Chapter 7 Summary: Trace Elements in
Igneous Processes
1. Overview of Trace Elements in Geochemistry
Trace elements, though present in small quantities, provide vital information on geological
processes. They exhibit substantial variation in concentration, often serving as indicators
of specific environmental conditions in magmas and rocks. Their behavior, influenced by
factors like temperature, pressure, and composition, can reveal much about the Earth’s
formation and its geochemical evolution.
2. Classification of Elements by Geochemical Behav-
ior
Goldschmidt’s Classification divides elements based on their affinity for certain phases:
• Lithophile Elements: Prefer silicate phases and are concentrated in the crust
and mantle (e.g., Si, Al).
• Siderophile Elements: Have an affinity for metallic phases and are thought to
be concentrated in the Earth’s core (e.g., Fe, Ni).
• Chalcophile Elements: Favor sulfide phases and often occur in ore deposits (e.g.,
Cu, Pb).
• Atmophile Elements: Highly volatile, these elements are concentrated in the
atmosphere (e.g., noble gases).
3. Key Concepts and Definitions
• Trace Elements: Elements present in small concentrations that provide unique
geological information due to their variable behaviors.
• Partition Coefficient (D): A ratio expressing how trace elements distribute be-
tween solid and liquid phases:
s/l Cis
Di = l
Ci
where Cis and Cil are the concentrations of element i in the solid and liquid phases,
respectively.
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• Compatibility and Incompatibility: Elements with D > 1 are compatible,
preferring solid phases, while those with D < 1 are incompatible, favoring the melt
phase.
4. Case Studies on the Application of Geochemistry
Geochemistry allows us to investigate the origins of geological formations, the composition
of the mantle, and the conditions under which igneous rocks and minerals form. Here are
several case studies illustrating geochemistry’s role in understanding Earth’s processes.
Case Study 1: Determining the Depth of Mantle Melting Using
Trace Elements
Certain trace elements in mantle-derived rocks, such as basalts, are sensitive to the depth
at which melting occurs. Light rare earth elements (LREEs) like La and Ce, for example,
concentrate in the melt when partial melting occurs, especially at lower pressures. By an-
alyzing LREEs in basalts, geologists can determine the depth of melting and understand
the mantle’s composition at different depths.
Project Process: 1. Sample Collection and Preparation: Basalt samples are
collected from volcanic areas. Samples are ground and analyzed using mass spectrome-
try to measure trace element concentrations. 2. Data Analysis: Geochemists compare
LREE concentrations with standard profiles, or “geochemical fingerprints,” of mantle
melting at known depths. 3. Geochemical Interpretation: Variations in LREE con-
centrations indicate the depth and degree of melting in the mantle, providing information
on mantle dynamics and magma generation.
Outcome: This information can reveal tectonic processes such as plate movement
and the interaction of crust and mantle.
Case Study 2: Trace Elements in Mineral Exploration and Ore
Formation
Chalcophile elements (e.g., Cu, Zn, Pb) are economically important because they tend
to form sulfide ore deposits. In the formation of these deposits, trace elements often
partition into sulfide liquids during cooling and solidification. Geochemists use trace ele-
ment distribution patterns to locate ore deposits and understand the geological conditions
under which they formed.
Project Process: 1. Field Survey and Sampling: Geologists conduct field sur-
veys in mineralized zones to sample rocks and soils containing trace metals. 2. Geo-
chemical Analysis: Laboratory tests (e.g., ICP-MS) determine the concentration of
chalcophile elements in samples. 3. Interpretation and Modeling: The concentration
and distribution of trace metals are analyzed to model ore formation. Geochemists use
partition coefficients to understand how elements concentrated during magma solidifica-
tion and crust formation.
Outcome: By understanding the conditions that lead to ore formation, geologists
can locate potential mining areas, contributing to resource exploration and economic
development.
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Case Study 3: Using Trace Elements to Identify Tectonic Set-
tings
Trace elements in ancient igneous rocks can indicate the tectonic setting in which the rocks
formed. For example, high field strength elements (HFS) like Nb and Ta are typically
depleted in subduction zone magmas due to their low solubility in hydrous fluids. By
analyzing the trace element profiles of ancient magmas, geochemists can infer tectonic
settings and reconstruct past environments.
Project Process: 1. Sample Selection and Preparation: Igneous rocks from
various geological settings are collected, cut, and analyzed for trace element profiles. 2.
Data Comparison: Geochemists compare trace element profiles with known patterns
from specific tectonic settings, such as mid-ocean ridges, subduction zones, and continen-
tal rifts. 3. Geochemical Modeling: Models using partition coefficients help determine
how elements behave in specific tectonic environments.
Outcome: This helps in reconstructing past tectonic configurations, providing a
window into Earth’s geological history.
5. Practical Questions
Discuss the significance of major, minor, and trace elements in geological
processes. Why is each group important?
Explain what we can learn from studying the distribution of elements in
mantle-derived rocks. What information does this distribution reveal?
Using a case study of your choice, discuss the role of trace elements in
determining the tectonic setting of ancient magmas. How do these elements
serve as indicators of past environments?
Describe how to calculate the partition coefficient for an element given
its concentration in coexisting phases. Discuss how temperature or pressure
variations might affect this coefficient.
Discuss the impact of ionic size and charge on the compatibility of trace
elements in mantle minerals, and apply Goldschmidt’s rules to predict sub-
stitution behavior in different minerals.
