Geochemistry Flashcards
Comprises the minimum number of chemicals, both atomic and molecular, species required to specify completely the compositions of all the phases present.
Component
An invariant point point in the phase diagram where the maximum number of allowable phases intersect and are in equilibrium. It could also be a point where Solidus and liquidus intersect.
Eutectic point
State of equilibrium with 0 degrees of freedom.
Invariant Equilibrium
An invariant point in a phase diagram where two faces that could never co-exist together react with each other to produce a new phase.
Peritectic Point
Enumerate the Light Rare Earth Elements
Mnemonics: Loyal Champions Protect Noble Princes, Seeking Emeralds
Lanthanum, Cerium, Praseodymium, NEODYMIUM, Promethium, Samarium, EUROPIUM
Enumerate the Heavy Rare Earth Elements
Mnemonics - Young Giants Tame Dragons, Holding Every Treasure You Love
YTTRIUM, Gadolinium, TERBIUM, DYSPROSIUM, Holmium, Erbium, Thulium, Ytterbium, Lutetium
Describe Sb/Sr magma signature.
Geochem signature of magma assimilation process. If melt has high Rb (incompatible element for melts) it will produce more Sr.
Describe Sm/Nd magma signature.
Geochem signature of magma assimilation process. Sm is more compatible with the melt during partial melting compared to Nd
Describe the Mg# and Fo# magma signature.
relationship of olivine and coexisting basaltic melt by studying Mg and Fe Content.
Describe Cr# magma signature.
The geochem signature of mantle derived magma. Fertile unaltered mantle originates as Lherzolite. Lherzolite evolves into tholeiitic basalt, leaving Dunite and Harzburgite as refractory residuum enriched with Cr.
Describe the trend of TiO2, FeO, MgO, CaO, P2O5, K2O, Na2O, and Al2O3 with increasing silica.
a. Decrease in TiO2, FeO, MgO, CaO, P2O5
b. Increase in K2O, Na2O
c. No strong variation in Al2O3
Determines the elements present in a material by measuring the secondary x-ray emitted by a sample when it is agitated by a primary x-ray source.
X-Ray Fluorescence
• Fluorescent (Secondary x-ray)
Quantifying present compounds in minerals, rocks, soils and particulates by detecting signature x-ray diffraction pattern.
X-Ray Diffraction
Quantitative determination of elements present in a material by using their absorption of optical radiation (light) by free atoms in the gaseous state.
Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy
Determining elements present in a material by quantifying the number of ions at a certain mass of the element.
Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)
Analytical technique that determines elemental mercury content.
Direct Mercury Analyzer (DMA-80)
Analytical technique that provides detailed information on chemical structure, phase and polymorphy, crystallinity and molecular interactions of a sample based on how light interacts with the chemical bonds.
Raman Spectroscopy
Enumerate the Platinum Group Elements
Platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), rhodium (Rh), ruthenium (Ru), osmium (Os) and iridium (Ir)
Siderophiles that are mostly used to study melting and crystallization in mafic-ultramafic systems where these said elements are typically hosted by sulfides
a. REE
b. Sc
c. PGEs
d. Sr
Platinum Group Elements
Indicates pyroxene fractionalization as it is concentrated in pyroxenes.
a. REE
b. Sc
c. PGEs
d. Sr
Scandium
A compatible element/elements in low P and may substitute for Ca in plagioclases and K in K-felds.
a. REE
b. Sc
c. PGEs
d. Sr
Strontium
Indicates source characteristics and liquid evolution.
a. REE
b. Sc
c. PGEs
d. Sr
REEs
Commonly incompatible and strongly partitioned into garnet and amphiboles.
a. Y
b. Ni, Co, Cr
c. Zr, Hf
d. Nb, Ta
Yttrium