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Geochem Diagrams are created using "aliased" variables which means any
datasets that contain the required variables (in any element/oxide/unit
combination) can be used with the diagram as ioGAS is able to convert the
data into the required format for display.
Free Diagrams are created using "non-aliased" variables can only be used
with datasets containing variables in the exact same element/oxide/unit
format and labelled with the same column name.
If a data file does not contain the required variables to create a diagram it will be
greyed out in the Diagram>Provided or User menu lists.
Example TAS Diagram Showing Na2O + K2O and SiO2 Axes
Provided Diagrams
User Diagrams
Users can create their own custom classification diagrams and save them for future
use or share them with other users.
Classification Diagram Plot Window
Classification diagram plot windows can be zoomed and panned and data selections
are able to be made in the same way as in other standard ioGAS plots. Any colour,
shape, size attributes set in the Attribute Manager are displayed by the data points
and visibility settings are also reflected in diagram windows. Data points can be
colour, shape or size attributed according to the diagram feature (polygon) they fall
within and then these attributes can be permanently saved back to the dataset as new
variables and exported if required.
Point Density grids can be displayed to make it easier to see where the data is more
heavily concentrated and the location of mineral or rock compositions can also be
plotted on classification diagrams.
See Display Data on Diagram for details on how to view data on a classification
diagram.
Expand the tables below for a full list of diagrams available within ioGAS. To view
the diagram supporting information from within the Diagram>Provided menu hover
the cursor over the menu item. If a diagram is greyed out then it means that one or
more variables is not present in the dataset. The missing variable(s) should be
displayed in the tooltip when the cursor is hovered over the entry.
Tooltip showing variables required to open Diagram that are missing from open dataset
Available Diagrams
Alteration Vectoring
Group Name Reference Comments
Alkali- Davies J. F. and Whitehead Na/Al vs K/Al Molar Ratio
Alteration
Alumina R. E., 2006 Alkali/Alumina Diagram. Alkali/alumina
Vectoring
Ratios Molar Ratio Trends in molar ratios of feldspars,
Altered Granitoid Rocks micas and clay minerals.
Hosting Porphyry and Alunite plots at the same
Related Deposits point as muscovite; clay
minerals and other aluminous
non alkali-bearing minerals
such as many chlorites,
epidote and topaz lie at the
origin on this diagram.
Chlorite Carbonate Pyrite
Index vs Alteration Index.
Chl-Mus-
Kfeld-Biot
Feldspar
Control
Diagram
Stanley C. R., and Molar ratios used
Madeisky H. E., 1996 throughout the PER-
Lithogeochemical GER ratio diagrams.
Feldspar
Exploration for "KF"
Na-K
Metasomatic Zones orthoclase,"Mu"
Control
Associated with muscovite,"Ab"
Diagram
Hydrothermal Mineral albite, "Cd"
Deposits Using Pearce cordierite, "AF"
Element Ratio Analysis Alkali feldspar
control line.
Geomet
Sub-
Group Name Reference Comments
Group
Molar diagram for copper
sulphide minerals.
Different slope values
describes different copper
Copper Sulphide
sulphide minerals.
Cu Minerals (Corr
Geomet
Sulphide for Ba, Py, Ga,
This diagram is projected
Sph & Asp)
(i.e. corrected for the
presence of) from barite,
pyrite, galena, sphalerite,
and arsenopyrite
Molar diagram for copper
sulphide minerals.
Different slope values
Copper Sulphide describes different copper
Minerals (Corr sulphide minerals.
for Ba)
This diagram is projected
(i.e. corrected for the
presence of) from barite
Molar diagram for copper
Copper Sulphide sulphide minerals.
Minerals Different slope values
(uncorrected) describes different copper
sulphide minerals.
Uses Cu and S data in
ppm to classify copper
sulphide mineralogy. The
mineral field boundaries
represents abundance of
copper sulphide minerals
In-house
and are drawn halfway
classification
S vs Cu Atomic between the Cu to S
diagram produced
Weight Ratios atomic weight ratios of
by REFLEX
their respective Cu-
Geochemistry, 2012.
sulphide mineral end
members.
Cc = Chalcocite, Bn =
Bornite, Cpy =
Chalcopyrite, Py = Pyrite
Iron Ore Fe Oxide Quartz In-house Uses SiO2 and Fe data (in
Kaolinite Plot classification pct) to assess
diagram produced mineralogical controls on
by REFLEX iron ore grade. Used to
Geochemistry, 2014. classify the various types
of Fe ore based on Fe and
clay content.
IUGS Diagrams
Sub-
Group Name Reference Comments
Group
Le Maitre, R. W.
Chemical classification of
(editor), Bateman, P.,
carbonatites using weight
Dudek, A., Keller, J. et
percent oxides of MgO,
al. 1989
CaO, FeO, Fe2O3 and
MnO.
A Classification of
IUGS Igneous rocks and
Carbonatite Use when rock contains
Diagrams Glossary of Terms:
Rock more than 50% modal
Recommendations of
Classification carbonates.
the International Union
of Geological Sciences
This diagram requires the
Subcommission on the
following columns to be
Systematics of Igneous
aliased: CaO_pct,
Rocks. Blackwell
MgO_pct, FeO_pct,
Scientific Publications,
Fe2O3_pct, MnO_pct
Oxford.
Classification and
nomenclature of gabbroic
rocks based on the modal
proportions of hornblende
Gabbroic
(Hbl), pyroxene (Px) and
Rock
As Above plagioclase (Plag)
Classification
Plag-Px-Hbl
Column headers in data
file must exactly match
diagram variables: Plag,
Px and Hbl.
Classification and
nomenclature of gabbroic
rocks based on the modal
proportions of olivine (Ol),
Gabbroic
pyroxene (Px) and
Rock
As Above plagioclase (Plag)
Classification
Plag-Px-Ol
Column headers in data
file must exactly match
diagram variables: Plag,
Px and Ol.
IUGS classification of
melilitic plutonic rocks
based on the modal
proportions of Olivine
Melilitic Rock (Ol), Melilite (Mel) and
Classification As Above Clinopyroxene (Cpx).
(Plutonic)
Column headers in data
file must exactly match
diagram variables: Mel, Ol
and Cpx.
IUGS classification of
melilitic volcanic rocks
based on the modal
proportions of Olivine
Melilitic Rock (Ol), Melilite (Mel) and
Classification As Above Clinopyroxene (Cpx).
(Volcanic)
Column headers in data
file must exactly match
diagram variables: Mel, Ol
and Cpx.
Schmid, R., 1981. Use classification if rock
Pyroclastic Descriptive considered to have
Rock nomenclature and pyroclastic origin. Bombs
Classification classification of = pyroclasts> 64 mm with
pyroclastic deposits surface indicating wholly
and fragments: or partly molten during
formation and transport.
Recommendations of Blocks = pyroclasts<64
the International Union mm with
of Geological Sciences angular/subangular
Subcommission on the surface. Lapilli =
Systematics of Igneous pyroclasts of any shape
Rocks. Geology. between 2-64 mm in mean
diameter, Ash = pyroclasts
The Geological Society <2 mm in mean diameter.
of America. Boulder.
Vol. 9, p. 41-43. Column headers in data
file must exactly match
diagram variables: Blocks
and Bombs, Lapilli and
Ash.
Classification and
Le Maitre, R. W.
nomenclature of plutonic
(editor), Bateman, P.,
rocks according to their
Dudek, A., Keller, J. et
modal mineral contents
al. 1989
Quartz (Qtz), Alkali-
Feldspar (AlkFeld) and
A Classification of
Plagioclase (Plag)
Igneous rocks and
QAP Rock
Glossary of Terms:
Classification Use when mafic minerals
Recommendations of
(Plutonic) are <90% and re-calculate
the International Union
modal amounts so Qtz +
of Geological Sciences
AlkFeld + Plag = 100%
Subcommission on the
Systematics of Igneous
Column headers in data
Rocks. Blackwell
file must match diagram
Scientific Publications,
variables: Qtz, AlkFeld
Oxford.
and Plag.
Classification and
nomenclature of volcanic
rocks according to their
modal mineral contents
Quartz (Qtz), Alkali-
Feldspar (AlkFeld) and
Plagioclase (Plag)
QAP Rock
Classification As Above Use when mafic minerals
(Volcanic) are <90% and re-calculate
modal amounts so Qtz +
AlkFeld + Plag = 100%
IOCG Exploration
Sub-
Group Name Reference Comments
Group
Montreuil, J.F, Iron-Oxide-Copper-
Corriveau, L. and Gold alteration diagram
Grunsky, E.C. 2013, discriminates between
IOCG
IOCG Compositional data Na, Na-Ca-Fe, Ca-Fe,
Alteration
Exploration analysis of Ca-K-Fe- K-Fe (HT and
Diagram
hydrothermal alteration LT) and K alteration
in IOCG systems, types. Uses molar
Great Bear magmatic concentration to directly
zone, Canada: to each represent the
alteration type its own geochemical signature
geochemical signature. and mineralogy of the
Geochemistry: rocks.
Exploration,
Environment, Analysis, Alteration fields based
vol.13, p.229-247 on alteration sequencing
model of Corriveau et
al. (2010) and is
suitable to be used on a
wide variety of
protoliths.The two grey-
coloured fields in the
centre represent the
superimposition of
weakly altered rocks
onto the existing
alteration fields.
Discriminates between
barren and mineralised
Fe stone in the Selwyn
Au-Cu deposit in NW
Queensland. The axes
of the diagram are
calculated Principal
CRC LEME OFR 128. Components of the
2002. The geochemical following elements:
Selwyn Fe
discrimination of Mg, K, Mn, Co, W, Ba,
Stone
mineralised and barren and Rb.
Classification
ironstones from the
- No Cu-Au
Selwyn Au-Cu Deposit, Cu and Au are omitted
N.W. Queensland. from the calculated
Principal Components
in this diagram to
remove the influence of
Cu and Au in
differentiating between
the mineralised and
barren Fe rocks.
Discriminates between
barren and mineralised
CRC LEME OFR 128. Fe stone in the Selwyn
2002. The geochemical Au-Cu deposit in NW
Selwyn Fe discrimination of Queensland.
Stone mineralised and barren
Classification ironstones from the The axes of the diagram
Selwyn Au-Cu Deposit, are calculated Principal
N.W. Queensland. Components of the
following elements:
Mg, K, Mn, Cu, Co, W,
Ba, Au and Rb.
Metamorphic
Sub-
Group Name Reference Comments
Group
ACF diagram for
amphibolite
metamorphic facies.
Amphibolite Best, Myron G.
Partial Fe must be
Facies (Ferric & Igneous and
reported as
Ferrous Fe) Metamorphic
ferrous/ferric oxides
Metamorphic ACF Petrology. Malden,
and aliased to FeO*
Amphibolite MA : Blackwell
and Fe2O3*.
Facies (Total Publishers, 2002.
Fe) (1985)
Total Fe uses FeO
(total) or Fe2O3
(total) aliased to
FeO or Fe2O3.
ACF diagram for
blueschist
metamorphic facies.
Blueschist
Partial Fe must be
Facies (Ferric &
reported as
Ferrous Fe)
ferrous/ferric oxides
As Above
and aliased to FeO*
Blueschist
and Fe2O3*.
Facies (Total
Fe)
Total Fe uses FeO
(total) or Fe2O3
(total) aliased to
FeO or Fe2O3.
ACF diagram for
granulite
metamorphic facies.
Mineral Chemistry
Group Sub-Group Name Reference Comments
Diamond Kimberlite chromite
Cr2O3 vs
Mineral Indicators> Skinner et al., Lithos discrimination
MgO in
Chemistry 76 (2004) 233-259 diagram showing the
Chromites
Chromite field of diamond
inclusions and
intergrowth
Kimberlite chromite
discrimination
Cr2O3 vs
Skinner et al., Lithos diagram showing the
TiO2 in
76 (2004) 233-259 field of diamond
Chromites
inclusions and
intergrowth
Crabtree D., An
overview of the
Ontario Geological
Survey's KIM
database:
Interpretation of KIM (kimberlite
Chromite and Cr- indicator minerals)
diopside Data from diagram used to
Diamond Regional Surveys, discriminate mantle
Indicators> Diamond Al- Indicator mineral xenolith Cr-diopside
Cr-Na methods in mineral from those of other
Diopside exploration sources. Overlapping
Proceedings of a data should be filtered
short course out by the Na2O vs
presented by: Ca/(Ca+Mg) diagram.
Prospectors and
developers
Association of
Canada, March 2003,
Toronto, Canada
Diagram is used to
discriminate Cr-
diopsides in
Na2O vs Ca
As Above. xenocrysts and
(Ca+Mg)
xenoliths in
kimberlites from those
of other sources
Mantle garnets
discrimination
Grutter et al., 2003,
Diamond Garnet CaO diagram valid for
Lithos 77 (2004)
Indicators> Content- garnets with less than
p841-857, Grutter et
Diamond 4% TiO2 (wt%) in
al., 2006, Jour Pet 47,
Garnet Stability peridotites (lherzolites,
801-820
wehrlites,
harzburgites)
Garnet classification
Grutter et al., 2003,
diagram for garnets
Garnet G# Lithos 77 (2004)
with more than 4wt%
Classification p841-857, Grutter et
TiO2 (megacrystic Ca-
High TiO2 al., 2006, Jour Pet 47,
poor garnets found as
801-820
xenoliths in
peridotites)
Garnet classification
Grutter et al., 2003,
diagram for garnets
Garnet G# Lithos 77 (2004)
with less than 4%
Classification p841-857, Grutter et
TiO2(wt%) in
Low TiO2 al., 2006, Jour Pet 47,
peridotites, eclogites
801-820
and pyroxenites
Discrimination
Schultze D. J., 1999
TiO2 vs diagram used for Cr-
Explor. Mining
Cr2O3 in Cr- poor garnet
Geol., Vol. 6, No. 4,
Poor Garnets megacrysts from
pp. 349-366, 1997
garnets in peridotites
Diagram is used to
separate hi TiO2
(megacrystic) from
low TiO2 garnets
(eclogite, pyroxenite).
Mg# is calculated as
molecular. Fe must be
TiO2 vs Mg# reported as
Grutter et al., Lithos
(Ferric & ferrous/ferric oxides
77 (2004) 841-857
Ferrous Fe) and aliased to FeO*
and Fe2O3*. This
decides whether Hi
TiO2 G# diagram or
Low TiO2 G# diagram
should be used to
further classify the
garnets.
Discrimination
diagram for hi TiO2
(megacrystic) from
low TiO2 garnets in
eclogite, pyroxenite,
kimberlites. At any
given Mg#,
megacrystic garnets
TiO2 vs Mg# Grutter et al., Lithos have a higher TiO2
(Total Fe) 77 (2004) 841-857 content. This decides
whether Hi TiO2 G#
diagram or Low TiO2
G# diagram should be
used to further classify
the garnets. Use FeO
(total) or Fe2O3 (total)
aliased to FeO or
Fe2O3.
TiO2 vs Schultze D. J., 1999 Discrimination
Na2O Explor. Mining diagram for garnets
Geol., Vol. 6, No. 4, from eclogite xenoliths
pp. 349-366, 1997 vs eclogite garnets
included in diamonds.
Diamondiferous
eclogite xenoliths have
more restricted
compositions
compared to those of
garnet inclusions in
diamonds.
M=megacryst field,
DE=diamond eclogite
field, G11 field of hi-
TiO2 peridotitic (Ti-
metasomatised
peridotite.
Diamond Kimberlitic ilmenite
Cr2O3 vs
Indicators> Skinner et al., Lithos discrimination
MgO for
76 (2004) 233-259 diagram (between 5
Ilmenites
Ilmenite and 10 wt% MgO)
Ca + Al + Mn vs. Ti +
V discriminant
diagram for average
Fe-oxide compositions
Fig. 6., Dupuis and
from Kiruna, IOCG,
Beaudoin, 2011.
porphyry Cu, skarn,
Discriminant
Fe-Ti-V, and BIF
diagrams for iron
Iron Oxide deposits. This plot is
oxide trace element
IOCG Ca+Al+Mn vs to be used with
fingerprinting of
Ti+V mineral chemistry
mineral deposit
data. Whole rock
types. Mineralium
chemistry data will
Deposita vol. 46, pp.
mostly plot outside the
319-335
range of values
represented by the
polygons in this
diagram.
Ni Exploration
Sub-
Group Name Reference Comments
Group
Brand N.W. 1999.
Element ratios in
Nickel Sulphide
Discrimination diagram between
exploration:
Ni Ni vs normal Ni concentrations and
vectoring towards
Exploration Cr potential economical
ore environments. J.
accumulation
Geochemical
Exploration, V67,
pp.145-165
Brand N.W. (2004)
Geochemical
Expressions of
Nickel Sulphide
Deposits. AIG
Ni vs
Seminar, Advances As above.
MgO
and Innovations in
the Exploration for
Nickel Sulphide
Deposits, Perth WA,
12 November 2004;
Yilgarn gossan (Cu+Ni)/M vs M
Clema J.M., and
plot. M=Ni+Cu+Zn+Pb+Cr is a
Stevens-Oare N.P.,
representation of metal content in
1973. A method for
gossans of the Yilgarn block.
distinguishing nickel
Yilgarn Note Gossan field right border is
gossans from other
Gossan arbitrary. Cr used here is the
ironstones on the
Cu+Ni perchloric-nitric soluble
Yilgarn Shield,
chromium. Diagram should not
Western Australia. J.
be used for samples with less
Geochem. Explor.,
than 300ppm Cu and over 3000
2:393-402
ppm Ni
Yilgarn
Yilgarn gossan (Mn+Cr)/M plot.
Gossan As above.
As Above.
Mn+Cr
Porphyry Cu Exploration
Group Sub-Group Name Reference Comments
Porphyry (LaSm)n Richards et al., 2012, Comparison of ratios of
Cu Adakites vs High Sr/Y Magmas normalised LREE/MREE
Exploration (DyYb)n Reflect Arc Maturity, (La/Sm)n to normalised
High Magmatic MREE/HREE (Dy/Yb)n
Water Content, and as a discriminant of
Porphyry Cu +/- Mo hornblende (+/- titanite)
+/- Au Potential: vs. garnet
Examples from the frationation/restite.
Tethyan Arcs of Normalisation values
Central and Eastern from Sun and
Iran and Western McDonough (1989).
Pakistan, Economic
Geology, v.107, pp.
310, Fig 9b
Richards et al., 2012,
High Sr/Y Magmas
Reflect Arc Maturity,
High Magmatic Plot of Europium norm
Water Content, and (Eu(n)/Eu) against SiO2
Porphyry Cu +/- Mo as indicators for
Eu(n)Eu +/- Au Potential: plagioclase fractionation
vs SiO2 Examples from the in igneous rocks.
Tethyan Arcs of Normalisation values
Central and Eastern from Sun and
Iran and Western McDonough (1989).
Pakistan, Economic
Geology, v.107, pp.
310, Fig 9a
Richards et al., 2012,
High Sr/Y Magmas
Reflect Arc Maturity, Plot of La/Yb against
High Magmatic SiO2 as indicator for
Water Content, and fractionation of LREE-
Porphyry Cu +/- Mo enriched accessory
LaYb vs +/- Au Potential: mineral such as monazite
SiO2 Examples from the or allanite from more
Tethyan Arcs of felsic magmas. Fields for
Central and Eastern Adakite-like rocks from
Iran and Western Richards and Kerrich
Pakistan, Economic (2007).
Geology, v.107, pp.
310, Fig 9f
Richards et al., 2012,
High Sr/Y Magmas
Reflect Arc Maturity, Plot of La/Yb against Yb.
High Magmatic The fields for typical
Water Content, and composition of Adakite-
LaYb vs
Porphyry Cu +/- Mo like rocks and normal
Yb
+/- Au Potential: andesite-dacite-rhyolite
Examples from the rocks are from Richards
Tethyan Arcs of and Kerrich (2007)
Central and Eastern
Iran and Western
Pakistan, Economic
Geology, v.107, pp.
310, Fig 9d
Richards et al., 2012,
High Sr/Y Magmas
Reflect Arc Maturity,
High Magmatic Porphyry Cu
Water Content, and Prospectivity Sr/Y vs
Porphyry Cu +/- Mo SiO2 wt% . Plot of Sr/Y
SrY vs +/- Au Potential: against SiO2. The fields
SiO2 Examples from the for typical composition of
Tethyan Arcs of Adakite-like rocks are
Central and Eastern from Richards and
Iran and Western Kerrich (2007)
Pakistan, Economic
Geology, v.107, pp.
310, Fig 9e
Richards et al., 2012,
High Sr/Y Magmas
Reflect Arc Maturity,
Porphyry Cu
High Magmatic
Prospectivity Sr/Y vs Y.
Water Content, and
Plot of Sr/Y against Y.
Porphyry Cu +/- Mo
The fields for typical
+/- Au Potential:
SrY vs Y composition of Adakite-
Examples from the
like rocks and normal
Tethyan Arcs of
andesite-dacite-rhyolite
Central and Eastern
rocks are from Richards
Iran and Western
and Kerrich (2007)
Pakistan, Economic
Geology, v.107, pp.
310, Fig 9c
Diagram from Cohen Sr/Y vs SiO2 discriminant
et al. (2010) after plot. The two fields
Rohrlach, B.D. and shown represent i) rock
Loucks, R.R. (2005). suites associated with Cu-
Au ore deposits and ii) a
Cohen et al., 2010. barren reference rock
Major advances in suite defined by samples
exploration from NW Pacific volcanic
geochemistry, 1998- arcs, including intra-
Regional Sr/Y v s
2007. Geochemistry: oceanic and continental
Assessment SiO2
Exploration, margin arcs (Kurile Arc,
Environment, N. Honshu Arc, Central
Analysis, vol. 10, pp. Ryukyu and Izu-Bonin
3-16 Arc).
Regolith
Group Sub-Group Name Reference Comments
15Al2O3-300TiO2-Zr
Weathered Rock Type
This diagram contains
Garcia et al, 1994. observed range of
Sedimentary composition for
Fractionations strongly peraluminous
between Al, Ti, granites and clastic
and Zr and the sediments and
genesis of strongly illustrates the
Regolith Classification Al-TiO2-Zr
peraluminous geometrical
granites, The relationship between
Journal of sedimentary and
Geology, 1994, v. plutonic composition
102, p 411-422 Fig trends. ABS - Average
9. bulk sediment, CAS -
Calc-alkaline suite,
SPG - Strongly
peraluminous granite
McQueen K.G.,
2006. Unravelling
the regolith with K/Al vs Mg/Al regolith
geochemistry. In classification diagram.
Fitzpatrick R.W. Three types of regolith
Regolith and Shand P. (Eds) from Cobar, NSW are
Fractionation Regolith 2006- used to define the
Consolidation and saprolite, clays and
Dispersion of younger alluvium and
Ideas, CRC colluvium fields.
LEME, Perth
Western Australia,
pp230-235
Hallberg, J. A.,
1984, A
geochemical aid to
Volcanic rock
igneous rock type
classification in deeply
identification in
Ti vs Zr weathered terrain using
deeply weathered
conserved elements Ti
terrain. Journal of
and Zr.
Geochemical
Exploration, 20: 1-
8
Nesbitt, HW,
Young, GM:
Prediction of some
weathering trends
Triangular diagram
of plutonic and
based on molar
volcanic rocks
proportions of Al2O3,
based on
CaO (silicate bound)
thermodynamic
and K2O and used to
and kinetic
Weathering determine weathering
A-CN-K no considerations.
Trends>Nesbitt trends in crystalline
Na Geochim
& Young rocks. Note, Na2O is
Cosmochim Acta,
missing so minerals
1984, 48: 1523-
and rocks on the left
1534 Nesbitt, HW,
side of the triangle are
Young, GM:
either Ca end members
Formation and
or Na free rocks.
diagenesis of
weathering
profiles. J Geol
1989. 97: 129-147
Triangular diagram
based on molar
proportions of Al2O3,
CaO (silicate
A-CN-K As above. bound)+Na2O, and
K2O and used to
determine weathering
trends in crystalline
rocks.
Triangular diagram
based on molar
proportions of Al2O3,
A-CNK-FM CaO*+K2O, and FeO
(Total Fe) no As above. (total)+MgO* and used
Na to determine
weathering trends in
crystalline rocks. CaO*
and MgO* are silicate
bound fractions of these
oxides.
Rock Classification
Sub-
Group Name Reference Comments
Group
Alkali-iron-
magnesium diagram
for files with Fe
reported either as FeO
or Fe2O3 (wt%) or
Curves after Irvine just as Fe (ppm)
AFM (Ferric
and Baragar, 1971
& Ferrous)
Rock Major and Kuno, 1968. Partial Fe must be
Classification Elements Rollinson, 1993, reported as
AFM (Total
Using Geochemical ferrous/ferric oxides
Fe)
Data, p75-76 and aliased to FeO*
and Fe2O3*.
Fe is Fe total.
Equation is written so
all Fe is converted to
Fe2O3. If having Fe as
Fe2O3 (total) no
conversion is needed,
just use 0.76*Fe2O3
Chemical variation
De la Roche et al, diagram which
1980. A includes major cations,
classification of mineralogical
volcanic and network, degree of
plutonic rocks using silica saturation and
R1 R2 diagram and combined changes in
R1-R2
major element Fe/(Fe+Mg) and
Plutonic
analyses - Its (Ab+Or)/An ratios in
relationships with plutonic igneous
current rocks.
nomenclature.
Chem. Geol., 29: Use FeO (total) or
183-210 Fe2O3 (total) aliased
to FeO or Fe2O3.
Chemical variation
diagram which
includes major cations,
mineralogical
network, degree of
silica saturation and
combined changes in
R1-R2
As Above. Fe/(Fe+Mg) and
Volcanic
(Ab+Or)/An ratios in
volcanic igneous
rocks.
Basalt discrimination
diagram based on
HFS. If Hf and Ta are
not analysed use
From Wood (1980),
diagram WOOD Th-
found in Using
Zr-Nb. (WPT) within
Rock Trace Basalt Th-Hf- Geochemical Data,
plate tholeiites, (VAB)
Classification Elements Ta by Hugh Rollinson,
volcanic arc basalts,
1993. Page 182-
(IAT) island arc
185.
tholeiites, (CAB) calk-
alkaline basalts,
(WPB) within plate
basalts.
Fig 2a. Basalt
classification diagram
with Th-Nb as proxy
for crustal input,
Pearce, J.A. 2008.
divided into oceanic
Geochemical
basalts and volcanic
fingerprinting of
arc basalts field.
oceanic basalts with
applications to
Basalt Th-Yb MORB - Mid-Oceanic
ophiolite
vs Nb-Yb Ridge Basalt, OIB -
classification and
Ocean-Island Basalt,
the search for
N-MORB - Normal-
Archean oceanic
MORB, E-MORB -
crust, Lithos. vol.
Plume-MORB. N-
100, pp. 14-48
MORB is depleted in
trace elements
compared to E-
MORB.
Fig 5A. derived from
Pearce (2008) version
of the Th/Yb vs
Nb/Yb diagram, lavas
Pearce, J.A. 2014. from non-subduction
Immobile Element settings plot along a
Fingerprinting of MORB-OIB array.
Ophiolites, Lavas modified from
Elements. vol. 10, subduction-related
pp. 101-108 settings plot above the
MORB-OIB array as
Pearce, J.A. 2008. the immobility of Th
Basalt Th-Yb Geochemical in subduction settings
vs Nb-Yb fingerprinting of results in higher
oceanic basalts with Th/Yb ratios.
applications to
ophiolite MORB - Mid-Oceanic
classification and Ridge Basalt, OIB -
the search for Ocean-Island Basalt,
Archean oceanic N-MORB - Normal-
crust, Lithos. vol. MORB, E-MORB -
100, pp. 14-48 Plume-MORB. N-
MORB is depleted in
trace elements
compared to E-
MORB.
Basalt discrimination
diagram based on
HFS. Diagram is
based on WOOD Th-
Hf-Ta, 1980 but used
when Hf and Ta are
From Wood (1980),
not analised but
found in Using
recalculated assuming
Basalt Th-Zr- Geochemical Data,
a Zr/Hf ratio of 39 and
Nb by Hugh Rollinson,
a Nb/Ta ratio of 16.
1993. Page 182-
WPT within plate
185.
tholeiites, VAB
volcanic arc basalts,
IAT island arc
tholeiites, CAB calk-
alkaline basalts, WPB
within plate basalts
Basalt classification
using Ti/V ratios.
Shervais, 1982 in
Island-Arc
Rollinson, Using
Basalt Ti vs V Basalts/Tholeiites
Geochemical Data,
(IAB) plot between
1993 p.186
Ti/V ratios of 10 -20,
Mid-Ocean Ridge
Basalts (MORB) plot
between Ti/V ratios of
20 -50 and Ocean
Island & Alkali
Basalts (OIB) plot
between Ti/V ratios of
50 -100.
Basalt discrimination
diagram, IAT stands
Pearce and Cann,
for island arc
1973 in Rollinson,
Basalt Ti vs Zr tholeiites, "Mix" field
Using Geochemical
contains MORB, calk-
Data, 1993 p.177
alkali and tholeiite
basalts.
Discrimination
diagram for basalts.
Pearce and Cann,
Island-Arc tholeiites
Basalt Ti-Zr- 1973 in Rollinson,
plot in feld A, calc-
Sr Using Geochemical
alkaline basalts in field
Data, 1993 p.178
B and MORB plot in
field C.
Tholeiitic basalt
discrimination
diagram for rocks with
Pearce and Cann, 20%>CaO+MgO>12
1973 in Rollinson, cumulus Ti bearing
Basalt Ti-Zr-Y
Using Geochemical phases (e.g.
Data, 1993 p.175 titanomagnetite,
clinopyroxene) will
give anomalous
results.
Fig 2b. Uses Ti-Yb as
proxy for shallow and
deep melting, reflected
in the plot being
Pearce, J.A. 2008.
classified into two
Geochemical
distinct OIB and
fingerprinting of
MORB arrays.
oceanic basalts with
applications to
Basalt TiO2- Th = Tholeiite, Alk =
ophiolite
Yb vs Nb-Yb Alkali. MORB - Mid-
classification and
Oceanic Ridge Basalt,
the search for
OIB - Ocean-Island
Archean oceanic
Basalt, N-MORB -
crust, Lithos. vol.
Normal-MORB, E-
100, pp. 14-48
MORB - Plume-
MORB. N-MORB is
depleted in trace
elements compared to
E-MORB.
Basalt discrimination
diagram. Acronyms
Meschede, 1986 in
are within plate alkali
Basalt Zr-Nb- Rollinson, Using
basalts (WPAB),
Y Geochemical Data,
within plate tholeiites
1993 p.203
(WPT), volcanic arc
basalts (VAB).
Hart et al. 2004
Trace Element
Geochemistry and
Chondrite-normalised
Petrogenesis of
(cn) plot showing
Felsic Volcanic
classification fields for
Rocks Associated
felsic volcanic rock
With Volcanogenic
groups associated with
Massive Cu-Zn-Pb
VMS deposits. Axes
Sulfide Deposits.
are normalised to Yb
Economic Geology,
and La values in
Vol. 99, pp. 1003-
Nakamura (1974).
1013
Felsic Volcanic
Fertility Plot FI and FII represents
Normalisation
La-Yb vs Yb dacite-rhyolite rocks
values are from
with alkaline-calc-
Nakamura, N.
alkaline affinity. FIIIa
(1974)
and FIIIb represents
Determination of
rhyodacite-high silica
REE, Ba, Mg, Na
rhyolite with tholeiitic
and K in
affinity. FIV
carbonaceous and
represents high silica
ordinary chondrites,
rhyolite with tholeiitic
Geochim.
affinity.
Cosmochim. Acta.
vol. 38, pp. 757-
775.
Whalen et al, 1987
A number of diagrams
that discriminate
Whalen, J.B.,
between A-type
Currie, K.L., and
granites and other
Chappell, B.W.,
granite types by
1987, A-type
plotting
Granite A & I- granites:
10000*(Ga/Al) vs
S-M-type geochemical
K2O+Na2O, Fe
Differentiation characteristics,
Total/MgO,
discrimination and
K2O/MgO,
petrogenesis.
(Na2O+K2O)/CaO,
Contributions to
Ce, Nb, Y, Zn, Zr &
Mineralogy and
Agpaitic Index
Petrology, v. 95, p.
(Na+K/Al molar).
407-419.
Discriminant diagram
for granites separating
after Harris et al
them into volcanic-arc
1986. Rollinson, H.
Granite Hf- granites, within-plate
Using Geochemical
Rb-Ta granites, syn-
Data 1993. p205,
collisional granites
Figure 5.27 (b).
and late to post-
collisional granites.
Granite discrimination
diagram showing the
fields of volcanic arc
(VAG), syn-collisional
Pearce et al., 1984
(syn-COLG), within
Granite Nb vs in Rollinson, Using
plate (WPG), and
Y Geochemical Data,
ocean ridge (ORG).
1993 p.203
Broken line is the
boundary for ORG
from anomalous
ridges.
Pearce et al., 1984,
Granite tectonic
Granite Rb- in Rollinson, Using
setting discrimination
Y+Nb Geochemical Data,
diagram
1993, p.203
Pearce et al., 1984,
Granite tectonic
Granite Rb- in Rollinson, Using
setting discrimination
Yb+Ta Geochemical Data,
diagram
1993, p.203
Granite discrimination
diagram showing the
fields of volcanic arc
(VAG), syn-collisional
Pearce et al., 1984
(syn-COLG), within
Granite Ta vs in Rollinson, Using
plate (WPG), and
Yb Geochemical Data,
ocean ridge (ORG).
1993 p.203
Red line is the
boundary for ORG
from anomalous
ridges.
Original from
Lesher et al., 1986,
Canadian Journal of
Rhyolite Earth Sciences vol. Zr/Y vs Y plot to
Fertility Zr vs 23, pp. 222-237. distinguish rhyolite
Y Modified by Lentz, type
D.R., 1998, Ore
Geology Reviews,
vol. 12, pp. 289-327
Tectonic Cabanis, B. and
Classification Lecolle, M., 1989,
of Mafic The La/10-Y/15-
Igneous Rocks Nb/8 diagram: A
tool for
distinguishing
volcanic series and
discovering crustal
mixing and/or
contamination:
Comptes Rendus de
l'Academie des
Sciences, Serie 2,
Sciences de la
Terre, 309, 20p.
Th and Co, on y- and
x-axes, are used as
proxies for K2O and
SiO2 respectively. Th
is used to subdivide
Hastie, A.R., Kerr,
volcanic arc rocks into
A.C., Pearce, J.A.,
volcanic series:
Mitchell, S.F.,
tholeiitic, calc-
2007, Classification
alkaline, high-K calc-
of Altered Volcanic
alkaline and
Island Arc Rocks
Th-Co shoshonitic.
using Immobile
Discrimination
Trace Elements:
Diagram Gradual removal of Co
Development of the
from the melt during
Th-Co
crystallisation of
Discrimination
volcanic island arc
Diagram. Journal of
rocks reflects
Petrology, v. 48, p.
fractionation from
2341-2357.
basalt to rhyolite, as
shown in the field
boundaries for the
different rock types
along the x-axis.
Winchester and Volcanic rocks
Volcanic Floyd (1977; classification scheme.
Rocks Chemical Geology, Log Nb/Y vs Log
20, 325-343) Zr/Ti.
Pearce, J.A. (1996).
A user's guide to
basalt Modified after
discrimination Winchester and Floyd,
Volcanic
diagrams. In: 1977). Log Nb/Y vs
Rocks
Wyman, D. A. (ed.) Log Zr/Ti. Used as
Modified
Trace Element immobile element
Geochemistry of proxy for the TAS
Volcanic Rocks:
Applications for
Massive Sulphide
Exploration.
Geological
Association of
Canada, Short
Course Notes 12, 79
to 113.
Water Chemistry
Trilinear diagram used to classify
water samples of similar origin or
Piper, A. M., 1953. A
composition. Cations (Ca, Mg and
graphic procedure in the
Na + K) and anions (SO4, Cl and
geochemical
CO3 + HCO3) are shown in separate
Water Piper interpretation of water
ternary plots as % meq/L. The
Chemistry Diagram analyses. United States
central diamond-shaped plot
Geological Survey
displays the sample location at the
Groundwater Notes 12,
intersection where a line drawn from
pp 14. Washington D.C
the corresponding point in each
ternary plot meet.
Note that for some diagrams which require Fe to be present there are two versions
available. The diagrams which are denoted by (Total Fe) require Fe values in the
form of total Fe2O3 or total FeO. Diagrams which are denoted by (Ferric & Ferrous
Fe) require Fe values in the form of partial Fe2O3 (Fe3+ or Ferric Fe) and partial
FeO (Fe2+ or Ferrous Fe). See Column Properties for more information on how to
alias your data to the correct Fe standard names.
Other diagrams such IUGS Diagrams use minerals instead of elements on the
diagram axes. In order to use these diagrams the data must contain columns with the
same names as those used on the diagram axes.
1. Select the diagram to open using one of the following menu items:
Note that when using Provided Diagrams the columns in the dataset must be "aliased'
to the standard ioGAS column names in the Column Properties dialog. If a diagram
is "greyed out" then one or more variables required to create it are not present in the
dataset. The missing variables are displayed in the tooltip.
Zoom Extents
The diagram window is sized to the extents of the diagram. To see the entire dataset
in relation to the diagram, right-mouse click in the diagram window and select Zoom
to Data from the pop-up menu. To return to the extent of the diagram in the plot
window select Zoom to Diagram from the right-mouse click pop-up menu.
Apply unique colour attribute to all data points within each classification polygon.
Apply unique shape attribute to all data points within each classification polygon.
Apply unique size attribute to all data points within each classification polygon.
Data colour attributed by Classification Diagram regions
The Attribute Manager will update to show the classification groups and the legend
will also update. Only groups which contain data are displayed in the list.
To save the classified groups as new variable columns in the dataset use the Make Variable
from Attribute tool.
Create Diagrams
Geochem vs Free Diagrams
ioGAS can create XY and Ternary classification diagrams. Diagram files are stored
in XML format and can be edited directly in any XML editor software.
Geochem Diagrams
on the fly into the correct format for use within the diagram. ioGAS Provided
diagrams are all in this format.
For example, if a diagram requires SiO2_pct + TiO2_pct but the data is reported as
Si_ppm and Ti_ppm in separate columns, the unit conversion, the oxide conversion
and the sum are performed by ioGAS automatically.
Free Diagrams
Free diagrams store exact column names used in the diagram column axes. Free
diagrams can only be displayed with datasets that contain the exact same column
names as those saved in the diagram file. If a user diagram is created using numeric
columns (ie. non-aliased) then the diagram will be a free diagram
Example of Free diagram
1. Select the columns in the Select Variables dialog. Diagrams created from
XY Scatter Plots will use the first two selected variables in the list and
Ternary diagrams.
Two aliased variables for XY Scatterplot axes - MgO will plot along the X axis
The variables selected above are aliased (shown by the green colouring) which
means that if a dataset contains these elements but in a different element/unit
combination ioGAS can convert them on-the-fly into the required format (Geochem
diagram). If the variables are not aliased then they will appear as follows in the
Select Variables dialog and the created diagram can only be used with datasets that
contain columns with these exact names (Free Diagrams).
Two non-aliased variables for XY Scatterplot axes - MgO will plot along the X axis
Calculated Columns
In the case of the dark green aliased columns, ioGAS can extract the variables and
perform unit and oxide conversions if the way in which the variable data is reported
changes between datasets. ie. Al2O3_ppm or Al2O3_%. .
If the calculated columns are Dark blue this means that they were not created using
"aliased" variables and in order to use data on diagrams generated from these
columns the dataset must contain columns with these exact column names.
2. Rotate the 3D window until the required view is displayed and click on the Make
3. Enter a name for the new diagram or leave the 3D Diagram default name.
New XY Diagram
Add Polygon
Create an enclosed region which can be used to attribute data point in a classification
diagram.
2. Select the Add Polygon icon from the RHS (Right-Hand Side) toolbar
3. Left-mouse click in the new diagram window to start creating the polygon. Move
the cursor and click to add vertices to create the desired shape. Double-click to
complete the polygon.Use Esc to cancel.
Note that when creating polygons the cursor XY position is displayed in the bottom
left status bar.
Hold down the Shift key to create curved boundary. To seamlessly join two curved
boundaries the common segment on the first polygon must be defined by Section
Ends. Section Ends can be created while digitising by holding down Ctrl or they can
be added afterwards using the Edit Shape tool. Section ends are denoted by an open
circle, normal vertex by solid circle.
Seamless joins between adjacent polygons - note open section end vertices in curved boundary polygons
Automatically snap to a vertex - Polygon changes from grey to red when cursor is
placed within snapping tolerance of existing vertex.
Donut Polygon - Excise a polygon within a polygon. Create first polygon then hold
down 'c' on keyboard before closing. Release the 'c' key and create second polygon
inside the first polygon by clicking in the reverse direction. Double-click to close.
If a vertex is created in the wrong location when creating the polygon hold down the
Ctrl key and click the Z key to delete the last created vertex one at a time.
Alternatively, select the Edit Shape icon, click on the vertex and select Delete
Vertex.
4. Use the Change Shape Properties icon from the RHS toolbar to change
the polygon label name or colour.
Add Polyline
3. Click with the left-mouse button to create the desired line in the diagram
window. Double-click to complete the polyline. Esc to cancel.
Hold down the Shift key to create curved boundary. To seamlessly join two curved
boundaries the common segment on the first polyline must be defined by Section
Ends. Section Ends can be created while digitising by holding down Ctrl or they can
be added afterwards using the Edit Shape tool. Section ends are denoted by an open
circle, normal vertex by solid circle.
Automatically snap to a vertex - polyline changes from grey to red when cursor is
placed within snapping tolerance of existing vertex.
If a vertex is created in the wrong location when creating the polyline hold down the
Ctrl key and click the Z key to delete the last created vertex one at a time.
Alternatively, select the Edit Shape icon, click on the vertex and select Delete
Vertex.
4. Use the Change Shape Properties icon from the RHS toolbar to enter to a new
polyline name or colour.
Add Point
3. Left-mouse click in the new diagram window at the desired location. To enter an
exact X and Y coordinate for the reference point hold down the SHIFT key and click
in the diagram window. The Point Properties dialog is opened with the X and Y
coordinates of the selected point location displayed. Edit these as desired and click
OK.
4. Use the Change Shape Properties icon from the RHS toolbar to enter to a new
point label, change the point colour or edit the point XY coordinates using the Edit
button next to each point entry.
Add Line
3. Enter the Gradient (m) and Y Intercept values and click OK.
4. To edit a line select the Change Shape Properties icon and click on the Edit
button next to the appropriate line entry. Re-enter the Gradient (m) and Y Intercept
(c) values for the line to be updated in the diagram window. Line colour, visibility
and name can also be modified in this dialog.
Select the Create Contour Polygons tool from the RHS (Right-Hand Side)
toolbar. The Auto Contour Settings dialog is used to configure parameters for
automatically creating polygons in a diagram. The polygons are based on regions in
the point density diagram (see above). Each automatically generated polygon
encloses contiguous cells belonging to the same "bin".
Bins are determined from the percentile value of the point density of a cell, with the
user being able to choose the total number of bins and boundary percentile values of
each bin
Grid Cells
The Grid Cells panel is used to configure the size of the grid used to calculate the
point density. The grid can be specified by either specifying the number of grid
divisions along the x and y axes (by selecting the Count option) or by specifying the
size of the divisions (by selecting the Size option). If Count is selected and the values
are changed then the sizes are updated when Apply is pressed.
Similarly if Size is selected and the values changed then the counts are updated when
Apply is pressed.
Note that if the grid is being configured for a window that contains several plots the
Size settings are not available.
Density Parameters
The Density Parameters panel allows some parameters of the density algorithm to be
configured. The Smoothing Level specifies the degree to which each density cell is
spread out and merged with its neighbouring cells. A smoothing level of zero means
that no smoothing will be applied to the density plot.
The Threshold Level specifies the minimum value of the number of data points in a
cell (after smoothing has been performed) which will be visible in the resulting plot.
This is used primarily to remove any artefacts of the smoothing algorithm.
Note that specifying a Threshold Level of 0 will cause empty cells in the
"background" to be counted and displayed in the density plot.
Contour Polygons
The Contour Polygons panel allows parameters to the auto contouring algorithm to
be configured. The Minimum Cells in Polygon drop-down list allows the minimum
size of a contour region to be specified - regions with fewer cells than this number
will be discarded. The Binning drop-down list is used to choose the definition of the
bins, with a number of predefined configurations available. The Node Reduction
Factor controls the smoothness of the contour polygon boundaries: a higher
smoothing factor produces a smoother boundary. The Colour Map drop-down list
allows the user to configure the colours which are applied to the regions when they
are drawn.
The Remove Existing Shapes check box specifies whether existing diagram shapes
should be deleted from the diagram before the contour polygons are drawn. If it is
unselected then new contour polygons will be added to any existing shapes on the
diagram.
Select the Contour Using Colours icon from the RHS (Right-Hand Side) toolbar.
Grid Cells
The Grid Cells panel is used to configure the size of the grid used to calculate the
point density. The grid can be specified by either specifying the number of grid
divisions along the X and Y axes (by selecting the Count option) or by specifying the
size of the divisions (by selecting the Size option). If Count is selected and the values
are changed then the sizes are updated when Apply is pressed.
Similarly if Size is selected and the values changed then the counts are updated when
Apply is pressed.
Note that if the grid is being configured for a window that contains several plots the
Size settings are not available.
Density Parameters
The Density Parameters panel allows some parameters of the density algorithm to be
configured. The Smoothing Level specifies the degree to which each density cell is
spread out and merged with its neighbouring cells. A smoothing level of zero means
that no smoothing will be applied to the density plot.
The Threshold Level specifies the minimum value of the number of data points in a
cell (after smoothing has been performed) which will be visible in the resulting plot.
This is used primarily to remove any artefacts of the smoothing algorithm.
Note that specifying a Threshold Level of 0 will cause empty cells in the
"background" to be counted and displayed in the density plot.
Contour Polygons
The Remove Existing Shapes check box specifies whether existing diagram shapes
should be deleted from the diagram before the contour polygons are drawn. If it is
unselected then new contour polygons will be added to any existing shapes on the
diagram.
Edit Shapes
The Edit Shape tool on the RHS (Right-Hand Side) Toolbar enables polygon,
polyline, points and labels to be modified.
Move Vertex
Select the Edit Shape tool and click on a point or polyline/polygon vertex with the
left-mouse button. Whilst holding down the left-mouse button, drag the cursor to the
desired location. A red line is drawn on the screen from the original point or vertex to
this new position. Release the mouse to re-position the point or vertex at the new
location.
Automatically snap to a vertex when arrow head changes to solid red when cursor is
placed within snapping tolerance of existing vertex.
Note that if the edited vertex is used in two or more adjoining shapes then all shapes
are modified to reflect the new vertex location.
Add Vertex
Select the Edit Shape tool and click with the left-mouse button at the position along
the polygon or polyline boundary to add a new vertex. Click and drag to move the
vertex to a new location.
Section End vertices are used to create seamless joins between adjacent curved
boundaries. In order for the curved boundary to be followed the start vertex and the
end vertex on the common boundary must be Section Ends. Section ends are denoted
by an open circle, normal vertex by solid circle. To change a normal vertex to a
section end or vice versa left-mouse click on the vertex and select Toggle Section
End.
Delete Vertex
Left-mouse click on vertex and select Delete Vertex from the pop-up menu.
Delete Shapes
In order to delete a shape it must be first made invisible. To make a shape invisible
click on the Make Shape Invisible icon on the RHS toolbar. Once the shape is
To rotate text label hold Alt, click on the label anchor point and drag the cursor in the
orientation of the new text position.
Shape Colour
To change the colour of a shape click on the colour box next to the point, line,
polyline or polygon entry and select a new colour from the displayed colour palette.
Colours can be customised in the dynamic HSB and RGB tabs by manually entering
values or using the colour sliders provided.
To change the name of a shape highlight the point, line, polyline or polygon entry
(eg. Polygon 1, Polygon 2, etc) and enter a new name. The name is what will appear
as the object label in the plot window. If an object does not need a label then just
leave blank.
To create labels that will appear over multiple lines put a <br> where the new line is
to start. For example, the following label syntax:
will generate an object label in the plot window over three lines:
High-Fe
Tholeiitic
Basalt
Shape Visibility
Uncheck the box next to each shape to turn off the visibility in the diagram window.
To turn off visibility for all shapes in the diagram window select the All Invisible
button. To turn on the visibility for all shapes select the All Visible button.
Click on the Edit button next to the appropriate line or point entry. Re-enter the new
X and/or Y coordinate (for points) or the Gradient (m) and Y Intercept (c) values (for
lines) for them to be updated in the diagram window.
Delete Shapes
To permanently delete a shape from the diagram select Change Shape Properties
and uncheck the visibility box next to the point, line, polyline or polygon entry. Click
on the Delete Invisible button to remove the shape permanently. Shapes can also be
made invisible using the Make Shape Invisible tool on the RHS toolbar. Once
the shape is invisible it can be deleted in the Change Shape Properties dialog.
The Edit Diagram Properties tool enables the diagram to be assigned a title and
metadata such as comments and references to be saved with the diagram. The
diagram author, date created and any other information to be stored with the diagram
can be entered in this dialog.
Diagram Extents
The Save Bounds button enables the current diagram view to be saved as the default
whenever the diagram is opened. By default a diagram is opened to display the
extents of the diagram. Users may wish to zoom in to only display a portion of the
diagram or zoom out to display an extended area around the current diagram bounds
using the zoom tools on the RHS toolbar and then save this view permanently
Add Labels
The Add Label tool enables a free text label to be placed on a diagram by left-
mouse clicking at the desired location. To enter the label text, change label colour,
turn label visibility on or off or delete labels select the Change Shape Properties
tool.
Multi-line Labels
To create labels that will appear over multiple lines put a <br> where the new line is
to start. For example, the following label syntax:
will generate an object label in the plot window over three lines:
High-Fe
Tholeiitic
Basalt
Rotate Labels (Change Text Angle)
To change the angle or rotate a text label so it is aligned correctly in the diagram use
the Edit Shape tool on the RHS (Right-Hand Side) Toolbar. Use the left mouse
button to click on the label edit point. Hold down the Alt key on the keyboard and
drag the cursor in the direction the label is to be oriented. Repeat process until the
desired orientation is reached.
The label angle can be edited directly in the XML file if desired as well. The angle is
stored in radians for example, 180 degrees = 3.14159 radians.
NOTE: Text labels cannot be rotated on diagrams with log scale axes.
Edit Diagram
To open an existing diagram for editing select Diagram>Edit Diagram and browse to
the location of the saved diagram XML file. The diagram is displayed in a plot
window ready for editing using the icons on the RHS toolbar.
Edit XML File
It is also possible to edit directly into the diagram XML file. Either click on the Save
and Open in XML Editor icon from the RHS Toolbar when the diagram is open
in ioGAS or open the XML file directly from Windows Explorer or Finder. A
suitable editor is WordPad however a program such as NotePad ++ is better as the
components in the XML file are coloured differently making it very easy to edit.
ioGAS uses the operating system default XML. To change the default XML Editor in
Windows go to Control Panel>Default Programs>Set Associations. On a Mac right-
mouse click on an XML file in Finder and choose Other from the menu. Select the
XML editor to use and check the "Always Open With" box.
Instances where editing directly into the XML file may be useful are when you
already have the vertices or point locations as XY coordinates and rather than
digitising them on the screen they can be entered manually. Adding comments and
references is also easy this way. If a series of diagrams is to be created then it may be
quicker to make copies of the XML file and update them manually rather than create
them one at a time within ioGAS.
Piper Diagrams
A Piper Diagram is a trilinear diagram used to classify water samples of similar
origin or composition. Cations (Ca, Mg and Na + K) and anions (SO4, Cl and CO3 +
HCO3) are shown in separate ternary plots as % Eq/L (equivalents/litre). The central
quadrilateral plot displays the combined chemistry of the water sample. On this plot
the sample location is plotted where the two lines drawn from the same data point
location in the cation and anion plots intersect.
Piper Diagram Showing Separate Cation and Anion Ternary Plots & Combined Diamond Plot
1. In the Column Properties dialog make sure that the Ca, Mg, Na, K, Cl, SO4 and
at least one of CO3 or HCO3 variable columns are aliased to the standard ioGAS
aqueous element/unit combination. These are listed after the standard
geochemical element/unit combinations and two aqueous units are available:
o aq_g/L
o aq_mg/L
Column Properties dialog showing aliased aqueous variables
To automatically alias the columns click on the Guess Aliases button at the
bottom of the dialog or the button next to each variable . Check that the
aqueous element/unit combinations assigned to each variable is correct and
use the pull-down list to make any changes or to set the aliases manually.
NOTE that the Piper Plot is still created if only one of HCO3 or CO3 is
present in the dataset.
If this menu option is greyed out there is at least one missing variable in the dataset
or the variables have not been aliased correctly (see above).
3. If all the variables are aliased correctly the Piper Diagram is created and
displayed in a new plot window.
The Piper Diagram values are calculated by dividing each variable by its molecular
weight to give number of moles and then multiplied by the ion charge to convert to
equivalent values (Eq values) eg. 1.0 mole of Mg2+ = 2.0 Eq. The relative abundance
of the cations (Ca+, Mg2+ and Na+ + K+) and anions (SO42-, Cl- and CO3- + HCO32-)
values are plotted in each ternary plot respectively.
4. To view the individual cation and anion results in mmol/L in a tooltip box
place the cursor over a data point.
5. Piper Diagrams are the same as any other window in that the data can be
selected and attributed and the graph copied and pasted into other 3rd party
programs such as Mircosoft Word or PowerPoint.
When a Piper Diagram is displayed in a plot window the following functions are
available from the RHS (Right-Hand Side) Toolbar: