Mass balance of complementary metasomatic processes using isocon analysis

Abstract

This study develops a method to estimate the redistribution of elements during several associated metasomatic processes simultaneously involved in the formation of a geological complex. The method is based on classical mass balancing using isocon analysis. The proposed approach is applicable if geological prerequisites indicate that (a) the metasomatic rocks inherited some components (x, y, etc.) from one of the earlier rocks of the studied complex; (b) these components have been transported by a fluid; and (c) this saturated fluid has produced several varieties of metasomatic rocks rich in components x, y, etc. In the case of the specified background, the proposed method estimates the mass proportions between the source rock and the varieties of the resulting metasomatic rocks. We present the geological profile of the processes to which the proposed method is applicable, the mathematical model of the method, examples of the application and interpretation of the results, and geological criteria to verify the obtained model results. In brief,•This study introduces a method for calculating the mass proportions between the source rock and metasomatic rocks formed from the material remobilized from the source rock;•The paper considers the applicability limits of the method, exemplifies the interpretation of the results, and shows the methods for monitoring the correctness of these results.