Sodalite mariupolite occurrences in the Zhovtnevy Massif in the context of the development and usage of the raw material base of precious stones in Ukraine
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Data are presented on the historical aspects of geological research and the structural and mineral composition of rocks in the Zhovtnevy alkaline massif of the Azov region. The uniqueness of its structure and petrography, genetic characteristics, and the vast diversity of rock-forming minerals, textures, and rare-earth elements are highlighted. Polish researcher Yu. Morozevich describes mariupolite as an extreme alkaline facies of nepheline syenites, primarily composed of albite, nepheline, and aegirine. Therefore, it is commonly referred to as aegirine-albitic nepheline syenite. Other minerals that lead to the classification of mariupolites into different types include zircon, hastingsite, lepidomelane, and beckelite or cerium brytholite. Among the researchers studying the alkaline massif, A.S. Ginzburg stands out for his detailed examination of the composition and structure of mariupolites. He describes the components of these rocks and discusses their distribution. He also addresses the genesis of the Mariupol (Zhovtnevy) nepheline massif, suggesting that the formation of nepheline syenites results from the assimilation of limestones by magma and subsequent differentiation. The ideas of Yu. Morozevich were further developed by Liya Falkovna Einberg. Based on field research conducted by the Polish researcher between 1927 and 1929, Einberg created a detailed topographic map that illustrates the geological structure, relief elements, and names of streams and their tributaries – many of which have been lost on contemporary maps (Einberg, 1933). Structurally, the massif exhibits zonation: nepheline rocks are situated at the core, surrounded by nepheline syenites, with pyroxene-amphibole granites occurring on the periphery. Mariupolites are integral to the massif and form distinct zones and bodies of various shapes and sizes within it. The primary rock-forming minerals in mariupolites include nepheline, albite, aegirine, and lepidomelan, while secondary and accessory minerals consist of zircon, apatite, sodalite, amphiboles, calcite, cancrinite, zeolite, pyrochlore, brytholite, magnetite, and iron sulfides, among others. All rock complexes in the Zhovtnevy massif are largely ferruginous. Zirconium, rare earth elements, tantalum, and niobium mineralisation are associated with nepheline syenites, mariupolites, and albitites, which may have industrial significance in certain areas. Sodalite varieties of mariupolite are regarded as promising raw materials for the stone-working industry. The main decorative minerals found in them are sodalite, albite, and nepheline, occurring in various ratios and textural combinations. The ability of sodalite mariupolites to be processed, ground, polished, and utilised in producing jewellery, haber-dashery, and souvenir items has been studied. The results of these tests have been positive, and the demand for products made from this material has exceeded expectations. The authors recommend that when planning the development of the Zhovtnevy massif deposits, an integrated approach should be taken, ensuring that the extraction of critically important minerals occurs alongside the harvesting of sodalite varieties of mariupolite for the stone-working industry.
DOI: 10.15421/112552
Language: English
Subfield: Geophysics
Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4414756407
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