Petrogenetic model for the origin of carbonatites

The petrological significance and distribution of igneous carbonatites is discussed. Particular attention is paid to the relationship that exists between carbonatites and volcanism in East Africa. Using a simple model of a carbonatite-nephelinite-ijolite volcanic complex it was discovered that all the peralkaline and carbonatitic rocks found in such a complex could be derived from a single primary nephelinitic magma. The origin of such a primary magma, and the subsequent evolution carbonatitic sub-magmas, is examined.