Creating Durov Diagrams

RockWorks | Utilities | HydroChem | Durov Diagram

This program reads concentration data from the RockWorks datasheet and builds a Durov diagrams, which demonstrate the relationship between various ions within hydrochemical samples. Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) values are depicted with proportionally scaled circles, similar to those in the Piper Diagram program. Contours are also available for TDS data and relative sample density.

Concentrations entered in the source data file in units of milligrams per liter are converted to milli-equivalents per liter for display on the diagram. (See Conversion Factors.)

The Durov Diagram is an alternative to the Piper Diagram. In the two triangles, it plots the major ions as percentages of milliequivalents. The totals of both the cations and anions are set to 100% and the data points in the two triangles are projected onto a square grid which lies perpendicular to the third axis in each triangle.

Menu Options
Step-by-Step Summary


  1. Access the RockWorks Datasheet program tab.
  2. Create a new datasheet and enter/import your hydrochemistry data into the datasheet.
    Or, open one of the sample files and replace that data with your own. See Data Layout for datasheet examples.

    ! Click the Example button at the top of the window to load a sample file that is installed with the program.

  3. Select the Utilities | HydroChem | Durov Diagram menu option.
  4. Enter the requested program settings, described above.
  5. Click the Continue button to proceed.

    The program will read the ion concentration information from the datasheet, convert the ppm or mg/l measurements to milli-equivalents per liter based on the conversion factors, normalize the measurements to plot the anions and cations in the trilinear plots, and project the samples over to the square plot. If total dissolved solids circles were requested, they will be computed and drawn around the sample points in the main diagram. Sample density or TDS will be gridding and contoured if requested.

  6. You can adjust any of the diagram options along the left and click the Continue button to regenerate the plot.
  7. View / save / manipulate / print / export the diagram in the RockPlot2D window.

Back to Hydrochemistry Menu Summary

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