Theoretical and Systematics Mineralogy
Mechanisms and Kinetics of Mineral-Fluid Interactions: From Atomic-scale Processes to Field-scale Systems
Co-Conveners
He Zhang, Nanjing University
Fang Xia, Murdoch University
Denis Fougerouse, Curtin University
Gujie Qian, Flinders University
Tobias Bamforth, Monash University
Joël Brugger, Monash University
Yuanfeng Cai, Nanjing University
Mineral–fluid interactions govern mineral stability, elemental mobility, and mass transfer across diverse spatial and temporal scales. Mineral dissolution and precipitation processes occurring at the mineral-fluid interface underpin ore formation, chemical weathering, diagenesis, metamorphism, and geochemical cycles. This session aims to advance mechanistic and kinetic insights into mineral–fluid interactions, linking atomic- and micro-scale processes to field-scale observations. We welcome contributions that integrate field studies, laboratory experiments, advanced analytical techniques (e.g., high-resolution microscopy, synchrotron techniques, isotope tracing), and computational methods (e.g., reactive transport modeling, atomistic simulations). Key topics include, but are not limited to: (1) the dynamics of mineral–fluid interfaces and the nucleation and growth of secondary phases; (2) the role of mineral-fluid interaction in controlling element cycling and redistribution across scales; (3) mechanistic and kinetic controls on mineral transformations and the development of characteristic mineral textures; and (4) applications to critical societal challenges, including ore exploration, geothermal energy, geologic carbon sequestration, nuclear waste storage, environmental remediation, and sustainable extraction of critical mineral resources.
