Answer to Question #213586 in General Chemistry for Blue

Question

Why is it important in geochemistry to understand the atomic properties and geochemical behaviours of elements?        

Answer 1

Geochemistry plays an essential role in our understanding of processes that produce economic concentrations of minerals whether by hydrothermal, magmatic, metamorphic, hydraulic (both surficial and subterranean) or weathering agents, or a combination of these. Geochemistry also contributes importantly to exploration. All of these aspects are thoroughly discussed in this volume by acknowledged experts. The objective is to produce a treatise on ore deposits focusing on their geochemistry but also including geological models for a complete understanding of their genesis and guides to their exploration. Many chapters constitute a timely update of the popular ‘Geochemistry of Hydrothermal Ore Deposits’ edited by my PhD supervisor, Hubert L. Barnes, and last published in a third edition in 1997. First, though, a short primer on what constitutes an ore deposit and what makes them of economic value.