Theoretical and Systematics Mineralogy
Volcanic systems: deciphering mineral, ore and rock-forming processes through the study of minerals, new mineral species and varieties
Convener
Elena S. Zhitova, Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, Russian Academy of Sciences
Volcanic systems are associated with a variety of mineral formation settings. First and foremost, these are igneous rocks. Studying individual minerals and melt inclusions within them provides information about deep processes in the Earth's crust and mantle. At the surface, fluids enriched in magmatic components are released, forming exhalative minerals. In recent decades, this mineral formation setting has become one of the main sources of new mineral species, many of which are new inorganic compounds previously unknown to humans. Another aspect is volcanogenic ore formation. These settings are interesting because they host the formation of future gold, silver, and other mineral deposits. Understanding the processes that led to the deposition of ore components involves analyzing minerals and their associations, as well as studying gas-liquid inclusions. This study aims to create a complete picture of mineral formation and the development of ore deposits at all levels of volcanic systems.
Studying all these aspects provides unique information about volcanic modern and ancient systems, which we would like to discuss in this session.
