Alkaline and Ultra-Alkaline Rocks, Carbonatites, and Kimberlites

Abstract

The petrology and origin of some rare rock types that have high to very high alkalis, including kimberlites to phonolites, are discussed in this chapter. Carbonatites are also included here because they are commonly associated with alkaline igneous rocks. In previous chapters we have discussed alkaline igneous activities in intraplate and subduction environments. Here, we focus on alkaline and ultra-alkaline igneous activities in cratonic and continental rift environments.