ABSTRACT
In the Polish Sudetes ophiolitic rocks occur in the area surrounding the Sowie Mts. Block. The ophiolite consists of the following members: serpetynized peridotites, ultramafic cumulates, mafic cumulates represented by metagabbros, sheeted dykes (metadiabases and metabasalts) and pillow lavas. Their petrological and geochemical characteristics are very close to typical N - MORB. The ore deposits and occurrences are following rock alterations. At the base of ophiolite the “podiform” chromite deposits occur. The Ni-Cu and locally PGE mineralization is located within the ultrabasic cumulates zone. Small-sized Fe-Ti-V deposits are found in mafic cumulates. Disseminated mineralisation of pyrite, chalcopyrite and pyrrhotite was found in the upper volcanic member. Nickel deposits of New Caledonia type are associated with tropical lateritic weathering of serpentinites during the Miocene. The described types of ore mineralization are characteristic for ophiolite complexes.
