Minor Elements in Volcanic Rocks

Abstract

The distribution of minor elements in volcanic rocks is reviewed especially on basaltic rocks. The log-normal distribution schemes are summarized based on the data by Ahrens. As an example, bi-lognormal distribution of chlorine is emphasized on the Hawaiian lava. Minor elements are classified into two groups, one is volatile, and the other is non-volatile. The distridution of volatile elements is interpretated by solubility into magma, which is related to the partial pressure of each volatile component in magmatic gases. The distribution of non-volatile elements is based on the Goldschmidt’s rule, and this rule is expanded to the distribution law defined by Nernst. The mean values of minor elements in crust, basalts, and the special basaltic rock, W-1, are listed.