posted on Mar, 21 2006 @ 04:46 AM
The ring seems to be called the "Kondyor Uplift"
In the center lies the Kondyor Platinum Mine of Russia.
The odd coloring is probably metallic mined substances.
It seems to be marked as an explosive volcanic crater.
Mined substance:
Alluvial deposits: Material, typically sands and gravels, transported by a river and deposited at points on the river’s flood plain. These
deposits can contain economically viable mineral resources. In the Kondyor and Koryak areas of eastern Russia alluvial deposits are mined for
platinum group metals.
(Image of mined substance.)
More from a sales site:
From the Kondyor Massif in Russia comes these naturally-occuring specimens of Gold-Coated Platinum Crystals, representing one of the most interesting
and unusual associations in the mineral kingdom! This location is known to produce the finest and largest cubic platinum crystals in the world, some
even display interpenetration twins, with all of the crystals being found in ancient river placer deposits. Over past geologic time, these platinum
cubes were eroded from their original mountainous, volcanic deposits and sent tumbling down into rivers. Many were rounded or crushed as they slowly
washed downstream from erosion. Only a small percent of the larger crystals (0.5g+) kept their cubic form mostly intact. In a unique geological
situation, these rivers also carry deposits of placer gold. Of the surviving platinum crystals, a fraction were subject to direct contact with this
placer gold and an amazing thing happened. Over many thousands of years, the softer gold was accreted/pressed onto the harder cubes of platinum by the
pounding of the river boulders on the bedrock placer deposits. Thus, this unique association came to be! Modern-day placer mining operations in the
area, produces lots of platinum nuggest, some platinum crystals and a few gold-coated platinum crystals. Those gold-coated crystals that are recovered
are most often seen as near sand-sized, 1-2mm, 0.1-0.2g specimens. Uncommonly, attractive specimens of this association exceed 0.5g. Well-formed
specimens over 1g are even more unusual. It is my pleasure to introduce this beautiful group of gold-coated platinum crystals. They are all personally
hand picked for sharpness of crystal form and quality of aesthetics, all with excellent color to the gold coating.
(The refined product sold as art)
And a link to another researchers findings... VERY GOOD
bbs.keyhole.com...
5.12 Miles in diameter from peak to peak.