Host rocks are the source of material for crystal nest minerals

Abstract

The magmatic origin of the solutions from which the crystal-bearing quartz veins of the studied region were formed is recognized by most researchers. Of all the questions related to the genesis of crystal-bearing quartz veins, the main and decisive one is the question of the source of the substance and especially the source of silica in the hydrothermal solutions from which these deposits were formed. But it is precisely on this issue that there are the greatest and most fundamental disagreements between researchers of rock crystal deposits not only in the studied region, but throughout the world. Some researchers consider the magmatic chamber to be the main source of the substance in hydrothermal solutions, while others believe the host rocks. Since this dispute is based mainly on hypothetical reasoning rather than direct observations and data, this issue remains controversial to this day. Moreover, the dispute between researchers of rock crystal deposits has taken on such a long-lasting nature, apparently also because none of the researchers has attempted to approach the solution of this problem, dividing it into two components: the source of silica in quartz veins and the source of the substance, including silica in crystal nests. In this regard, the convincing arguments of the supporters of one theory were shattered by the no less convincing arguments of the supporters of opposing views. The correct solution to the question of the source of silica, and all other components of crystal-bearing quartz veins, is not a purely academic dispute, but undoubtedly has great practical significance.