The rare earth elements in zircons as pathfinder of geological events

Abstract

The usual main purpose of the zircon investigation is to determine the precise age of particular rocks, applying the U-Pb isotope method. In this study we attempt to reveal the vast potential of zircons in understanding the magmatic and modification processes, as well as the structure of the deeper Earth’s interior, using the analysis of the zircon population of the major volcanic variety in the Ruen tectono-magmatic zone, Kyustendil area, SW Bulgaria. The ascending magmas crosscut different rock types and units along their path to the Earth’s surface. Using the zircon crystal analysis, we may make consideration about the age and chemical characteristics of these units. The trace and rare earth element (REE) content of the zircons brings insights for the rock formation time and discloses characteristics of the deeper parts of the Earth’s crust.