THE CLASSIFICATION OF GRANITIC PEGMATITES REVISITED

The classifi cation of granitic pegmatites was frequently attempted during the past century, with variable degrees of success and applicability. Internal structure, paragenetic relationships, bulk chemical composition, petrogenetic aspects, nature of parent medium, and geochemical features were applied. However, all schemes were marked by contemporary degrees of understanding of these parameters, and most attempts were hindered by ignoring differences in geological environment. Substantial progress was achieved only since the late 1970s. The classifi cation is approached here from two directions, based on but broadened and refi ned from earlier works by Ginsburg and Čern´y. The fi rst concept deals with…

• IA
  Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada
• NS
  Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada