The effect of crystal field stabilization on the distribution of transition metals between metamorphic minerals

The distribution of transition-metal ions between silicate minerals of metamorphic rocks has been analyzed from the standpoint of crystal field theory. It is found that the order of distribution coefficients of ions of the same charge between two phases is partly determined by the relative crystal field stabilization energy (CFSE) of the ions. The effect of ionic radius is estimated to be smaller than that of CFSE. Use of CFSE values may lead to prediction of temperature dependence of trace-element partition coefficients.