The Finero Complex is one of the three mantle massifs exposed at the base of the lower crust (the other two are Balmuccia and Baldissero) in the Ivrea-Zone. The phlogopite peridotite of the Finero Complex hosts chromitite–dunite bodies that, although small, are the largest in the Alps. The chromite is magnesian and locally contains inclusions of Fe–Ni–Cu sulphide and platinum group element minerals. Chromitite forms well-defined bodies with modal chromite concentrations as high as 75%. This samples of chromite ore was cut out of a 33 kg block of ore from the quarry at the Rio Creves.
A polished slab of the ore. Size: 180 x 75 mm.
Partial scan with higher resolution:
Partial scan with higher resolution. Note the rim of chromian diopside:
Images from the ore microscope will follow as soon as I have time to polish the samples.
For further informations on the region this article might be interesting:
Grieco, G., Ferrario, A., von Quadt, A., Koeppel, V., Mathez, E. A.: The Zircon-Bearing Chromitites of the Phlogopite Peridotite of Finero (Ivrea Zone, Southern Alps): Evidence and Geochronology of a Metasomatized Mantle Slab. J.Petrology.42.(2001).89-101