What is "paragenesis"

Paragenesis \Par`a*gen"e*sis\ (p[a^]r`[.a]*j[e^]n"[-e]*s[i^]s), n. [Pref. para- + genesis.]

1. (Min.) The science which treats of minerals with special reference to their origin.

2. (Geol.)

   1. The formation of minerals in contact, so as to affect one another's development.

   2. The order in which minerals occurring together in rocks and veins have developed.

n. 1 (context geology English) An ordered chronological sequence of mineral formations. 2 (context geology English) The formation of minerals in contact, so as to affect one another's development.

Paragenesis is a petrologic concept meaning an equilibrium sequence of mineral phases. It is used in studies of igneous and metamorphic rock genesis and importantly in studies of the hydrothermal deposition of ore minerals and the rock alteration ( vein metasomatism) associated with ore mineral deposits. The concept and application of paragenesis, from the Greek for born beside, was first applied by August Breithaupt in 1849 in his work Die Paragenesis der Mineralien.

The paragenetic sequence in mineral formation is an important concept in deciphering the detailed geologic history of ore deposits and metamorphic events. The sequence is worked out through detailed microscopic studies in polished ore mineral section, petrologic thin section and fluid inclusion studies as well as macroscopic field relations.