An evolutionary system of mineralogy, Part VII: The evolution of the igneous minerals (>2500 Ma)

Part VII of the evolutionary system of mineralogy catalogs, analyzes, and visualizes relationships among 919 natural kinds of primary igneous minerals, corresponding to 1665 mineral species approved by the International Mineralogical Association-minerals that are associated with the wide range of igneous rock types through 4.566 billion years of Earth history. A systematic survey of the mineral modes of 1850 varied igneous rocks from around the world reveals that 115 of these mineral kinds are frequent major and/or accessory phases. Of these most common primary igneous minerals, 69 are silicates, 19 are oxides, 13 are carbonates, and 6 are sulfides. Collectively, these 115 minerals incorporate at least 33 different essential chemical elements.