PREFACE

Granitoids are subject of intense and various studies for at least three centuries. Tens of hypotheses that describe conditions of forming these rather simple rocks in mineralogical view were put forward, recognized and rejected in the end for that time. Despite the evident progress in understanding the physical, chemical and geotectonic conditions of various type granitoid formation, their ore genetic value, these directions remain ones of the most dynamically developing in modern geology. Numerous publications both in Russian and foreign periodicals, including special issues of some leading petrological journals as Lithos, fundamental monographs and recent paper collections, big International regular conferences (Khatton symposium), etc. testify to it. Unfortunately, achievements of Russian scientists in this direction are hardly known abroad because of various reasons and, first of all, financial ones. Granite topics are in fact present at all Russian conferences that tackle the problems of magmatic petrology, metallogeny and geodynamics this or that way. However, specialized “granite” conferences were not organized for many years. At the same time, the necessity of such conferences that comprise a wide range of problems, i.e. from experimental direction to geophysical and ore genetic aspects of granitoid magmatism with maximally wide attraction of foreign specialists became vital for long.

The Organizing Committee of the Conference suggested several main topics for discussion as a result of continuous debates:

• Batholith formation and geodynamics. Geochemical and petrological typization of batholith granitoids in relation to various geodynamic settings.

• Physical and chemical conditions of granitoid magma generation and crystallization, nature of granitoid batholith heterogeneity by experimental and geological data.

• Physical and geophysical aspects of granitoid batholith formation (segregation and shift of melts, formation of magmatic chambers, duration of crystallization).

• Processes of crust-mantle interaction and role of mantle substance in granite formation on a wide scale.

• Ore forming potential of batholiths and conditions of its realization. Spatial-temporal and genetic relations of batholith granitoids and rare metal granites.

The applications were received in all these directions. The largest amount of the applied reports is related to the first applied topic of the Conference. However, other problems were not left without attention either.

Many materials have a multiplanned character, therefore we decided to deviate from the topical arrangement of paper collection and arrange the presented materials in alphabetical order. Most materials were presented both in Russian and English, the rest ones – only in Russian or English.

During the discussion, it was suggested that Granite Conference should become regular. However, realization of these plans largely depends on success of the present Conference. Therefore, the Organizing Committee wishes all participants fruitful work, interesting discussions and new ideas. To discuss the latter ones, we would like to meet again.

I wish a success to all of us!

A. A. Tsygankov