Can we distinguish primary or metamorphic origin of a mineral based on there REE and trace element pattern ?
Dear Mr. Malviya,
you should be more specific and at least refer to a mineral group or even mineral species. An answer can only be given on an all or nothing basis. Moreover the magmatic and metamorphic realm are so divers that even there a reference to a certain P-T interval should be given. I suggest to pondering my recommendation.
H.G.Dill
Mr. Malviya,
It i possible to distinguish the minerals such as zircon, monazite based on their REE patterns and Trace element chemistry. There are many research papers in which such kind of studies have been done using individual mineral chemistry. I have attached few such papers for your reference.
Thank you Harald G. Dill Prof. Harald for your reply. I mean to ask if I have Trace and REE data of minerals like amphiboles(Hb), pyroxene and Biotite. Can we distinguish their primary and secondary nature.
Shivani Hulaji thank you very much for attached research paper
Dear Dr. Makviya:
I assume you want to distinguish the protolith of metamorphic rocks and differentiation of certain trace elements in the course of prograde metamorphism.
This is possible and even can be achieved by whole rock analysis of the metamorphic rocks. There are trace and major elements / ratios to constrain the protolith of paragneiss, orthogneiss, para/ ortho-amphibolite, para/ ortho-serpentinites etc. But you can take a much easier approach to constrain the primary environment.
1. Have a look at the metamorphic lithologies associated with your rock under study; are there meta-carbonates, metabiolites...etc. Sometimes you can get an impression of the hidden paleoenvironment. Even by the presence of strange minerals like scapolite (ref. palaeo-sabkha..) you can get a hint.
2. Use ACF and AFK diagrams where the protoliths are shown by reference fields
3. Try and find ultrastable minerals like rutile, tourmaline and zircon. A very subtle investigation of them microchemically and morphological may in some cases shed some light on the parent material.
Take a multiple approach encompassing a geological (1.), chemical (2) and mineralogical (3) method.
Some ratios like the Th/U ratios change along with prograding metamorphism.
With kind regards
H.G.Dill