Carbonatites vs. carbonated rocks in central Italy. A reply to comments by Bell and Kjarsgaard

In two previous papers (Peccerillo, 1998, 2004), I raised doubts about the widely accepted idea that the carbonate-rich pyroclastic rocks from the Intra-Apennine Province (IAP) are carbonatites. This provoked a late but considerable reaction from carbonatite scholars, including people unfamiliar with the subject and with the complex magmatic setting of central-southern Italy. Bell and Kjarsgaard do not give an answer to my questions, show a lack of knowledge of the subject in hand, and reveal scarce consideration for results of previous work. In my reply, I briefly discuss the scientific aspects raised by Bell and Kjarsgaard that are worthy of note, and highlight some philosophical and ethical aspects of their writing. I reiterate my objections, which remain unanswered, and conclude that further discussion on IAP rocks will have my consideration only if future comments, if any, will provide an answer to my questions and will lead to an advancement in our understanding of central Italy magmatism and its geodynamic significance.