Institute of Geology, Karelian Research Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Petrozavodsk, Karelia:

V. P. Ilyina, Senior Researcher, Candidate of Engineering Sciences, ilyina@igkrc.ru
P. V. Frolov, Researcher

The results of the investigation of high-magnesian ultramafites of the Aganozersky chrome ore deposit in the Republic of Karelia and the field of their application are presented. The deposit belongs to complex objects. In addition to the extraction of chromium ores, prospective minerals include magnesian ultramafites-olivinites, dunites, serpentinites and pyroxenites. At a considerable thickness of highmagnesian dunites, the content of MgO in them varies within the limits of 36.97–46.77%. Dunit Aganozera is a good raw material for refractory materials: refractory bricks, lining of steel stoves and others. At the deposit, the upper horizon of serpentinites (20–70 m) is represented by massive rocks, the deeper horizons are loose varieties (kemistites). The massive varieties and kemistites have similar mineral and chemical compositions. The X-ray phase analysis and electron microscopy show that kemistites are mostly composed of serpentine (lizardite prevails—78%), with magnesium bicarbonate, chlorite, talk, carbonates (calcite, magnesite, siderite), biotite, magnetite, chromite, sulphides and hydrohematite. Based on serpentinites, compositions of porous heat-insulating material, various types of ceramics (forsterite, cordierite, etc.), antifriction coatings of metals and magnesium–silicate agene for heavy metal removal from solutions have been developed. Thick bodies of pyroxenite are discovered in the deposit. Pyroxenites occur in the transition zone (in-between gabbride and ultrabasic rocks—peridoites and dunites) round 400 m thick. Pyroxenites are used to manufacture shrink-resistant facing plates and lining of high strength. Multi-purpose use of Aganozersky chrome ore deposit minerals will economically strengthen Republic of Karelia.

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