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The significance of the continental crust (CC) on which we live is self-evident. However, our knowledge remains limited on its origin, its way and rate of growth, and how it has acquired the “andesitic” composition from mantle derived magmas. Compared to rocks formed from mantle derived magmas in all geological environments, volcanic arc rocks associated with seafloor subduction share some common features with the CC; both are relatively depleted in “fluid-insoluble” elements (e.g., Nb, Ta and Ti), but enriched in “fluid-soluble” elements (e.g., U, K and Pb). These chemical characteristics are referred to as the “arc-like signature”, and point to a possible link between subduction-zone magmatism and CC formation, thus leading to the “island arc” model widely accepted for the origin of the CC over the past 45 years. However, this “island–arc” model has many difficulties: e.g., (1) the bulk arc crust (AC) is basaltic …