ONTOGENETIC APPROACH TO THE METASOMATISM THEORY

Abstract

Metasomatism is a phenomenon of substitution of some minerals by other minerals under simultaneous dissolution of early minerals and crystallization of late minerals. The current physicochemical theory of metasomatism, which is based on a principle (a law) of differential mobility of components, does not correspond to the natural phenomena. The mineral bodies evolve in space and time under variable conditions and ontogenic approach is required for the modeling their genesis. Judging from morphological features, the metamorphic rocks of the Earth’s crust and mantle were mostly formed metasomatically. Mechanisms of local and regional metasomatism have no fundamental differences and are caused by formation of metacrystals in solid bodies.

Keywords

• ontogeny of minerals
• metasomatism
• metacrystal
• pseudomorph