Hydrothermal chromitites from the Oman ophiolite

Abstract

We report hydrothermal chromitites in diopsidites from the Oman ophiolite. They typically occur as thin seams where fine subhedral chromite grains are interstitial to coarse euhedral Cr-bearing diopside grains. They are similar in Ir to Pt contents to some of mantle chromitite, but almost free of both Os and Pd. No PGM have been found, and PGE may be contained in silicate and oxide minerals as trace elements. Chromitites can be formed from hydrothermal fluids if the condition permits.