In fluid-rock interaction, O and C represents major elements that allow for bulk modeling. In contrast, Pb, Nd, Sr, B, and Li are trace-elements that behave entirely different during fluid-rock interaction, depending on their solubility, the presence or absence of minerals that have a high compatibility of these elements, and the reaction history of the fluid. Actually, depending on the evolution of the system, the fluid may impose systematically changing trace element signatures on the rock, and vice versa. As a consequence the trace element signature of the rock may be entirely unrelated to its major element composition and the fluid may have lost the geochemical signature of its source.

Romer, R.L., Heinrich W., Schröder-Smeibidl, B., Meixner, A., Fischer, C.-O., and Schulz, C. (2005) Elemental dispersion and stable isotope fractionation during reactive fluid-flow and fluid immiscibility in the Bufa del Diente aureole, NE-Mexico: Evidence from radiographies and Li, B, Sr, Nd, and Pb isotope systematics. Contrib. Mineral. Petrol., 149: 400-429.

Romer, R.L., Wawrzenitz, N., and Oberhänsli, R. (2003) Anomalous unradiogenic ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios in UHP crustal carbonates – evidence for fluid infiltration during deep subduction? Terra Nova, 15: 330-336.

Romer, R.L. and Heinrich, W., (1998). Transport of Pb and Sr in leaky aquifers of the Bufa del Diente contact metamorphic aureole, North-East Mexico. Contrib. Mineral. Petrol., 131: 155-170.

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