Micro- and nanoparticles of zincite and native zinc from disseminated mineralization of metasomatic rocks in the Dukat ore field

Data on the morphology and crystal structure of micro- and nanoparticles of zincite and native zinc that occur among the newly formed minerals of metasomatic rocks in the Dukat ore field are presented. The origin of minute particles in the discharge areas of hydrothermal fluids is caused by the specific dynamics of the heterogeneous mineral-forming environment, resulting in the formation of ultralocal zinc concentrations. In propylite and greisen, the minute particles, which are products of the earliest stages of ore deposition, arise at the front of growing Fe-chlorite and apophyllite crystals. Aggregation of zincite nanoparticles with formation of metalliferous inclusions and fibrous native zinc proceeds in the greisen zones during aggradation recrystallization of a finely dispersed mineral system under the effect of additional portions of reduced fluids. In the zone of argillic alteration, dendritic zincite crystals result from crystallization of gels formed during coagulation of colloid solutions.