Awaruite, iridian awaruite, and a new Ru-Os-Ir-Ni-Fe alloy from the Sakhakot-Qila complex, Malakand Agency, Pakistan

Abstract

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.