Goldschmidt's Classification

These flashcards cover the key concepts and classifications related to Goldschmidt's classification from the lecture notes.

What are the four main categories in Goldschmidt's classification?

Atmophile, Lithophile, Siderophile, Chalcophile.

What does it mean for an element to be classified as Atmophile?

Elements are extremely volatile, forming gases or liquids at the surface of the Earth, and are concentrated in the atmosphere and hydrosphere.

What are Lithophile elements?

Elements that show an affinity for silicate phases and are concentrated in the silicate portion (crust and mantle) of the Earth.

Where are Siderophile elements concentrated?

Siderophile elements have an affinity for a metallic liquid phase and are concentrated in Earth's core.

What is the concentration pattern of Chalcophile elements?

Chalcophile elements have an affinity for a sulfide liquid phase and are often depleted in the silicate earth, with concentration in the core.

What is the significance of compatible elements in the mantle?

Compatible elements have concentrations maintained in the mantle as they are accepted in mantle minerals.

How are incompatible elements distributed within the Earth?

Incompatible elements are concentrated in the crust because they are not accepted in mantle minerals.

What is the learning objective regarding Goldschmidt’s classification?

To identify where different elements fit into Goldschmidt’s classification and explain these patterns.

What are the main distributions of elements within the Earth?

Atmophile in the atmosphere, Siderophile (and perhaps Chalcophile) in the core, Lithophile in the mantle and crust.