TRANSFORMATION OF KIMBERLITES BY AUTOTROPHIC BACTERIA

The ability of thionic and nitrifying bacteria to destroy some types o f kimberlites from Southeast Belomor'e was studied. Oxidation of eleme ntal sulfur by Thiobacillus thiooxidans at low pH values caused destru ction of kimberlites of saponite and serpentine-saponite types: saponi te, serpentine, chlorite, and calcite were dissolved and the granulome tric composition of the rock was changed. Destruction of kimberlites b y nitrifying bacteria was connected mainly with calcite dissolution; t herefore, they caused a more profound degradation of carbonate type ki mberlites, which contained up to 60% calcite.