Petrochemical and petrophysical properties of high-carbon rocks from the Zazhogino deposit

The goal of the project was to study shungite-bearing rocks - unique commercial minerals. We need better understanding of the petrophysical parameters of the rocks at mined deposits to meet the changing requirements for the properties of the materials, depending on their application. The results of the study of maksovites, saprobitumolitic rocks (carbon free 35-45 %) from the Maksovo body of the Zazhogino deposit located in the northeastern Fennoscandian Shield, Karelia, were reported. The object of study is confined to the Trans-Onega suite of the Ludicovian superhorizon of the Lower Proterozoic unit. Gabbro-dolerite sills, which contributed to the contact alteration of the maksovites that affected the composition and properties of the rocks at the deposit, were identified. To assess the qualitative characteristics of the structural varieties of maksovite as a non-metalliferous commercial mineral for the building industry, their petrophysical parameters were studied using optical and electron microscopy, chemical (silicate) analysis and X-ray fluorescent spectrometry.