Granitic pegmatites: an assessment of current concepts and directions for the future

Although many explanations have been proposed for the internal zonation of granitic pegmatites, the most widely accepted model is attributed to R.H. Jahns. Jahns and Burnham [Jahns, R.H., Burnham, C.W., 1969. Experimental studies of pegmatite genesis: I. A model for the derivation and crystallization of granitic pegmatites. Econ. Geol. 64, 843–864] said that pegmatites owe their distinctive textural and zonal characteristics to the buoyant separation of aqueous vapor from silicate melt, giving rise to K-rich pegmatitic upper portions and Na-rich aplitic lower zones of individual pegmatites. Jahns and Tuttle [Janhs, R.H., Tuttle, O.F., 1963. Layered pegmatite–aplite intrusives. Spec. Pap.-Miner. Soc. Am. 1, 78–92] cited experiments as confirmation of this effect, but several experimental studies contradict the partitioning behavior that was the premise of Jahnsʹ model. More recent work indicates that pegmatite-forming melts should cool quickly, or in any case, more quickly than crystallization can keep pace with. The distinctive textural and zonal features of pegmatites have been replicated in experiments that employ constitutional zone refining of melts that are substantially undercooled before crystallization commences. Melt boundary layers formed by this process would represent the last silicate liquids to crystallize in pegmatites, which explains the tendency in pegmatites for abrupt transitions from simple to evolved mineral and rock compositions. The sources of pegmatite-forming melts and of the causes of regional zonation within pegmatite groups represent important directions for future research.