NaSi⇌CaAl exchange equilibrium between plagioclase and amphibole

The exchange equilibrium between plagioclase and amphibole, 2 albite+tschermakite=2 anorthite+glaucophane, has been calibrated empirically using data from natural amphibolites. The partition coefficient, K _D, for the exchange reaction is (X _an/X _ab)_plag ·(Na, M4/Ca, M4)_amph.. Partitioning is systematic between plagioclase and amphibole in suites collected from single exposures, but the solid solutions are highly non-ideal: values of In K _D range from –3.0 at X _an=0.30 to –1.0 at X _an=0.90 in samples from a single roadcut. Changes in both K _D and the topology of the ternary reciprocal exchange diagram occur with increasing metamorphic grade. Temperature dependence of In K _D is moderate with ¯H35 to 47 kcal at X _an=0.25; pressure dependence is small with ¯V –0.24 cal/bar. Usefulness of this exchange equilibrium as a geothermometer is restricted by uncertainties in the calculation of the amphibole formula from a microprobe analysis, especially with regard to Na, M4 in amphibole, to approximately ±50 ° C.