DISTRIBUTION OF MINERALS IN NATURE IN THE CONTEXT OF EVOLUTIONARY VIEWS IN MODERN MINERALOGY

Abstract

The spatial distribution of minerals in nature is closely related to their genesis. Mineralogenetic reconstruction, including the reproduction of ontogenesis and the conditions for its implementation, is the highest form of reproduction of the genesis of minerals. A general methodical scheme of mineralogenetic research is proposed. The evolutionary views in modern mineralogy and the developments of scientists in two directions — ontogenesis and phylogenesis — are analyzed. On specific examples, it is shown that in nature the phenomenon of a regularly directed evolution of the shape of crystals is realized both during mineral formation and in the space where this process occurs. It can be traced in the change in the habits of individuals, the special zonality of crystals, the existence of spatio-temporal crystal genetic series of minerals and the crystal-morphological zonality of mineral bodies, ore regions, fields, provinces. The data of symmetrical statistics show the leading role of monoclinic minerals in the earth's crust and bowels of Ukraine. Analysis of changes in the characteristics of minerals in time and space makes it possible to reveal some regularities in the distribution of minerals in nature. This is the basis for the development of methods and criteria for the search and evaluation of mineral deposits.