Chemical element - Ore Deposits

chemical element

Table of Contents

Introduction
General observations
Historical development of the concept of element
The atomic nature of the elements
- The structure of atoms
- The existence of isotopes
Origin of the elements
- Cosmic abundances of the elements
  - Stars and gas clouds
  - Cosmic rays
  - Solar system
  - Summary of observations
- Processes producing heavier elements
  - Reaction stages reflecting increasing temperature
    - Hydrogen burning
    - Helium burning
    - Carbon and oxygen burning
    - Silicon burning
    - Reversible nuclear reaction equilibrium
  - Neutron capture
- Regions of element synthesis
  - Element production in the universe as a whole
  - Element production in stars
  - Element production in massive objects
- Radioactive chronologies
Geochemical distribution of the elements
- Terrestrial distribution
  - The Earth’s core
  - The Earth’s mantle
  - The Earth’s crust
    - Igneous rocks
      Major components
      Elements of minor and trace abundance
    - Sedimentary rocks
    - Metamorphic rocks
    - Ore deposits
    - Mineral fuels
    - Soils
  - The hydrosphere
    - Composition of seawater
    - Circulation of water through the hydrosphere
    - Geochemical balance of seawater over time
  - The atmosphere
    - Composition
    - Geochemical history
- The geochemical cycle
  - Early history of the Earth
  - Results of magmatism, sedimentation, and metamorphism

References & Edit History Related Topics

Images & Videos

Crustal abundances of elements of atomic numbers 1 to 93.

Nobel Prize: chemical elements discovered by winners

Explore an atom's interior to discover the layout of its nucleus, protons, and electrons

How does periodic law help us understand elements' properties and how they relate to one another?

See how John Dalton built his atomic theory on principles laid out by Henry Cavendish and Joseph-Louis Proust

For Students

chemical element summary

Read Next

Close up of periodic table, focus on nickel, copper, zinc, palladium, silver, cadmium

When Was the Periodic Table Invented?

Discover

Albert Einstein in Washington, D.C. c. 1921-1923. Physicist

The Solar Eclipse That Made Albert Einstein a Science Celebrity

earthquake. Heavily damaged school in the town of Yingxiu after a major earthquake struck China's Sichuan Province on May 12, 2008.

The 6 Deadliest Earthquakes Since 1950

Aphrodite. Greek mythology. Sculpture. Aphrodite is the Greek goddess of love and beauty.

12 Greek Gods and Goddesses

The Sun Was Eaten: 6 Ways Cultures Have Explained Eclipses

In this aerial photo, structures are damaged and destroyed October 15, 2005 in Balakot, Pakistan. It is estimated that 90% of the city of Balakot was leveled by the earthquake. The death toll in the 7.6 magnitude earthquake that struck northern Pakistan on October 8, 2005 is believed to be 38,000 with at least 1,300 more dead in Indian Kashmir. SEE CONTENT NOTES.

6 of the World’s Deadliest Natural Disasters

Person paying with a credit card using a credit card terminal. Cashless payment, credit card reader

What Is a Cashless Society and How Does It Work?

African Americans demonstrating for voting rights in front of the White House as police and others watch, March 12, 1965. One sign reads, "We demand the right to vote everywhere." Voting Rights Act, civil rights.

Timeline of the American Civil Rights Movement

An ore deposit, in its simplest terms, is a portion of the Earth’s crust from which some industrial raw material can be extracted at a profit. As such, its characteristics are as much economic as geochemical. Nevertheless, its formation required the operation of geochemical processes to produce the concentration of a specific element or elements in a particular place. Economics decide whether this concentration is rated as an ore deposit or merely as a deposit of scientific interest. The economics may change with time, depending upon price, availability of transportation, cost of labour, and other factors. Some general principles can, ...(100 of 18829 words)

Access the full article

Help support true facts by becoming a member.