PGE in ultramafic rocks of the burried ophiolite complex near Svitavy in the Bohemian Massif
Abstract
Anomalous concentrations of platinum-group elements (PGE) Pd - up to 281 ppb, Pt - up to 110 ppb, Ir - up to 7.4 ppb, Ru - up to 19.8 ppb, Rh - up to 8.4 ppb and Au (up to 18.5 ppb) have been detected in low Ni-Cu (Cr) mineralized pyroxenite and serpentinite recovered from the HSV-1 structural borehole at Svitavy. Based on geological and geotectonic position and geochemical data these rocks hidden under Cretaceous sediments represent most likely a continuation of the Letovice ophiolite complex. Maximum Ni, Cu and Cr values reach 0.67, 0.11 and 0.35 wt.%, respectively and abundant spinel (Cr-spinel, magnesiumchromite, chromite) and magnetite with minor sulfides (millerite and chalcopyrite) were identified as major ore bearing minerals in the most richest PGE sample. No discrete PGE phases were identified.