Khibiny is the highest point of the name. Khibiny Mountains: general information, geographic location, photo

Khibiny. First, it should be said about apatite-nepheline ores. Today, their deposits have been established, these are Kukisvumchorr, Yukspor, Rasvumchorr, Koashva, Partomchorr, Kuelpor, Lyavoyok, Deer Creek, Njorkpahk, Suoluyive, Poachvumchorr, Valleepahk, Eveslogchorr. Being a mineral, apatite can have a different range of shades. As a rule, starting from white and ending with green, but black apatites are also found in nature.

Mineral fertilizers are made from apatite, the most famous and often used is superphosphate. It is obtained by treating apatite concentrate with sulfuric acid. But meanwhile, phosphoric anhydride contained in apatite takes a completely different form, it turns out to be easily soluble, which is why it is perfectly perceived by plants.

Moreover, nepheline is also extracted from the apatite concentrate, which subsequently becomes the product from which potash, soda, and much more are made. Then this fossil will be used in more than twenty industries. Its content in the ore varies from 5 to 50 percent. The composition of apatite and nepheline in the ore is interconnected, that is, if apatite predominates in it, then there will be much less nepheline, and vice versa, if there is more nepheline in the ore, this means that there will be much less apatite.

Usually, apatite-nepheline ore contains sphen-mineral, it consists of silicon, titanium oxide, tantalum, niobium and sodium. Solid titanium white is made from it, very durable and reliable. On top of that - metallic titanium, which does not corrode, is not afraid of alkali and other acids, and is very light. The Yukspora rock is considered to be the richest mineral.

A peculiar characteristic of the Khibiny mountain range can be considered a ring structure. The mountains that make up the array are arcs that are literally nested into each other.

The landscape of the Khibinites organizes a partial ring of the Khibiny mountain range. Aegirine, nepheline and potassium feldspar dominate as minerals. Rocks are distinguished by the presence of a number of ores, such as titanium, zirconium, molybdenum and rare soil containing cerium and yttrium.

The second complex of rischorrites looks like a massive, gray, with a hint of green rock.

And it contains crystals of feldspar and nepheline, as well as a mixture of colored minerals from aegirine-augite, mica, astrophyllite, enigmatite, sphene, lamprophyllite.

The latter is called ijolite-urtites, it differs greatly from other rocks due to the chemical component. It exceeds the level of alkali and alumina, and also greatly reduces the level of silica. Ijolite-urtites are by and large composed of nepheline and aegirine-augite, which is why they have a gray-green color. Minerals from the category of non-ferrous minerals this complex are pyroxene and apatite.

Almost in the middle of the mountains there is a complex of medium-grained nepheline syenites. These rocks includes: spar, nepheline, aegirine and alkaline amphibole. In the center of the mountain there is a foyaite complex, it stretches over almost one third of the mountain range. Mineral composition- this is potassium-sodium feldspar and nepheline, and non-ferrous minerals - alkaline amphibole, aegirine, biotite, sphene, apatite and others.

Academician Alexander Fersman believed that the Khibiny tundra is a natural mineralogical gallery. And of course, the way it is, one hundred and eight varieties of minerals are mined in the mountain range, more than ten of which are of great value. These are apatites, sphene, aegirine, nepheline, titanomagietite, lovchorrite and others. At the same time, the remains of mining, which are commonly called "nepheline tailings", are the main deposit, it is thanks to them that the needs of the territory in the required materials will be provided for decades.

A very busy trip to the Kola Peninsula took place in August 2009. For 20 days we visited only a part of the planned points, well, that means there will be something to do next year. In the Khibiny, first of all, we examined Mount Eveslogchorr, with a unique astrophyllite deposit located on it. The world's best collection samples of this mineral were mined here. In addition, there are several bodies of corundum-bearing xenoliths on Eveslogchorr, which were explored for cutting sapphires in the 70s of the last century. There are also several points of mineralization with beautiful crystals of lilac vadeite, brown plates of fersmanite - one of the first minerals described in the Khibiny, white fibrous perlialite and denisovit, as well as many other rare minerals. Then we moved to Mount Kaskasnyunchorr, which became famous thanks to the finds of magnificent large crystals of manganneptunite. There is also a large gneiss xenolith, in the pegmatite veins of which are described minerals that are completely atypical for alkaline rocks, such as corundum, topaz, akaganeite, rutile, various sulfides, including extremely rare ones - tungstenite, alabandine, and the only niobium sulfide known in nature. - edgarite. last point, on which we worked in the Khibiny, was Marchenko Peak - the northeastern spur of Kukisvumchorr, on which in the mid-90s magnificent, transparent natrolite crystals larger than 10 cm in size were found, and on the neighboring pegmatite ilmenite in the form of comprehensively faceted brilliant tabular crystals up to 7 cm across. Now at these points, unfortunately, only small, slightly transparent fragments of natrolite and small plates of black ilmenite can be collected. This alignment did not suit us, and we decided to look for something new. After many hours of climbing the rather steep slopes of the peak, we managed to find several untouched pegmatite veins, one of which contained a large grain of zoned polychrome violet fluorite with numerous hollow hexagonal channels left from the dissolution of some mineral, and pegmatite with beautiful, bright red tabular eudialyte crystals. The final conclusions on the trip to the Khibiny are as follows - do not be lazy and you will not return home with empty backpacks. Next was Kovdor. The Kovdorsky massif is one of the largest and well-studied massifs of alkaline rocks with carbonatites. Despite the small area, just over 40 sq. km, more than 250 minerals have been described in the massif, and 19 have been discovered here. The world's best examples of bobberite, quintinite, feklichevite come from Kovdor, and crystals of transparent blue and pink kovdorskite, the most beautiful endemic of Russia, reach 7 centimeters. Numerous samples of magnetite, pyrite, forsterite, baddeleyite, diopside, phlogopite adorn private collections and showcases of mineralogical museums all over the world. Now 6 deposits of various minerals have been studied on the territory of the massif - deposits of phlogopite, vermiculite and complex apatite-baddeleyite-magnetite are being actively mined, a francolite (carbonate-apatite) deposit is prepared for mining, and deposits of titanomagnetite and calcite carbonatites remain in reserve. Most interesting object in Kovdor is a complex deposit, where on the site of a 200-meter Pilkoma-Selga mountain there is now a huge open pit with a depth of 350 meters and a diameter of more than 2.5 km. Here, in the very center of the ore body, there are dozens of veins of dolomitic carbonatites containing numerous cavities with crystals of rare phosphates and carbonates. Samples of coarse-grained magnetite are confined to the contacts of early calcite carbonatites and magnetite ores. Its crystals here reach 20 centimeters, but due to the strong fracturing, it is almost impossible to get it. Another object, fifteen kilometers east of Kovdor, which we managed to get to, was a manifestation of kyanite and garnet on Mount Keles-Waive. There, on the surface of weathered blocks of gneiss, peculiar druses of red garnet and blue kyanite were formed.

The Khibiny mountain range is the largest on the Kola Peninsula. The highest point of the massif is Mount Yudychvumchorr, 1200 meters high. In the center of formation there are two plateaus Chasnachorr and Kukisvumchorr.

Tourists from all over Russia fell in love with this pearl of the Kola North. The peaks of the Khibiny are located almost in the center of the peninsula and from here you can see very beautiful views. Visit local ski resorts throughout the year, and Lately The popularity of this place is only growing. A variety of trails have already been built here, suitable for any level of training of skiers and snowboarders.

The shape of this mountain range resembles two horseshoes, which are located one inside the other. The local valleys here are rich in lakes, and they have become a favorite place for picnics. For lovers hiking and active recreation, several dozens of tourist routes have been developed. The beauty of the Khibiny attracts travelers throughout the year and the flow of tourists is stable here. Every year tourism in the Khibiny develops more and more, and we advise everyone to visit these amazing places.

Weather

Winter in the Khibiny region is relatively warm, the average temperature is about -11 °C. But in the mountains themselves, and especially on the peaks, it can be 10-15 degrees colder. Frosts below -35 °C are rare.

In summer, this area is not particularly hot, the average temperature is around +12 °C. On the shores of the White and Barents Seas, it is several degrees cooler. There are thunderstorms and heat here, when the thermometer can exceed + 30-35 ° C.

How to get to Khibiny

It's always easier to get to Kola Peninsula by train, along Oktyabrskaya railway. By train you will get to Apatit or Khibiny station. During the trip, you will already be able to enjoy the beauty of Karelia and its diversity. It should be noted that the northern southern nature region is quite different.

For those who like to travel by car, you can get to Khibiny quite quickly, by modern roads. Do not forget that this is a northern region, so you need to be prepared for any vagaries of the weather, not only in winter, but also in summer. In winter, you should “shod” the car in studded tires, because ice is a frequent occurrence here. At night there are very coldy Therefore, it is not recommended to travel by car at this time of the day. In summer, too, the climate can be very changeable. A warm summer day can quickly turn into a cold late autumn. Don't forget to bring warm clothes with you, even in summer.

Traveling through the Khibiny mountains is an exciting adventure for all lovers wildlife and a new sensation, for those who rarely leave their apartments and offices.

Khibiny are not just large mountain range Kola Peninsula, located in Murmansk region Russia, it's also famous ski resort for tourist ski trips different levels difficulties. He is already over 350 million years old. The peaks of the Khibiny are plateau-like. Some of the slopes are quite steep, with occasional snowfields. The highest point of the Khibiny is Mount Yudychvumchorr, more than 1200 meters high, although until recently Chasnachorr, a mountain 1189 meters high above sea level, was considered the highest.

At the foot of the mountains are Kirovsk and Apatity. Not far from Mount Vudyavrchorr is one of the eleven institutes of the Kola scientific center RAS is a polar-alpine botanical garden-institute that studies the flora of the Khibiny. The fauna of the Khibiny is represented by 27 species of mammals, more than 120 species of birds and 2 species of reptiles are found in this territory. A large number of animals and plants are listed in the Red Book. On the slopes of the Khibiny there are the rarest specimens of elements and minerals. Khibiny is a real pantry of valuable rocks of minerals; in terms of their diversity, it occupies an honorable second place in the world.

The Khibiny Mountains are beautiful photos.

Khibiny combines regional and local mountain climate– outer slopes with a milder climate than central part array. It is snowy in the mountains from October to June. Summer is short, only 60 to 80 days, but there are no frosts during this time. The duration of the polar night is 42 days, and the duration of the polar day is 50. From the end of summer to the beginning of spring, you can watch the polar (northern) lights.

Khibiny are popular with skiers and climbers. To conquer the Khibiny, you need appropriate physical preparation, since the Khibiny passes are not so much steep as dangerous. Although, as a ski resort, Khibiny is suitable for both experienced skiers and those who have just started to practice this sport. You just need to know which track is for whom.

As for the origin of the name of the mountains, there is no one version yet. There are suggestions that the name "Khibiny" comes from the Russian colloquial "Khiben" - a plateau. Prior to this, the Khibiny were called the Sami Umptek, which translates as "a place where deer come to die or" closed mountains "

Khibiny is mountain system, which has attracted researchers and nature lovers since ancient times. They are not as inaccessible as other areas. You can get to the mountains road transport. Or another option is to get to Murmansk by plane or train.

Location and relief

The Khibiny Mountains are located between and Umbozero. They are an array consisting of plateau-like peaks. Nai highest point- 1201 m. This is Mount Yudychvumchorr, which is part of the Khibiny massif. The height of the mountains is on average 1000 meters.

There are many traces of ancient glacial activity. People like circuses and cars talk about it. And also troughs - valleys plowed by a glacier, similar to troughs.

There are results of permafrost activity - kurums, the so-called stone rivers. And on the plateau there are whole stone seas.

Geological structure

The Khibiny Mountains are a crystalline structure - an intrusion. This is an integral geological body composed of rocks of igneous origin. There are only 8 such intrusions in the world. This massif, shaped like a horseshoe, is mostly composed of rocks - nepheline syenites. In ancient times there were huge volcanoes that have cooled and the magma has undergone crystallization. Therefore, about 800 different minerals have been found here. Some of them are specific to this area.

Names of modern settlements correspond to the minerals found here: Nepheline sands, Apatites, Titanium. After the descent from these mountains of a heavy glacial shell, this territory experienced tectonic uplift. It occurred unevenly, as evidenced by the nature of geological structures. They look like funnels, the edges of which are composed of older rocks than the center. For about 20 million years, the Khibiny rose 500 meters above the surrounding plains. Then there was a long break of 15 million years. Then again the mountains began to grow, this time their height doubled.

Climate

Climatic conditions, depending on the geographical location, have the Khibiny mountains. On the map of the North-West in the European part of Russia, one can see that most of The peninsula is located beyond the Arctic Circle. Despite this fact, the climate here is much warmer than in others. The severity of the local weather is smoothed out by the close location of the Barents Sea, since the North Cape warm current enters this part of the ocean. Therefore, the climate here is quite mild, and severe frosts are relatively rare.

Due to the location of the Khibiny in the Arctic, twilight reigns here for half a year. In winter daylight is very small and lasts 2-3 hours. The polar night lasts for about four months - the period when the sun does not rise from the horizon. And because of the proximity to the magnetic pole of the planet, you can observe a very impressive phenomenon - northern lights.

Summer lasts two and a half months. The highest positive temperatures are +20 in July. The average for the month is +13 degrees. The coldest period lasts during January. average temperature month -11 degrees. And the Khibiny mountains have the most negative mark in winter -35 0 С. Photos of these places show that there are often fogs and high clouds. This indicates the influence of cyclones on the territory. Precipitation falls mostly in the form of snow.

Flora

Vegetation cover consists of several belts. The zone of coniferous and mixed forests is located mainly at the foot of the mountains and in river valleys at low altitudes. This belt ends at a height of 470 meters and occupies a third of the massif. It is dominated by spruce and birch. In the forest you can find mountain ash, aspen and bird cherry.

Above begins the zone of subalpine birch forests. It stretches in a narrow strip between the forest and tundra belts. Here grows a bathing suit, geraniums, and thistle.

Next comes the mountain-tundra zone. It occupies about half of the total area. Khibiny mountains. Below, dwarf shrub vegetation is common. In early August, the berry season continues. Blueberries, blueberries, cloudberries ripen. At the beginning of autumn, it's time for lingonberries. Above is the moss-lichen tundra. Mosses here are dominated by green and sphagnum mosses. Lichens cover large boulders stone rivers. Many plants included in the Red Book grow here.

Toponymy of names

The indigenous people in the Khibiny region are the Saami. On the map of these mountains there are entirely names in the language of this people. However, their meanings are different. Since there are several dialects in the Kola Peninsula.

One of the versions of the origin of the name of the mountains from the word "Khiben" is a flat hill. The Saami conditionally divided the Khibiny mountains into two parts: Umbozersky and Lavozersky. The first in their language sounded like Umptek, the second - Luyavrurt.

The Saami first came up with the name of the river, and then the valley was named from it. And then the ridges were indicated. The first part of the word is a sign of an object (high, rocky). The second meant geographical feature(mountain, river, lake). For example, Lake Woodyavr. Wood - a hill covered with shrubs. The root of the javr is a lake. Thus, the Saami gave simple descriptions objects. Among them, Vudyavr is a lake on a hill with shrubs.

The Khibiny Mountains are a wonderful land that you really want to visit. This unique place, where mountains, tundra, many lakes are combined with clear water and northern lights. Khibiny is rightly called a treasury of minerals.