Quantitative textural analysis of igneous rocks

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Petrology is the branch of geology that deals with how rocks form. The most common quantitative approach uses chemical and isotopic compositions of rocks and minerals. However, most rocks are made of crystals and it is possible to examine quantitatively the size, shape, orientation and position of these crystals. This innovative approach is used here explore the origin of igneous rocks dominated by chromite and olivine, both minerals denser than the magmas from which they may have crystallised. One project will examine how economic deposits of chromite have formed at the base of a magma chamber, or perhaps within a semi-solid crystal pile. The other project will examine the processes that occur at the top of a magma chamber, where olivine crystals are trapped by a downward growing solidification front.