Lithium isotopes have many advantageous characteristics as geochemical tracers for a wide range of geological processes, covering fluid/melt-mineral interactions from the Earth’s surface to the mantle. The latest developments in Li isotope geochemistry, in terms of measuring techniques, major geochemical reservoirs, the contrasting behaviors during near-surface weathering, and crust/ mantle cyc...

The rare earth elements (REE) are composed of the Lanthanide Series of 15 elements with atomic numbers (57) through (71) and yttrium (39). Because of their geochemical behavior, REE rarely form their own minerals and more commonly are found incorporated within the structure of other minerals. There is growing concern over the economical availability of REE because of their diverse and expanding...