Factors governing the textural development of Skaergaard gabbros: A review

Recent work has shown that the nomenclature and earlier interpretations of “cumulates” no longer provide an adequate conceptual framework for understanding basic plutonic rocks. Most of the rocks have undergone extensive recrystallization and no longer preserve their original textures, compositions, or modal proportions. Depending on the conditions governing these metasomatic changes, they can produce a wide variety of effects. We still have much to learn, but with the abundant evidence available in well-studies bodies like the Skaergaard Intrusion it should be possible to reach a better understanding of the late-stage processes that have had such pervasive effects on mafic layered intrusions.