Si+4 Content of natural phengites

The chemical compositions of white micas separated from adjacent rocks of glaucophane and greenschist facies are compared with respect to their Si⁺⁴ content. The micas are predominantly phengitic, i.e. between muscovite, KAl₂Si₃AlO₁₀(OH)₂] and celadonite, K(R⁺²R⁺³)Si₄O₁₀(OH)₂] in composition. Constancy of Si content in micas coming from rocks of different bulk chemical composition but closely similar physical conditions indicates that the silica content of a potassic dioctahedral mica can be used to indicate the pressure and temperature conditions of its formation. This conclusion is in part based upon previous experimental data obtained for synthetic phengites.