1. Platinum-group elements
- Author
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Brenan J.M., Alard O., Carlson R.W., Lorand J.P., Luguet A., Morrison G.M., Mungall J.E., Naldrett A.J., Palme H., Rauch S., Schonbachler M., Shirey S.B., Brenan J.M., Alard O., Carlson R.W., Lorand J.P., Luguet A., Morrison G.M., Mungall J.E., Naldrett A.J., Palme H., Rauch S., Schonbachler M., and Shirey S.B.
- Abstract
Papers are presented on the platinum group elements, their ore deposits and environmental significance, and their applications in science and industry, in particular in cosmochemistry, isotopic geo- and cosmochemistry, and as tracers for the Earth's interior. The formation of PGE ore deposits requires that their concentrations be raised about four orders of magnitude above typical continental crustal abundances. Such extreme enrichment relies principally on the extraction capacity of sulphide liquid sequestering PGE from silicate magmas. Specific aspects of PGE ore formation are still highly controversial, including the role of hydrothermal fluids. The majority of the world's PGE reserves are held in a handful of deposits, most of which occur in the unique Bushveld complex of South Africa. Combined with three isotopic systems that contain PGE, the platinum-group metals offer a unique view of early solar system evolution, planet formation and differentiation, and biogeochemical cycling. Their unique properties, including high melting point, chemical inertia and ability to catalyse chemical reactions, has led to enormous industrial demand, most notably for fuel production and engine emission control. Combined with their scarcity in crustal rocks, these have made PGEs highly valued commodities., Papers are presented on the platinum group elements, their ore deposits and environmental significance, and their applications in science and industry, in particular in cosmochemistry, isotopic geo- and cosmochemistry, and as tracers for the Earth's interior. The formation of PGE ore deposits requires that their concentrations be raised about four orders of magnitude above typical continental crustal abundances. Such extreme enrichment relies principally on the extraction capacity of sulphide liquid sequestering PGE from silicate magmas. Specific aspects of PGE ore formation are still highly controversial, including the role of hydrothermal fluids. The majority of the world's PGE reserves are held in a handful of deposits, most of which occur in the unique Bushveld complex of South Africa. Combined with three isotopic systems that contain PGE, the platinum-group metals offer a unique view of early solar system evolution, planet formation and differentiation, and biogeochemical cycling. Their unique properties, including high melting point, chemical inertia and ability to catalyse chemical reactions, has led to enormous industrial demand, most notably for fuel production and engine emission control. Combined with their scarcity in crustal rocks, these have made PGEs highly valued commodities.
- Published
- 2008