The epithermal deposits of Chatkal-Kurama (Uzbekistan): micro-nanomineralogy of gold, silver, and associated elements

We examined the nature of the distribution of gold and other elements in the epithermal ores of the Chatkal-Kurama region of Uzbekistan. Our analyses of the primary ore-forming minerals revealed the presence of minerals (> 100 μm) and invisible structural forms of gold, primarily in arsenopyrite, chalcopyrite, and As-bearing pyrite. Micromineral (10 μm to 100 μm) and nanomineral (10 μm to 0.n μm) were also identified, including Bi, Te, Se nanominerals. The variation in the mineral assemblages is discussed in relation to depth.