The "stuff" between the grains

Is the grain boundary and interstitial component (GBIC) a significant repository for volatile elements and other incompatible trace elements?

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Earth Composition and Evolution

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olivier.alard@anu.edu.au

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Rocks are more than mere aggregates of minerals, grains have imperfect interfaces and nano- to micro-interstitial phases are commonly found within this interstitial media. This grain boundary and interstitial component (GBIC) represents an underappreciated repository for volatile elements and other (misfit) incompatible trace elements. Although early studies have highlighted the significance of GBIC, there has been limited assessment of the geochemistry and behavior of these essential components due to the absence of suitable analytical techniques.

Peridotite xenolith from Patagonia showing a typical upper-mantle mineral assemblage. A section of microphotograph (a, 3x3 mm) is depicted in the schematic view (b), highlighting incompatible atomic impurities such as volatiles and trace elements (represented by white circles of various sizes, not to scale) in lattice vacancies, their distribution and mobility (arrows) from crystal lattice toward grain boundary and interstitial media. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41561-022-01065-3