Abstract:
Igneous rocks, solidified masses from natural silicate melt (magma), widely in different geologic environments ranging from ocean basins to continental high rises. Their studies have provided valuable information in understanding the composition of the earth’s crust and processes by which it has gone through various changes with the passage of time. Geochemistry has played a vital role in this regard. The geochemical characteristics of the igneous rocks have been used in solving the problems of their origin and evolution through various processes. Chemical composition of the present day igneous rocks have added to our understanding of the petrogenesis of ancient igneous rocks, the original tectonic settings of which have been obscured by later processes of alteration, deformation and metamorphism. In this review, a brief discussion of the tectonomagmatic discrimination diagrams based on major, trace and rare earth elements, isotopic composition and mineral chemistry of igneous rocks is presented in the context of their petrogenetic and palaeotectonic characteristics.
Page(s):
73-78
DOI:
DOI not available
Published:
Journal: Proceedings of Pakistan Academy of Sciences, Volume: 33, Issue: 1--2, Year: 1996