The metasomatic development of zoned ultrabasic bodies in Unst,Shetland

Read (1934b) described the mineralogy and regional setting of spectacularly zoned ultrabasic bodies occurring in Unst, Shetland. Chemical and phase compositional data are presented here for a selection of samples taken from each of the several monomineralic zones.The phase sequence and elemental distribution are discussed in some detail since both are complicated. It is shown that virtually all distributional features may be explained on the basis of a diffusion model: transport most probably having occurred via aqueous solutions in pore space.The present configurations represent frozen reaction intermediates. Controls upon the nature and extent of reaction are analysed. Certain features may be explained on the basis of local equilibrium thermodynamics. These arguments, however, are inadequate. Fairly simple kinetic considerations lead to a much more satisfactory analysis.Some of the problems associated with concepts of element mobility are discussed briefly.