Awaruite, Iridian Awaruite, and a New Ru-Os-Ir-Ni-Fe Alloy from the Sakhakot-Qila Complex, Malakand Agency, Pakistan

Zulfiqar Ahmed and J. C. Bevan
Department of Geology, King's College, Strand, London, WC2R 2LS
Department of Mineralogy, British Museum (Natural History), Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD

Abstract: The authors report the first occurrence of awaruite in Pakistan, in the Sakhakot-Qila ultramafites. Electron-microprobe analysis reveals a considerable variation in the compositions of awaruites from different parts of the complex. The presence of copper in awaruite, in amounts up to 5 atomic percent, is also reported for the first time. In one chromitite body, an iridian awaruite with up to 27 wt% of iridium occurs in association with ‘normal’ awaruite and a new Ru-Os-Ir-Ni-Fe alloy. The awaruites are discussed in relation to those from other localities.

Mineralogical Magazine; June 1981 v. 44; no. 334; p. 225-230; DOI: 10.1180/minmag.1981.044.334.17
© 1981, The Mineralogical Society
Mineralogical Society (www.minersoc.org)