold deposits using an ICP MS Elan DRC II device. Mineral nanoassemblages with a grain size of 10⁻⁶ to 10⁻⁹ m were examined with a Jeol YXA 8800R Superprobe. The Au-W, Au-As, and Au-Te associations with Bi tellurides and maldonite in ore dominate at hypo- and meso-abyssal gold deposits of the Kyzylkum district (Muruntau, Myutenbay). The contribution of the Au-Sb association with Pb, Ag, and Fe sulfoantimonites and aurostibite increases at the Daughyztau, Kokpatas, and Amantaitau gold deposits. The Au-As, Au-Te, and Au-Sb associations with Bi tellurides, maldonite, sulfoantimonites, and aurostibite dominate at the mesoabyssal gold deposits of the Nurata district (Charmitan, Guzhumsay). The Au-Te and Au-Ag associations with Au, Ag, Pb, Sb, Bi, and Hg tellurides and Bi selenides dominate at the hypabyssal gold deposits of the Kurama district (Kochbulak, Kayragach). The gold-silver deposits of the Kyzylkum district (Kosmanachi, Vysokovol’tnoe) and the Kurama district (Kyzylalmasay, Arabulak) are close in composition. They are characterized by development of intermetallides, sulfides, sulfosalts, and selenides of Au-Ag and occasionally Au-Sb associations. Fineness of gold decreases from early to late geochemical associations, whereas the size of gold grains increases in the same direction from nanogold to visible gold. The studies at the micro- and nanolevel make it possible to establish the attributes of specific gold mineralization, to substantiate prospecting guides, and to estimate the erosion level and resource potential of hidden ore objects. The greater and more diverse a set of micro- and nanominerals, the larger a gold deposit is.