Witwatersrand and the problem of ore formation

Abstract

The paper discusses complicated nature of the unique gold-uranium ore fields of South Africa, focusing upon controversial features allowing to interpret their genesis as a primary sedimentary (alluvial), or hydrothermal-sedimentary, or even postmagmatic hydrothermal one. The new concept is proposed that the so-called «pyrite canister» and the mere quartz «pebbles» of the famous Witwatersrand conglomerates have formed in endogen conditions. The model of the hydrothermal-metasomatic genesis of the great Rand gold ore reefs is formulated on this base. Some experimental data of fundamental meaning are demonstrated as a proof. It is assumed that the famous gold-bearing conglomerates should not be called by the term; precisely they must be named «pseudoconglomerates». In the whole, the unique gold concentration in reefs of South Africa is interpreted as a peculiar case of universal mechanism of the gold ore forming process. Analysis of its probable chemistry involves some laws of nuclear physics. Supposedly, gold oreforming reactions included effect of such agents as magnetic nucleus of some isotopes (¹³C, ²⁹Si, ¹⁷O), spin states of reacting objects, and their possible recombination, magnetic effects in melts, etc.