Development of genetic models and exploration criteria for gem and rare element deposits

加拿大出产钻石、紫水晶和蛋白石，但考虑到其巨大的陆地面积，我们可能会认为它还蕴藏着其他宝石材料的经济矿藏，包括祖母绿和红宝石。然而，加拿大目前并没有生产这些有色宝石。加拿大最近的许多发现表明，这种生产是可能的，但对这一主题的研究很少。值得注意的是，尽管美国的科迪勒伟晶岩在一个多世纪以来一直是宝石的主要产地，但加拿大科迪勒拉伟晶岩至今还没有得到多少关注。拟议中的研究将开发非钻石颜色的宝石矿床模型，以解释它们是如何形成的，并导致更有效的勘探技术。一些含有宝石矿藏的岩石类型也是具有重要技术意义的稀有元素的重要生产者。这项工作将极大地影响我们对有色宝石和稀有元素赋存状态的理解。作为拟议研究计划的一部分开发的模型将为开发新的勘探方法奠定基础，这些方法将有助于新的赋存状态的发现和经济潜力的评估。这将引起工业界的强烈兴趣。成功地应用所学到的知识将增加加拿大矿业公司的利润，进一步投资于创新，并增加采矿和第二产业的就业，重点放在传统上失业率较高的偏远地区。请注意，宝石和稀土矿藏的开采被认为比其他类型的采矿更环保，因为它对环境的影响相对较小。*在拟议的研究过程中，每年将有五名研究生和一名博士后研究员接受先进实验室分析以及实地研究规划和执行方面的指导、培训和实践经验。他们将完成学业，拥有出版记录、强大的人脉网络，以及先进的知识和技术和专业技能，这些都是在学术界成功就业所必需的，也是私营部门雇主所需要的。

Canada produces diamond, amethyst, and opal, but given its huge land mass, we might expect that it also contains economic deposits of other gem materials, including emerald and ruby. Yet Canada does not currently produce these coloured gems. Many recent discoveries in Canada suggest that such production is possible, but research on the topic is scarce. Notably, pegmatites from the Canadian Cordillera have as yet received little attention, even though Cordilleran pegmatites in the US have been significant producers of gemstones for over a century.******The proposed research will develop models of non-diamond coloured gem deposits to explain how they form and to lead to more effective exploration techniques. Some rock types that contain gem deposits are also significant producers of technologically important rare elements. This work will have the strong potential to significantly impact on our understanding of both coloured gem and rare element occurrences.******Models developed as part of the proposed research program will lay the groundwork for development of novel exploration methods that will facilitate new occurrence discoveries and evaluation of their economic potential. This will be of intense interest to industry. Successful application of what is learned will result in increased profit to Canadian mining companies, further investment in innovation, and increased employment in mining and secondary industries, focused on remote areas that traditionally suffer from high rates of unemployment. Note that mining of gem and rare element deposits is considered "greener" than other types of mining, as it involves comparatively minimal environmental impact.******Annually over the course of the proposed research, five graduate students and one postdoctoral fellow will receive mentorship, training, and hands-on experience in advanced laboratory analysis and planning and execution of field research. They will complete their studies with a publication record, a strong network of contacts, and the advanced knowledge and technical and professional skills that are essential for successful careers in academia and that are in demand by private sector employers.