
Major element chemistry
Major element chemistry studies the primary building blocks of rocks and minerals, focusing on the most abundant elements like silicon, oxygen, aluminum, iron, calcium, sodium, potassium, and magnesium. These elements combine in specific ways to form different types of rocks, influencing their properties and formation processes. Understanding their proportions helps geologists interpret Earth's history, mineral resources, and planetary composition. Essentially, it’s about analyzing the fundamental elements that make up the Earth's crust and other planetary bodies, revealing insights into their formation and evolution.