Hazen-Ferry-2010-Elements_9_v6n1 (3)

Introduction to Mineral Evolution

  • Overview of mineral evolution in a historical context.

  • Earth’s geosphere and biosphere have coevolved through specific processes.

  • Study subdivides mineral evolution into three main eras and ten stages.

The Big Bang and Initial Minerals

  • No minerals existed immediately post Big Bang; hydrogen, helium, lithium formed after ~500,000 years.

  • Formation of first stars led to heavier elements through nuclear fusion.

  • Supernovae allowed the creation of the first crystalline minerals.

  • Initial minerals likely included diamond, graphite, and various carbides, nitrides, oxides, and magnesium silicates.

Era 1: Planetary Accretion

Stage 1: Formation of Primary Condensates

  • Occurred ~4.6 billion years ago during the Sun's T-Tauri phase.

  • Approximately 60 mineral species emerged, including iron-nickel metals and familiar silicates.

Stage 2: Planetary Differentiation

  • Planetary bodies further differentiated, resulting in about 250 mineral species due to thermal processes.

  • Involved solidification and aqueous alteration in planetary building blocks, leading to diverse meteorite minerals.

Era 2: Crust and Mantle Reworking

Stage 3: Igneous Rock Evolution

  • Processes of volcanism and fluid-rock interactions resulted in libraries of around 350-500 mineral species.

  • The mineral diversity varies based on availability of volatiles like H2O.

Stage 4: Granoitic Formation

  • Formation of granitoids from repeated partial melting enriched the crust with rare elements.

  • This stage can harbor around 500 diverse minerals.

Stage 5: Impact of Plate Tectonics

  • Greatest mineral diversification resulted from plate tectonics.

  • Introduced over 150 new mineral species through subduction processes and mineral deposits.

Era 3: Biologically Mediated Mineralogy

Stage 6: Anoxic Conditions

  • Early life had minimal effect on mineral diversity; existing mineral species remained relatively unchanged.

Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event (GOE)

  • Occurred ~2.4 billion years ago; introduction of oxygen drastically altered Earth’s mineralogy.

  • Created over 2500 hydrated and oxidized minerals differing from previous anoxic conditions.

Stage 8: Intermediate Ocean

  • Period of relative mineralogical stability marked by changes in oceanic environments.

  • Interface between oxic and anoxic conditions deepened gradually.

Stage 9: Snowball Earth Events

  • Significant global glaciations (~1.0 to 0.542 Ga) where ice dominated Earth's surface.

  • Despite glaciation, volcanic activity contributed to surface mineral diversity.

Stage 10: Phanerozoic Era

  • Evolution of living organisms led to new mineralization processes, notably bioskeleton formation from carbonates, phosphates, and silica.

  • The rise of land plants significantly enhanced soil formation and mineral production.

Implications of Mineral Evolution

  • The historical perspective on mineral evolution emphasizes the significance of time in understanding mineralogy.

  • Integration of mineral studies within broader Earth science enhances understanding of planetary formation and the pursuit of extraterrestrial life.

  • Highlights the interconnection between mineral diversity and processes such as plate tectonics and the evolution of life.

Key Terms

  • Mineral Evolution

  • Biomineralization

  • Planetary Accretion

  • Crust and Mantle Processes

  • Great Oxidation Event

Conclusion

  • Continues to provide a framework for future studies in planetary science and geology, emphasizing mineral diversity as a consequence of time and processes.