The Volyn-biota of the Precambrian pegmatites of Ukraine

• Applicants: Professor Dr. Gerhard Franz; Professor Dr. Thomas Neumann
• Subject Area: Mineralogy, Petrology and Geochemistry
• Term: since 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 550599456

The chamber pegmatites - pegmatites, with large miarolitic cavities - on the Precambrian Shield in Volyn, Ukraine are unique not only because of their world-wide known occurrence of gem minerals, but also because they host fossil organic matter, well-preserved in 3D. The previous hypothesis for the origin of this material was abiotic synthesis of natural hydrocarbon polymer crystals. The presence of intracellular Bi-Te-S(-Pb, Cu) biomineralization is another, unique feature of this organic matter. The investigation of the post-igneous history of the pegmatites is especially important, because is will give insight into the timing of the growth and fossilization of the organic matter. Further radiometric dating with laser-ablation and electron microscopic imaging will supplement the presently available data set. Investigation of pseudomorphs after igneous minerals, produced by hydrothermal processes, will provide information about fluid composition and pressure-temperature conditions.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Ukraine
• Cooperation Partner: Dr. Volodymyr Mykhailovych Khomenko