Question

Why Fe is considered as a major element as well as a trace element in

geochemistry?
Ans
The term major or minor element can hardly be quantitatively be defined,
particularly for an element which pertains geochemically to the top-ten elements
making up the crust. There are figures between 1 and 5 wt. % to qualify for a
minor element and above to be a major one but this depends on the chemical
setting. As mineralogist dealing with the basic entity of rocks and ores I have
established my own classification scheme. A major element is relevant in the
crystal structure for the buildup of a mineral. In pyrrhotite S and Fe are the major
elements making up 38 and 62 %, respectively, in the Fe 0.95 S lattice. In sphalerite
ZnS (ideal formula) may be present as a minor element , e.g., Zn 0.95 Fe 0.05 S (= 64
% Zn, 3 % Fe, 33 % S). It has no influence on the crystal structure. The Fe content
may decrease to less than 1 % and substituted for by Cd, Hg, In, Ge, Mn, Ga and
increase to 10 % ("marmatite") it is still not relevant for a different naming of the
chemical compound and the structure does not change.
The classification depends on your geological/ mineralogical environment. In some
soils typical of ferrircretes and laterites it is a major element while in a soil on
calcareous bedrock it might be a minor element. The same holds true for
sediments. Grading into oolithic Fe ore, iron is without any doubt handled as a
major element because it is the element targeted upon whereas in salt minerals Fe
forming a chromophore is a trace element.
Ask yourself what role is Fe going to play in the environment under consideration
then you will get an idea whether Fe is to be considered as a major or minor
element.
Any universal definition is fraught with a lot problems. I hope it was of help for
you
H.G.Dill

Question:
Of the ultramafic rock Dunite, peridotite and pyroxenite, which one is older?
Answer:
Harzburgite is an ultrabasic plutonite (1) of the peridotite series with OPx and
olivine, dunite (2) consists almost only of olivine, wherlite (3) is composed of CPx
and olivine and the pyroxenite (3) is an intermediate ultrabasic rock with CPx, OPx
and Ol in this case. Gabbro(4) is the only plutonic rock which contains plagioclase.
The chronology of the sequence in the lower plutonic part of the fully-developed
ophiolite is given by the Arabic numerals 1 through 4. It is a cumulate-residual-
melt sequence. It is overlain by sheeted dikes of diabase and pillow-lavas hosting
Fe-Cu sulfide deposits (volcanic series).
In addition, the characteristic mineral deposits are given. From gabbro vertically
upwards also zeolite minerals appear (laumontite is one of the first to occur under
the most elevated temperatures).

Question
What clues provide zircon with higher ratios Th/U about magmatic
history?
 1. In accordance with the U-Th system in metamorphic rocks I would assume
that your change in the Th/U ratio is a function of temperature of formation.
2. I realized that. That is why I did not place emphasis on the metamorphic
grade s.s. but the temperature increase along with the change of the
metamorphic grade. It is correct that also the pressure and water content
might play a role.
See below Figure please (for answer 1).

Question
Can we judge the crystallization sequence by the degree of euhedral of
different minerals?
Answer
The X growth is a function of nucleation (the number and velocity of X nuclei
formed in a supercritical or subcritical solution) and growth rate which is
controlled by the oversaturation. When the rate of nucleation is high, a rather
homogenous rock will come into existence, is it low phenocrysts may evolve. Un-
impeded by the surrounding fluid material and/or “crystal mash” some minerals
will be able to develop there characteristic idiomorphic or euhedral X morphology.
There may still be some other smaller XX A prior to that process but the X B can
develop its shape much better due to its crystallographic features and the physical-
chemical regime around at this level than its predecessor. You will get a sequence
from euhedral, through subhedral to anhedral. In places, corrosion cavities may
demonstrate replacements and facilitate the researcher to establish the succession.
In other words, these porphyritic textures and euhedral minerals may attract our
attention first and render us hold them as early precipitates but this means “you
have made the bill without the landlord” because you did not consider the entire
system and the solution around and its physical-chemical regime.
HGD.

Question
What's the spacing between two different mineral lattices in a rock?
Answer
The intercrystalline space is synonymous with the intercrystalline porosity or pore space which
can be of primary or secondary origin. The primary origin is genetically related to the lithogenic
process resultant from a mass deficit. It can be very high in sedimentary rocks or rather low in
magmatic and metamorphic rocks, down to the nano-scale. Secondary porosity is caused by
supergene (weathering) or hypogene alteration (hydrothermal sub - and supercritical fluids). It is
controlled in its siting by primary textures, including primary pore space and/or secondary
physical structures such as tectonic ones (e.g. joint and fissure fillings or voids). The pore space
can be filled by gaseous, fluid or solid material.
The crystal lattice is identical with the minerals such as CPx or OPx, excluding some non-
crystalline phases such as glass.
HGD