On the subdivision of rocks and mineral deposits on the upper levels of their genetic classificacion: possibilities of integrative approach

• Main Author: M. P. Pokrovsky
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: A.N. Zavaritsky Institute of Geology and Geochemistry 2015-01-01
• Series: Литосфера
• Subjects: общая классификация горных пород; общая классификация месторождений полезных ископаемых; методология геологии; general classification of rocks; general classification of mineral deposits; methodology of geology
• Online Access: https://test.lithosphere.ru/jour/article/view/197

The subdivision of rocks and mineral deposits distinguished on the upper levels of their genetic classifications - the major genetic classes of these objects is under study. As provided by the author’s concept of the “essence” category, a uniform approach to the classification of both rocks and mineral deposits has been suggested. Informative and historical correlation of rocks and mineral deposits classifications has been scrutinized. Their modern state in the aspect of differentiation and integration processes of science has been estimated and the necessity of integrative (uniting) approach to the creation of these classifications has been shown. From the general directions of the improvement of rocks and deposits classifications for the upper levels of these classifications genesis of geological objects has been suggested as priority. Based on the genesis geological objects are suggested to be divided into natural, anthropogenic and complex genesis (natural + anthropogenic). Natural objects are suggested to be divided into cosmogenic, geogenic and complex natural (cosmogenic + geogenic). Among the geogenic objects as the basic ones endogenous and exogenous are suggested to be distinguished, each of which is a primary (“protogenic”), born in these conditions, and secondary (“metagenic”), formed in these conditions due to changes in the previously created objects. This division (2 × 2) leads to 4 types of rocks (magmatic, metamorphic, sedimentary, rock weathering crust), corresponded to 4 types of mineral deposits (magmatic, metamorphic, sedimentary, deposits weathering crust). The proposed subdivision of rocks and mineral deposits is of great use for graphics recycling of substances in the processes of petro- and ore genesis. The transition from the traditional 3-membered division of rocks and mineral deposits to the suggested 4-membered is due to objective reasons. Despite the difficulties of this transition, its start is expected in the