Abstract: The study of the volcano–sedimentary sequence in the lower part of the Zaonega formation in the Paleoproterozoic Onega structure (Karelian craton, Fennoscandian Shield) has shown that tuffaceous and high-silica rocks predominate in its composition. High-silica rocks (SiO2 up to 94 wt %) are depleted in all elements and probably represent chemogenic siliceous silts. Tuffaceous rocks vary broadly in composition and were formed during mixing of tuffogenous basalt material and high-silica chemogenic sediments. In terms of levels of contents and the distribution character of trace elements, tuffogenous rocks are close to N-MORB volcanic rocks. This rock association is typical of the early stages of continental rifting in the Phanerozoic and may indicate the formation of volcano–sedimentary complexes of the Zaonega formation in the environment of continental rifting. The tuffaceous rocks in the lower part of the Zaonega formation are geochemically identical to dolerite dikes and MORB-type volcanic rocks 2.10–2.14 Ga in age. Their formation was probably related to this episode of large-scale extension and thinning of the continental lithosphere of the Karelian craton in the Middle Paleoproterozoic. In this case, the age limit of the Zaonega and underlying Tulomozero formations should be somewhat older than the 2.06–2.10 Ga interval accepted in the modern regional stratigraphic schemes of the Paleoproterozoic Fennoscandian shield.