The role of partial melting on trace element and isotope systematics of granitic melts Partial melting is a first order process for the chemical differentiation of the crust (Vielzeuf et al. 1990). Redistribution of chemical elements during melt generation crucially influences the composition of the lower and upper crust and provides a mechanism to concentrate and transport chemical elements that may also be of economic interest. Understanding of the diverse processes and their controlling factors is therefore not only of scientific interest but also of high economic importance to cover the demand for rare metals. The redistribution of major and trace elements during partial melting represents a central step for the understanding how granite bound mineralization develops (Hedenquist and Lowenstern 1994). The partial melt generation and mobilization of ore elements (e.g. Sn W Nb Ta) into the melt depends on the composition of the sedimentary source and melting conditions. Distinct source rocks have different compositions reflecting their deposition and alteration histories. This specific chemical “memory ...