Resumen
A relation of uranium mineralization to structural, textural and physical properties of rocks was investigated using two uranium ore occurrences (Beregovoe and Dikoe) in the Litsa ore area (Kola region, Russia) as an example. Study of the rock samples collected on the surface was carried out using X-ray computer tomography (CT), petrography and petrophysics. Petrophysical properties (density and elastic anisotropy index) as well as petrographic characteristics of 25 rock samples were studied; six samples from this collection were studied by CT method. The samples from the Beregovoe site display general positive correlation between magnitude of the elastic anisotropy index and uranium concentration. The samples from the Dikoe ore occurrence, however, do not follow this trend. Comparison of CT data with that obtained from petrophysical measurements shows that the elastic anisotropy index can be low in highly deformed rock, if microfractures and micropores were sealed with secondary (including uranium) minerals; while the uneven distribution of the heavy mineral phases in weakly deformed rock can significantly increase its elastic anisotropy. The CT method combined with petrographic and petrophysical methods has proved to be useful for studying ore deposits. In particular, the CT method allows the influence of spatial variations of minerals of different specific weight on the elastic properties of rocks (elastic anisotropy) to be ascertained. The data obtained for the Litsa area suggest the course of further research involving the construction of geological structural models of the crust blocks with subsequent selection of areas with the most favorable conditions for the formation of uranium ore.