Abstract
Exact equations are derived for fractionation curves of basaltic and ultrabasic liquids. The ideal fractionation equation has the form y = axK while equilibrium crystallisation has the form (1/y) = Km1(1/x) + b1 . (1 โ K), and batch fractionation, y = Km2 + b2 ยท (1 โ K). A ratio transformation as in Pearce diagrams allows natural data to be analysed to determine if a constant distribution coefficient fits the data: K may also be determined directly. Published data for a series of liquids fractionated from a lunar picrite parent have been analysed using the equilibrium equation. The average K value is K = 0.323 with a linear correlation coefficient, R = 0.996. The reported olivine analyses yield a K = 0.321 for the same set of experiments. Using the ideal fractionation equation, the liquid line of descent can be calculated and constraints placed on the primitive liquids which produced a given mafic rock by olivine fractionation.
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Pearce, T. Olivine fractionation equations for basaltic and ultrabasic liquids. Nature 276, 771โ774 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1038/276771a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/276771a0
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