Zoning in garnets—Diffusion models

When reference frames and diffusing components are properly selected, the flux equations for diffusion of the major components in natural garnets may often be approximated by: J DC. In such cases it is shown that, for reasonable diffusion coefficients and boundary conditions, observed zoning profiles in natural garnets may be explained with pure diffusion models. These models allow for original inhomogeneities in the host rock and may be used to explain why single hand specimens may show such a variety of zoning profiles within a single mineral species.