All about Platinum-Group Minerals: From Geochemistry and Trace Element Composition to Mineral Association and Textures

Dear Colleagues,

The platinum-group elements (Os, Ir, Ru, Rh, Pd and Pt) or PGEs are the most valuable elements in nature and are of strategic importance given their growing application in advanced technologies. The PGEs share similar physicochemical properties, which result in their co-formation and co-existence in nature. These metals rarely occur in the bulk Earth crust, whilst due to their highly siderophile characteristics, they are mainly concentrated in the dense metallic core. Platinum group minerals (PGMs) constitute a very diverse group of PGE-dominated alloys and complexes. About 99% of the global PGE resources are hosted within magmatic sulfide deposits due to their high partition coefficients for sulfides in sulfur-saturated magmatic systems. However, geochemical characteristics of these elements allow them to be involved in a great variety of geological processes. In contrast to the PGMs associated with magmatic systems, there is a poor understanding of the mineralogy and geochemistry of PGMs associated with hydrothermal activities and their alteration under low temperature conditions and in the surficial environment. Thus, this Special Issue welcomes all contributions that can develop our insight into trace element compositions and mineral associations of PGMs from various geologic settings.

Dr. Sheida Makvandi
Guest Editor

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