GENERAL RESEARCH LINES

The Laboratory was created in 2004 by the team of specialists working above 30 years in the field of mineralogy, science of materials, cross-line electron-microscope investigations, and microanalysis. Wide experience of working using present-day analytical equipment of top-level foreign companies and advanced mineral concentration technologies, combined with their studying allows to solving of extensive spectrum of scientific and applied problems in technological and genetic mineralogy.

Outcomes of the most interest were reached on the basis of novel hydroseparation technology (HS-technology, RF Patent No 216530) application in investigation of deposits of platinoid minerals, gold, and diamonds. For the first time in the world there is discovered and scrutinized mineralization of noble metals of carbonatites from deposits of Kovdor (Russia) and Palabora (SAR) Massifs. Au-Pd mineralization is ascertained in black shales (Southern Karelia), as well as Pt mineralization on basalts in oceanic crusts. At present systematical research in Pt-Pd mineralization of Skierguard (Greenland, Denmark) classical stratified intrusion is ongoing at Laboratory.

Another direction of working is presented by research in composition and structure of glasses and ceramics, to be used for radioactive waste final disposal.

In cooperation with the State Hermitage, Russian Museum and Kirillo-Belozersky Museum-and-wildlife area the Laboratory conducts systematical investigations of pecuniary culture memorials. Methods of cross-line electron-microscope investigations and microanalysis are especially effective for non-destructive analyzing of colorants, alloys, and glasses in attribution purposes and in the run of pre-restoration studies.