Arculus, Richard2015-12-132015-12-130022-3530http://hdl.handle.net/1885/87867The terms calcalkalic and calcalkalic are currently defined and used in multiple and non-equivalent ways. Generally, the variation of total Fe as FeO/MgO within evolving subalkaline rock suites is regarded as the most distinctive character of calcalkaline compared with tholeiitic suites, reflecting the relative timing of phase saturation with Fe-Ti oxides, plagioclase, and ferromagnesian silicates. Other classification schemes are widely used, including a minority of adherents to the original formalized definition of 'calcalkalic' by Peacock (1931, Journal of Geology 39, 54-67). Given the prevailing contradictory and confusing usage of these terms, which leads to miscommunication, it is proposed that the spectrum of subalkaline rocks be divided into high-, medium-, and low-Fe suites, complementing divisions made on the basis of K contents. The terms calcalkaline and calcalkalic should be restricted to rock suites that conform to Peacock's definition.Keywords: calc alkaline rock; classification; geochemistry; petrology; terminology; tholeiite Calcalkalic; Calcalkaline; Rock classification; Subalkaline; Tholeiitic20032015-12-12