Mineral Evolution
Genetic Mineralogy and Prospecting Mineralogy: Bridging Theoretical Mechanisms to Exploration Practice
Co-Conveners
Shengrong Li, School of Earth Sciences and Resources, China University of Geosciences (Beijing)
Hans-Peter Schertl, Institute of Geosciences, Ruhr University Bochum
Dmitriy A. Zedgenizov, Zavaritsky Institute of Geology and Geochemistry, Ural Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Russia
Genetic mineralogy and prospecting mineralogy are core components of mineral evolution research, focusing on decoding the formation mechanisms of minerals and rocks, tracing their evolutionary processes, and translating theoretical insights into practical exploration strategies. As key branches of mineralogy, they play an irreplaceable role in revealing the temporal and spatial evolution of mineral systems, deciphering the genetic links between mineral assemblages and geological processes, and guiding the discovery of critical mineral resources in the context of deep-time Earth evolution.
We invite contributions from researchers across disciplines — including mineralogy, petrology, geochemistry, and exploration geology communities, among others to share perspectives, explore the genetic mechanisms of minerals and their prospecting implications, and unravel the enigma behind major metallogenic events such as magmatic-hydrothermal mineralization, sedimentary mineralization, and supergene mineralization etc.
Typomorphic characteristics of key minerals (e.g., pyrite, quartz, magnetite, apatite) and their implications for mineral genetic processes and metallogenic environment tracing.
Genetic mechanisms of minerals in different geological settings, including fluid activities in subduction zone, magmatic-hydrothermal processes, and supergene weathering, and their links to planetary mineral evolution.
Application of advanced analytical techniques (e.g., LA-ICP-MS/MS in-situ dating, VSWIR spectral analysis, hydrothermal diamond anvil cell experiments) in genetic mineralogy research.
Establishment of prospecting criteria based on mineral typomorphism and mineral assemblage evolution, and their application in exploration of critical mineral resources (e.g., Au, Li, REEs).
Integration of big data, artificial intelligence, and 3D geological modeling in prospecting mineralogy, including predictive modeling for deep and concealed ore deposits.
Co-evolutionary relationships between mineral genetic processes, lithospheric evolution, and biosphere, and their implications for mineral resource formation and preservation across deep time.
*IMA sessions on Earth and planetary materials will be sponsored in part by the Deep-Time Digital Earth Program, and they have been endorsed by the IMA Working Group on Genetic and Prospecting Mineralogy.
