Behaviour of the trace elements in a front of metasomatic-metamorphism in the Dalradian of Co. Donegal

The epidioritc and quartzite of the Malin Head district, (Ireland) are considered by Holmes and Reynolds [7] to be metasomatically transformed into skarn-rocks and mica-schist respectively. The trace element contents of these rocks were investigated using semi-quantitative methods in order to study the behaviour of the different trace elements during the metasomatic changes which have taken place. The elements which have been determined are Rb, Ba, Ag and Pb; Sr, Y and La; Li, Cr, Ni, Co, V, Cu, Sc, Sn and Mo; Ga; Zr, Be, Tl, Ge and In. The trace elements follow the major elements for which they can substitute in favourable crystal lattices, the substitution being in accord with Goldschmidts rules. Rb, Ba and probably Pb and Ag follow and substitute for K; Sr and Y for Ca and probably K; Li, Cr, Ni, Co, V, Cu, Sc, Sn and Mo for Mg, Fe 2 and Fe 3 ; and Ga for Al.