Francois Holtz

Prof. Dr. Francois Holtz is a Professor of Petrology at the Institute of Mineralogy, Leibniz University Hannover, within the Faculty of Natural Sciences. He serves as Vice Dean of Studies and Dean of Studies, and is actively involved in research projects related to magmatic systems, diffusion chronometry, and ore deposit formation.

His research focuses on experimental determination of phase relationships in silicate systems, magma chamber dynamics, and high-pressure, high-temperature techniques for studying ore metal partitioning. Current projects include investigations into amphibole stability, diffusion in chain silicates, and AI-augmented mineral analysis for volcanic rocks.

Key scientific contributions appear in Geochemistry, Chemical Geology, and Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, addressing topics like Fe³+/Fe²+ ratios in melts, Nb-Ta-Sn oxide markers, and Ti⁴+ substitution in phlogopite. Awards include the Abraham Gottlob Werner Medal (2013) and membership in the Mineralogical Society of America (2013).

Prof. Holtz leads or co-leads projects such as Diffusion Chronometry of Magmatic Systems (FOR2881), DOME (Priority Programme 2238), and ICDP initiatives. His work integrates field observations, experimental petrology, and geochemical modeling to unravel magmatic processes and ore enrichment dynamics.