geochemical differentiation

Geochemical differentiation refers to the natural processes that separate and concentrate elements within the Earth. This occurs as the Earth evolves, leading to distinct layers like the crust, mantle, and core. Elements are classified based on their affinity for oxygen (lithophile), iron (siderophile), sulfur (chalcophile), or gases (atmophile).12345

For example, iron and siderophile elements sank to form the core, while lithophile elements combined with oxygen to form silicates in the mantle and crust. Processes such as magmatism, sedimentation, and metamorphism further redistribute elements within the Earth's crust, hydrosphere, and atmosphere. This ongoing differentiation shapes the planet's composition and the availability of elements.342