2025 Volume 59 Issue 3 Pages 91-102
Integrating information obtained from accessory minerals through microanalysis with rock textures and mineral microstructures has become an essential approach in modern petrology and geology. Zircon has been established as a reliable tool for constraining the timing and conditions of geological events, whereas monazite remains less explored and has significant potential as a powerful geochronometer and isotopic tracer. The diversity of monazite origins and the complexity of its responses to secondary disturbances have hindered its widespread use as a geochemical tool. In recent years, advances in monazite geochemical studies have made it possible to correlate its chemical composition with its formation environment and processes. This paper outlines the advantages and limitations of monazite-based approaches and presents the capability of the detrital monazite approach for elucidating the evolution of the continental crust. The benefits and challenges of applying machine learning techniques to geochemical data are also discussed in the context of handling the chemical composition data.
