Halogens: Salts of the Earth

Abstract

The halogen group elements (F, Cl, Br, and I) and the stable isotopes of Cl and Br collectively are powerful tracers of terrestrial volatile cycling. Individually, their distinct geochemical affinities inform on a variety of fluid-mediated and magmatic processes. They form a wide-range of halogen-bearing minerals whose composition reflects the source fluids from which they evaporated or crystallized. Fluorine’s geochemical cycle is generally decoupled from that of the heavier Cl, Br, and I, which are concentrated into Earth’s surface reservoirs. Throughout history, the salt-forming halogens have been integral to human health and are key constituents of many industries. These common elements have an important role in tracing geochemical processes across many geologic environments – from the surface to the deep planetary interior.