Formulation of the thermodynamic functions for mantle minerals: MgO as an example

The formulas for thermodynamic functions for minerals are presented, couched in terms of the important thermodynamic variable K_T= (P/T)_v, where is the volume thermal expansivity and K_T is the isothermal bulk modulus. Presenting the formulas in this way leads to simplification since K_T as a product varies only slightly with volume, and is close to being independent of temperature at high temperature. Using our equations, we present as examples some computed data in the form of graphs on the entropy, internal energy, Helmholtz free energy, and Gibbs free energy in the high temperature regime (up to 2000 K) and for high compression (up to 0.7), for MgO. For entropy, knowledge of the V, T dependence of K_T is sufficient. For enthalpy and internal energy, the equation of state is needed in addition.