How does fractional crystallization contribute to the formation of economically important metal ores?

What will be an ideal response?


Most economically important metal atoms do not fit easily into the silicate minerals that form most of the crystals in solidifying magma. As a result, fractional crystallization concentrates originally trace quantities of the metal atoms so that they have relatively high concentrations in the last remaining melt. At these high concentrations, the metal atoms typically join with sulfur atoms to make sulfide ore minerals.

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

You might also like to view...

Overgrazing is most severe in grassland ecosystems

Indicate whether the statement is true or false

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

Compare the possible advantages and disadvantages of an approach to drug production in the region based on economic and social development rather than law enforcement

What will be an ideal response?

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

This figure has rock units and geologic features that are assigned letters that are not in any particular order. From the geologic relations, what is the oldest unit or feature of those listed below?

A. lava flow (unit L) B. fault (feature F) C. the canyon (feature N) D. dike (unit D) E. old river channels (feature R)

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

The east coast of present-day North America is a good example of a(n) ________ continental margin

A) active B) passive C) strike-slip D) lateral

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences