A study of the bonded interactions in nitride molecules in terms of bond critical point properties and relative electronegativities

Bond critical point properties calculated for the MN bonds in a number of geometry optimized nitride molecules containing first- and second-row M cations are compared with those calculated for a number of oxide molecules. As reported for the oxides, the value of the electron density, ρ(r _c ), at the bond critical points, r _c , increases with decreasing bond length while for the more electronegative cations, the local energy density, H(r _c ) decreases nonlinearly in value as the relative electronegativities of the M-cations, χ _M , tend to increase. In the majority of cases, χ_M, |λ₁|/λ₃ and ∇²ρ(r _c ) increase with decreasing minimum energy bond lengths. The bond lengths adopted by the molecules are indicated to be an important determinant of the critical point properties of the electron density distributions. The relative electronegativities derived from the electron density distributions of the nitrides agree with those derived for the oxides and Pauling’s electronegativities to within ∼5%, on average. Received: 3 February 1997 / Revised, accepted: 11 July 1997     

Experimental multipole-refined and theoretical charge density study of LiGaSi<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>6</Subscript> clinopyroxene at ambient conditions

The synthetic LiGaSi₂O₆ clinopyroxene is monoclinic C2/c at room-T. Its experimental electron density, ρ(r), has been derived starting from accurate room-T single-crystal diffraction data. Topological analysis confirms an intermediate ionic-covalent character for Si–O bonding, as found by previous electron-density studies on other silicates such as diopside, coesite and stishovite. The non-bridging Si–O bonds have more covalent character than the bridging ones. The Ga–O bonds have different bonding characters, the Ga–O2 bond being more covalent than the two Ga–O1 bonds. Li–O bonds are classified as pure closed-shell ionic interactions. Similar to spodumene (LiAlSi₂O₆), Li has sixfold coordination, but the bond critical points associated to the two longest bonds are characterized by very low electron density values. Similar to what previously found in spodumene and diopside, O···O interactions were detected from the topological analysis of ρ(r), and indicate a cooperative interaction among the lone pairs of neighbouring oxygen atoms. In particular, this kind of interaction has been obtained for the O1···O1 edge shared between two Ga octahedra. Integration over the atomic basins gives net charges of −1.39(10), 2.82(10), 1.91(10) and 0.82(8) e for O (averaged), Si, Ga and Li atoms, respectively. Periodic Hartree–Fock and DFT calculations confirm the results obtained by multipole refinement of the experimental data. Moreover, the theoretical topological properties of the electron density distribution on the Si₂O₆ group are very similar to those calculated for spodumene. Electronic supplementary material  The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Distance least squares modelling of the cubic sodalite structure and of the thermal expansion of Na8(Al6Si6O24)I2

The Distance Least Squares (DLS) structure modelling technique is used to determine the room-temperature structures of the sodalites Li₈(Al₆Si₆O₂₄)Cl₂, Na₈(Al₆Si₆O₂₄)Cl₂, K₈(Al₆Si₆O₂₄)Cl₂, Na₈(Al₆Si₆O₂₄)Br₂, and Na₈(Al₆Si₆O₂₄)I₂. The technique is also used to calculate the thermal expansion behaviour of Na₈(Al₆Si₆O₂₄)I₂ assuming that the discontinuity in its thermal expansion curve occurred either when the ideal fully-expanded state was achieved (case 1) or when the x-coordinate of the sodium atom became 0.25 (case 2). The results are given as plots of bond lengths and bond angles as a function of temperature. Case 2 was preferred and analysis of the results implied that the driving force for the untwisting of the partially-collapsed sodalite framework was in the framework bonds with the cavity ion bonds resisting the untwisting. Best estimates indicate that the expansion of the Na-O and Na-I bonds are 9% and 27.4% respectively, between room temperature and 810° C, and there is an apparent shortening of the framework bond distances of about 1.5%.     

Critical point properties of electron density distributions for oxide molecules containing first and second row cations

 Minimum energy geometries and electron density distributions, ϱ(r), for ∼40 polyatomic oxide molecules containing first and second row M-cations have been calculated at the Hartree-Fock level with a 6-311++G** basis set. The nature of the bonded interactions in these molecules is examined in terms of the relative electronegativities, χ _M , of the M-cations and the properties of the electron density distribution, ϱ(r _c ), evaluated at the bond critical points, r _c , along each MO bond. As ϱ(r _c ) and the Laplacian of ϱ(r _c ) increase, χ _M increases indicating an increase in the covalent character of the bonded interactions between M and O. The ratios of the curvatures of ϱ(r _c ) indicate that the NO bond is predominantly covalent, that the CO and SO bonds are of intermediate type and that the remaining MO bonds are indicated to be predominantly ionic in character. A comparison of the critical point properties of ϱ(r _c ) and χ _M indicates that the minimum energy MO bond length is an important determinate of the properties of ϱ(r _c ) and the character of the MO bonds. On the other hand, values of the local energy density, H(r _c ), indicate that the LiO, BeO, NaO, MgO and AlO bonds are predominantly ionic and that the BO, CO, NO, SiO, PO and SO bonds are predominantly covalent in character. The χ _M -values provided by the properties of ϱ(r _c ) indicate that the covalent component of a bond increases with decreasing bond length, coordination number and increasing bond strength. Each MO bond seems to represent a unique entity and to possess a distinct set of ϱ(r _c ) properties, the distinction being greater for the more electronegative cations. The bonded radius of the oxide ion, r _b (O), and the χ _M -values determined from ϱ(r _c ) correlate with values determined from promolecule electron density distributions. In addition, r _b (O) and χ _M -values determined from experimental electron density distributions for crystals correlate with values determined from procrystal electron density distributions. The number of critical points and bond paths are modeled rather faithfully by procrystal and promolecule electron density distributions, despite the neglect of the binding forces in their constructions. Received: October 15, 1996/Revised, accepted: February 10, 1997     

Preiswerkite and Na-(Mg,Fe)-margarite in eclogites

Preiswerkite and Na-(Mg,Fe)-margarite are two unusual micas very rare in Nature. They have been observed together in two eclogite occurrences (La Compointrie, France; Liset, Norway) as retrogression products in coronae or symplectites around kyanite. The chemical compositions and some physical properties of these micas are presented. The possible solid solutions and the conditions of stability are discussed. The preiswerkites display slight solid solution towards phengitic muscovite and Na-phlogopite. On the other hand, there is negligible solid solution towards more aluminous compositions; Al^IV ≤ 4 appears to be a composition limit for natural (K,Na)-micas. The margarites have an unusual Na-(Mg,Fe)-rich composition. They can be considered as a solid solution of about 2/3 mol% of margarite and 1/3 mol% of the theoretical end-member Na₂(Mg,Fe)₁Al^VI ₄[Si₄Al^IV ₄]O₂₀(OH)₄ (“Mica L”), with a possible substitution towards paragonite. The Marg_2/3 Mica L_1/3 composition (i.e. NaCa₂(Mg,Fe)_0.5 Al^VI ₆ [Si₆Al^IV ₆]O₃₀(OH)₆) might represent a particularly stable crystallographic configuration and could be considered as a true end-member. Many “sodian” margarites described in the literature are, in fact, complex solid solutions between margarite, paragonite and Marg_2/3 Mica L_1/3. The rarity of these micas is not related to extreme or unusual P-T conditions. They seem to be related to unusual chemical compositions, appearing in H₂O-saturated Na-Al-rich Si-poor systems, principally, if not only, at greenschist- or amphibolite-facies P-T conditions. Moreover, they are subject to crystallographic constraints whereby the high proportion of Al-tetrahedra create considerable distortion which prevents the entry of K into the interlayer site, thus necessitating Na (preiswerkite or ephesite) or Ca (margarite or clintonite) instead. Received: 21 April 1998 / Accepted: 25 January 1999     

Burovaite-Ca, (Na,K)4Ca2(Ti,Nb)8[Si4O12]4(OH,O)8·12H2O, a new labuntsovite-group mineral species and its place in low-temperature mineral formation in pegmatites of the Khibiny pluton, Kola Peninsula, Russia

This paper presents data on burovaite-Ca, the first Ti-dominant member of the labuntsovite group with a calcium D-octahedron. The idealized formula of burovaite-Ca is (K,Na)₄Ca₂(Ti,Nb)₈[Si₄O₁₂]₄(OH,O)₈ · 12H₂O. The mineral has been found in the hydrothermal zone of aegirine-microcline pegmatite located in khibinite at Mt. Khibinpakhkchorr, the Khibiny pluton, Kola Peninsula, Russia. Radiaxial intergrowths of burovaite-Ca and labuntsovite-Mn associated with lemmleynite-Ba, analcime, and apophyllite have been identified in caverns within microcline. The mean composition of the mineral is as follows, wt %: 3.72 Na₂O, 2.76 K₂O, 4.22 CaO, 0.47 SrO, 0.23 BaO, 0.01 MnO, 0.30 Fe₂O₃, 0.14 Al₂O₃, 42.02 SiO₂, 17.30 TiO₂, 15.21 Nb₂O₅, 12.60 H₂O (measured); the total is 98.98. Its empirical formula has been calculated on the basis of [(Si,Al)₁₆O₄₈]: {(Na_3.10K_1.07Ca_0.37Sr_0.04Ba_0.04)_4.62}(Ca_1.28Zn_0.01)_1.29(Ti_4.97Nb_2.56Fe_0.08Ta_0.02)_7.63(Si_15.93Al_0.07)₁₆O₄₈(OH_6.70O_0.93)_7.63 · 12H₂O. The strongest lines in the X-ray powder diffraction pattern of burovaite-Ca (I-d ?] are as follows: 70–7.08, 40–6.39, 40–4.97, 30–3.92, 40–3.57, 100–3.25, 70–3.11, 50–2.61, 70–2.49, 40–2.15, 50–2.05, 70–1.712, 70–1.577, and 70–1.444. The structure of burovaite-Ca was solved by A.A. Zolotarev, Jr. The mineral is monoclinic, space group C2/m. The unit-cell dimensions are a = 14.529(3), b = 14.203(3), c = 7.899(1), β = 117.37(1)°, V = 1447.57 ?₃. Burovaite-Ca is an isostructural Ti-dominant analogue of karupm?llerite-Ca and gjerdingenite-Ca. Two stages of mineral formation—pegmatite proper and hydrothermal—have been recognized in the host pegmatite. The hydrothermal stage included K-Ba-Na, Na-K-Ca, and Na-Sr substages. Burovaite-Ca is related to the intermediate Na-K-Ca substage. At the first substage, labuntsovite-Mn and lemmleynite-Ba were formed, and tsepinite-Na, paratsepinite-Nd, and tsepinite-Sr were formed at the final substage. Thus, the sequence of crystallization of labuntsovite-group minerals is characterized by the replacement of the potassium regime by the sodium regime of alkaline solutions in the evolved host pegmatite.     

High temperature stability limit of phase egg, AlSiO3(OH)

The stability relations of phase egg, AlSiO₃(OH), have been investigated at pressures from 7 to 20 GPa, and temperatures from 900 to 1700 °C in a multi-anvil apparatus. At the lower pressures phase egg breaks down according to the univariant reaction, phase egg = stishovite + topaz-OH, which extends from 1100 °C at 11 GPa to 1400 °C at 13 GPa where it terminates at an invariant point involving corundum. At pressures above the invariant point, the stability of phase egg is limited by the breakdown reaction, phase egg = stishovite + corundum + fluid, which extends from the invariant point to 1700 °C at 20 GPa. Stishovite crystallized in the Al₂O₃-SiO₂-H₂O system contains Al₂O₃, and the amount of Al₂O₃ increases with increasing temperature. It is inferred that the Al₂O₃ content is controlled by the charge-balanced substitution of Si⁴⁺ by Al³⁺ and H⁺. Aluminum-bearing stishovite coexisting with an H₂O-rich fluid may contain a certain amount of water. Therefore, phase egg and stishovite in a subducting slab could transport some H₂O into the deep Earth. Received: 14 October 1998 / Accepted: 19 May 1999     

Kyanoxalite,a new cancrinite-group mineral species with extraframework oxalate anion from the Lovozero alkaline pluton,Kola Peninsula

Kyanoxalite, a new member of the cancrinite group, has been identified in hydrothermally altered hyperalkaline rocks and pegmatites of the Lovozero alkaline pluton, Kola Peninsula, Russia. It was found at Mount Karnasurt (holotype) in association with nepheline, aegirine, sodalite, nosean, albite, lomonosovite, murmanite, fluorapatite, loparite, and natrolite and at Mt. Alluaiv. Kyanoxalite is transparent, ranging in color from bright light blue, greenish light blue and grayish light blue to colorless. The new mineral is brittle, with a perfect cleavage parallel to (100). Mohs hardness is 5–5.5. The measured and calculated densitiesare 2.30(1) and 2.327 g/cm³, respectively. Kyanoxalite is uniaxial, negative, ω = 1.794(1), ɛ = 1.491(1). It is pleochroic from colorless along E to light blue along O. The IR spectrum indicates the presence of oxalate anions C₂O₄²⁻ and water molecules in the absence of CO₃²⁻ Oxalate ions are confirmed by anion chromatography. The chemical composition (electron microprobe; water was determined by a modified Penfield method and carbon was determined by selective sorption from annealing products) is as follows, wt %: 19.70 Na₂O, 1.92 K₂O, 0.17 CaO, 27.41 Al₂O₃, 38.68 SiO₂, 0.64 P₂O₅, 1.05 SO₃, 3.23 C₂O₃, 8.42 H₂O; the total is 101.18. The empirical formula (Z = 1) is (Na_6.45K_0.41Ca_0.03)_Σ6.89(Si_6.53Al_5.46O₂₄)[(C₂O₄)_0.455(SO₄)_0.13(PO₄)_0.09(OH)_0.01]_Σ0.68 · 4.74H₂O. The idealized formula is Na₇(Al₅₋₆Si₆₋₇O₂₄)(C₂O₄)_0.5−1 · 5H₂O. Kyanoxalite is hexagonal, the space group is P6₃, a = 12.744(8), c = 5.213(6) -ray powder diffraction pattern are as follows, [d, [A] (I, %)(hkl)]: 6.39(44) (110), 4.73 (92) (101), 3.679 (72) (300), 3.264 (100) (211, 121), 2.760 (29) (400), 2.618 (36) (002), 2.216, (29) (302, 330). According to the X-ray single crystal study (R = 0.033), two independent C₂O₄ groups statistically occupy the sites on the axis 6₃. The new mineral is the first natural silicate with an additional organic anion and is the most hydrated member of the cancrinite group. Its name reflects the color (κɛανgoΣς is light blue in Greek) and the species-forming role of oxalate anions. The holotype is deposited at the Fersman Mineralogical Museum of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, registration no. 3735/1.     

A high pressure-high temperature study of TiO2 solubility in Mg-rich phlogopite: implications to phlogopite chemistry

The solubility of Tio₂ in phlogopites has been experimentally determined in the system K₂Mg₆Al₂Si₆O₂₀(OH)₄-K₂Mg₄TiAl₂Si₆O₂₀(OH)₄-K₂Mg₅TiAl₄Si₄O₂₀(OH)₄ between 825–1300°C and 10–30 kbar under vapour absent conditions. Starting compositions lie along the join K₂Mg₆Al₂Si₆O₂₀(OH)₄-K₂Mg_4.5TiAl₃Si₅O₂₀(OH)₄ which represents a combination of the Mg^[VI]2Si^[IV] = Ti^[VI]2Al^[VI] and $\text{2Mg}{}^{\mathrm{[VI]}}\text{=}\text{Ti}{}^{\mathrm{[VI]}}\text{□}{}^{\mathrm{[VI]}}$ substitution mechanisms for Ti in phlogopites. The results of the experiments indicate a systematic increase in solubility of Ti with increasing temperature and decreasing pressure for given bulk Tio₂ content. Under isobaric conditions high temperature Ti-saturated phlogopite breaks down to Ti-deficient phlogopite + rutile + vapour. Mass balance calculations suggest that the vapour phase may contain K₂O dissolved in H₂O and that the reaction is controlled by the vapour phase. Analyses of phlogopites coexisting with rutile and vapour can be represented in terms of the end-member components phlogopite [K₂Mg₆Al₂Si₆O₂₀(OH)₄], eastonite [K₂Mg₅Al₄Si₅O₂₀(OH)₄], an octahedral site deficient Ti-phlogopite (Ti-OSD) of composition K₂(Mg₄Ti□)Al₂Si₆)O₂₀(OH)₄, and Ti-eastonite [K₂Mg₅TiAl₄Si₄O₂₀(OH)₄]. With decreasing amounts of Ti in these phlogopites there is a decrease in the Ti-eastonite component and increase in the eastonite component.The general equation for the breakdown of Ti-phlogopite solid solution to Ti-free phlogopite + rutile + vapour is: 14 Ti-eastonite + 7 Ti-OSD ? 16 eastonite + 3 phlogopite + 21 rutile + 4 H₂O + 2 K₂O. Lack of knowledge of H₂O and K₂O activities in the vapour phase does not permit evaluation of thermodynamic constants for this reaction. The Ti solubility in phlogopites and hence its potential as a geothermobarometer under lower crustal to upper mantle conditions is likely controlled by common mantle minerals such as forsterite.     

Shlykovite KCa[Si4O9(OH)] · 3H2O and cryptophyllite K2Ca[Si4O10] · 5H2O, new mineral species from the Khibiny alkaline pluton, Kola Peninsula, Russia

New minerals, shlykovite and cryptophyllite, hydrous Ca and K phyllosilicates, have been identified in hyperalkaline pegmatite at Mount Rasvumchorr, Khibiny alkaline pluton, Kola Peninsula, Russia. They are the products of low-temperature hydrothermal activity and are associated with aegirine, potassium feldspar, nepheline, lamprophyllite, eudialyte, lomonosovite, lovozerite, tisinalite, shcherbakovite, shafranovskite, ershovite, and megacyclite. Shlykovite occurs as lamellae up to 0.02 × 0.02 × 0.5 mm in size or fibers up to 0.5 mm in length usually combined in aggregates up to 3 mm in size, crusts, and parallel-columnar veinlets. Cryptophyllite occurs as lamellae up to 0.02 × 0.1 × 0.2 mm in size intergrown with shlykovite being oriented parallel to {001} or chaotically arranged. Separate crystals of the new minerals are transparent and colorless; the aggregates are beige, brownish, light cream, and pale yellowish-grayish. The cleavage is parallel to (001) perfect. The Mohs hardness of shlykovite is 2.5–3. The calculated densities of shlykovite and cryptophyllite are 2.444 and 2.185 g/cm³, respectively. Both minerals are biaxial; shlykovite: 2V _meas = −60(20)°; cryptophyllite: 2V _meas > 70°. The refractive indices are: shlykovite: α = 1.500(3), β = 1.509(2), γ = 1.515(2); cryptophyllite: α = 1.520(2), β = 1.523(2), γ = 1.527(2). The chemical composition of shlykovite determined by an electron microprobe (H₂O determined from total deficiency) is as follows, wt %: 0.68 Na₂O, 11.03 K₂O, 13.70 CaO, 59.86 SiO₂, 14.73 H₂O; the total is 100.00. The empirical formula calculated on the basis of 13 O atoms (OH/H₂O calculated from the charge balance) is (K_0.96Na_0.09)_Σ1.05Ca_1.00Si_4.07O_9.32(OH)_0.68 · 3H₂O. The idealized formula is KCa[Si₄O₉(OH)] · 3H₂O. The chemical composition of cryptophyllite determined by an electron microprobe (H₂O determined from the total deficiency) is as follows, wt %: 1.12 Na₂O, 17.73 K₂O, 11.59 CaO, 0.08 Al₂O₃, 50.24 SiO₂, 19.24 H₂O, the total is 100.00. The empirical formula calculated on the basis of (Si,Al)₄(O,OH)₁₀ (OH/H₂O calculated from the charge balance) is (K_1.80Na_0.17)_Σ1.97Ca_0.99Al_0.01Si_3.99O_9.94(OH)_0.06 · 5.07H₂O. The idealized formula is K₂Ca[Si₄O₁₀] · 5H₂O. The crystal structures of both minerals were solved on single crystals using synchrotron radiation. Shlykovite is monoclinic; the space group is P2₁/n; a = 6.4897(4), b = 6.9969(5), c = 26.714(2)?, β = 94.597(8)°, V = 1209.12(15)?³, Z = 4. Cryptophyllite is monoclinic; the space group is P2₁/n; a = 6.4934(14), b = 6.9919(5), c = 32.087(3)?, β = 94.680(12)°, V= 1451.9(4)?, Z = 4. The strongest lines of the X-ray powder patterns (d, ?-I, [hkl] are: shlykovite 13.33–100[002], 6.67–76[004], 6.47–55[100], 3.469–45[021], 3.068–57[$ \bar 1 $ \bar 1 21], 3.042–45[121], 2.945–62[ 23], 2.912–90[025, 12, 211]; cryptophyllite 16.01–100[002], 7.98–24[004], 6.24–48[101], 3.228–22[$ \bar 1 $ \bar 1 09], 3.197–27[0.0.10], 2.995–47[122], 2.903–84[123, 204, $ \bar 1 $ \bar 1 24, 211], 2.623–20[028, 08, 126]. Shlykovite and cryptophyllite are members of new related structural types. Their structures are based on a two-layer packet consisting of tetrahedral Si layers linked with octahedral Ca chains. Mountainite, shlykovite and cryptophyllite could be combined into the mountainite structural family. Shlykovite is named in memory of Russian geologist V. G. Shlykov (1941–2007); the name cryptophyllite is from the Greek words meaning concealed and leaf that allude to its layered structure (phyllosilicate) in combination with a lamellar habit and intimate intergrowths with visually indistinguishable shlykovite. Type specimens of the minerals are deposited at the Fersman Mineralogical Museum of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow.     

The thermodynamic properties of H2O in magnesium and iron cordierite

 The equilibrium water content of cordierite has been measured for 31 samples synthesized at pressures of 1000 and 2000 bars and temperatures from 600 to 750° C using the cold-seal hydrothermal technique. Ten data points are presented for pure magnesian cordierite, 11 data points for intermediate iron/magnesium ratios from 0.25 to 0.65 and 10 data points for pure iron cordierite. By representing the contribution of H₂O to the heat capacity of cordierite as steam at the same temperature and pressure, it is possible to calculate a standard enthalpy and entropy of reaction at 298.18° K and 1 bar for, (Mg,Fe)₂Al₄Si₅O₁₈+H₂O ⇄ (Fe,Mg)₂Al₄Si₅O₁₈.H₂O Combining the 31 new data points with 89 previously published experimental measurements gives: ΔH ^° _r =–37141±3520 J and ΔS ^° _r =–99.2±4 J/degree. This enthalpy of reaction is within experimental uncertainty of calorimetric data. The enthalpy and entropy of hydration derived separately for magnesian cordierite (–34400±3016 J, –96.5±3.4 J/degree) and iron cordierite (–39613±2475, –99.5±2.5 J/degree) cannot be distinguished within the present experimental uncertainty. The water content as a function of temperature, T(K), and water fugacity, f(bars), is given by n _H2O=1/[1+1/(K ⋅ f _H2O)] where the equilibrium constant for the hydration reaction as written above is, ln K=4466.4/T–11.906 with the standard state for H₂O as the gas at 1 bar and T, and for cordierite components, the hydrous and anhydrous endmembers at P and T. Received: 2 August 1994/Accepted: 7 February 1996     

Chemical composition and species attribution of tourmalines from a rare-metal pegmatite vein with scapolite, Sangilen Upland, Tuva

A detailed study of the chemical composition and substitutions in calcium tourmalines from a scapolite-bearing rare-metal pegmatite vein from the Sol’bel’der River basin has shown that their species attribution is determined by occupancy of octahedral site Y. The composition of the yellow tourmaline most abundant in the central part of the pegmatite bodyis rather constant and characterized by the ideal formula Ca(Mg₂Li)Al₆(Si₆O₁₈)(BO₃)₃(OH)₃F. Variations in the chemical composition of zonal tourmaline crystals from the contact part of the pegmatite are controlled by abrupt change in the chemical medium during their formation. The yellow cores of these crystals are close in composition to tourmaline from the central part of the pegmatite vein. The Mg content abruptly decreases toward the crystal margin: Mg²⁺ → Fe²⁺, 2Mg²⁺ → Li⁺ + Al³⁺, and Mg²⁺ + OH → Al³⁺ + O²⁻. The composition of dark green marginal zones in tourmaline is characterized by the ideal formula Ca(Al_1.5Li_1.5)Al₆(Si₆O₁₈)(BO₃)₃ (OH₂O)(F). The results indicate specific formation conditions of pegmatite. The crystallochemical formulas of the studied tourmalines allow us to regard them as new mineral species in the tourmaline group.     

On the Stability of the <Emphasis Type="Italic">AlOSi</Emphasis>(<Emphasis Type="Italic">OH</Emphasis>)<Stack><Subscript>3</Subscript><Superscript>2+</Superscript></Stack> Complex in Aqueous Solution

Summary The complexation of aluminium(III) and silicon(IV) was studied in a simplified seawater medium (0.6 M Na(Cl)) at 25 °C. The measurements were performed as potentiometric titrations using a hydrogen electrode with OH ⁻ ions being generated coulometrically. The total concentrations of Si(IV) and Al(III) respectively [Si _tot ] and [Al _t ot], and −log[H ⁺] were varied within the limits 0.3 < [Si _tot ] < 2.5 mM, 0.5 < [Al _tot ] < 2.6 mM, and 2 ≤ -log[H ⁺] ≤ 4.2. Within these ranges of concentration, evidence is given for the formation of an AlSiO(OH) ₃ ²⁺ complex with a formation constant log β_1,1-1 = −2.75 ± 0.1 defined by the reaction Al ³⁺+Si (OH)₄ ↔ AlOSi(OH) ₃ ²⁺ +H ⁺ An extrapolation of this value to I=0 gives log β_1,1-1 = −2.30. The calculated value of log K (Al ³⁺+SiO(OH) ₃ ⁻ ↔ AlOSi(OH) ₃ ²⁺ ) = 6.72 (I=0.6 M) can be compared with corresponding constants for the formation of AlF ²⁺ and AlOH ²⁺ , which are equal to 6.16 and 8.20. Obviously, the stability of these Al(III) complexes decreases within the series OH ⁻>SiO(OH) ₃ ⁻  > F ⁻     

Stability range and decomposition of potassic richterite and phlogopite end members at 5–15 GPa

Summary The phase relations of K-richterite, KNaCaMg₅Si₈O₂₂(OH)₂, and phlogopite, K₃Mg₆ Al₂Si₆O₂₀(OH)₂, have been investigated at pressures of 5–15 GPa and temperatures of 1000–1500 °C. K-richterite is stable to about 1450 °C at 9–10 GPa, where the dp/dT-slope of the decomposition curve changes from positive to negative. At 1000 °C the alkali-rich, low-Al amphibole is stable to more than 14 GPa. Phlogopite has a more limited stability range with a maximum thermal stability limit of 1350 °C at 4–5 GPa and a pressure stability limit of 9–10 GPa at 1000 °C. The high-pressure decomposition reactions for both of the phases produce relatively small amounts of highly alkaline water-dominated fluids, in combination with mineral assemblages that are relatively close to the decomposing hydrous phase in bulk composition. In contrast, the incongruent melting of K-richterite and phlogopite in the 1–3 GPa range involves a larger proportion of hydrous silicate melts. The K-richterite breakdown produces high-Ca pyroxene and orthoenstatite or clinoenstatite at all pressures above 4 GPa. At higher pressures additional phases are: wadeite-structured K₂Si^VISi^IV ₃O₉ at 10 GPa and 1500 °C, wadeite-structured K₂Si^VISi^IV ₃O₉ and phase X at 15 GPa and 1500 °C, and stishovite at 15 GPa and 1100 °C. The solid breakdown phases of phlogopite are dominated by pyrope and forsterite. At 9–10 GPa and 1100–1400 °C phase X is an additional phase, partly accompanied by clinoenstatite close to the decomposition curve. Phase X has variable composition. In the KCMSH-system (K₂CaMg₅Si₈O₂₂(OH)₂) investigated by Inoue et al. (1998) and in the KMASH-system investigated in this report the compositions are approximately K₄Mg₈Si₈O₂₅(OH)₂ and K_3.7Mg_7.4Al_0.6Si_8.0O₂₅(OH)₂, respectively. Observations from natural compositions and from the phlogopite-diopside system indicate that phlogopite-clinopyroxene assemblages are stable along common geothermal gradients (including subduction zones) to 8–9 GPa and are replaced by K-richterite at higher pressures. The stability relations of the pure end member phases of K-richterite and phlogopite are consistent with these observations, suggesting that K-richterite may be stable into the mantle transition zone, at least along colder slab geotherms. The breakdown of moderate proportions of K-richterite in peridotite in the upper part of the transition zone may be accompanied by the formation of the potassic and hydrous phase X. Additional hydrogen released by this breakdown may dissolve in wadsleyite. Therefore, very small amounts of hydrous fluids may be released during such a decomposition. Received April 10, 2000; revised version accepted November 6, 2000     

Thermochemical study of natural montmorillonite

The paper reports results of an experimental thermochemical study (in a heat-flux Tian-Calvet microcalorimeter) of montmorillonite from (I) the Taganskoe and (II) Askanskoe deposits and (III) from the caldera of Uzon volcano, Kamchatka. The enthalpy of formation Δ _f H _el ⁰ (298.15 K) of dehydrated hydroxyl-bearing montmorillonite was determined by melt solution calorimetry: ?5677.6 ± 7.6 kJ/mol for Na_0.3Ca_0.1(Mg_0.4Al_1.6)[Si_3.9Al_0.1O₁₀](OH)₂ (I), ?5614.3 ± 7.0 kJ/mol for Na_0.4K_0.1(Ca_0.1Mg_0.3Al_1.5Fe _0.1 ³⁺ )[Si_3.9Al_0.1O₁₀](OH)₂ (II), ?5719 ± 11 kJ/mol for K_0.1Ca_0.2Mg_0.2(Mg_0.6Al_1.3Fe _0.1 ³⁺ ) [Si_3.7Al_0.3O10](OH)₂ (III), and ?6454 ± 11 kJ/mol for water-bearing montmorillonite (I) Na_0.3Ca_0.1(Mg_0.4Al_1.6)[Si_3.9Al_0.1O₁₀](OH)₂ · 2.6H₂O. The paper reports estimated enthalpy of formation for the smectite end members of the theoretical composition of K-, Na-, Mg-, and Ca-montmorillonite and experimental data on the enthalpy of dehydration (14 ± 2 kJ per mole of H₂O) and dehydroxylation (166 ± 10 kJ per mole of H₂O) for Na-montmorillonite.     

Correlations between 29Si, 17O and 1H NMR properties and local structures in silicates: an ab initio calculation

In order to gain insight into the correlations between ²⁹Si, ¹⁷O and ¹H NMR properties (chemical shift and quadrupolar coupling parameters) and local structures in silicates, ab initio self-consistent field Hartree-Fock molecular orbital calculations have been carried out on silicate clusters of various polymerizations and intertetrahedral (Si-O-Si) angles. These include Si(OH)₄ monomers (isolated as well as interacting), Si₂O(OH)₆ dimers (C₂ symmetry) with the Si-O-Si angle fixed at 5° intervals from 120° to 180°, Si₃O₂(OH)₈ linear trimers (C₂ symmetry) with varying Si-O-Si angles, Si₃O₃(OH)₆ three-membered rings (D₃ and C₁ symmetries), Si₄O₄(OH)₈ four-membered ring (C₄ symmetry) and Si₈O₁₂(OH)₈ octamer (D₄ symmetry). The calculated ²⁹Si, ¹⁷O and ¹H isotropic chemical shifts (δ_i ^Si, δ_i ^O and δ_i ^H) for these clusters are all close to experimental NMR data for similar local structures in crystalline silicates. The calculated ¹⁷O quadrupolar coupling constants (QCC) of the bridging oxygens (Si-O-Si) are also in good agreement with experimental data. The calculated ¹⁷O QCC of silanols (Si-O-H) are much larger than those of the bridging oxygens, but unfortunately there are no experimental data for similar groups in well-characterized crystalline phases for comparison. There is a good correlation between δ_i ^Si and the mean Si-O-Si angle for both Q ¹ and Q ², where Q ⁿ denotes Si with n other tetrahedral Si next-nearest neighbors. Both the δ _i ^O and the ¹⁷O electric field gradient asymmetry parameter, η of the bridging oxygens have been found to depend strongly on the O site symmetry, in addition to the Si-O-Si angle. On the other hand, the ¹⁷O QCC seems to be influenced little by structural parameters other than the Si-O-Si angle, and is thus expected to be the most reliable ¹⁷O NMR parameter that can be used to decipher Si-O-Si angle distribution information. Both the ¹⁷O QCC and the ²H QCC of silanols decrease with decreasing length of hydrogen bond to a second O atom (Si-O-H···O), and the δ _i ^H increase with the same parameter. Received: 18 July 1997 / Revised, accepted: 23 February 1998     

An experimental study of glaucophanic amphiboles in the system Na2O-MgO-Al2O3-SiO2-SiF4 (NMASF): some implications for glaucophane stability in natural and synthetic systems at high temperatures and pressures

The phase relations of glaucophanic amphiboles have been studied at 18–31 kbar/680–950°C in the synthetic system Na₂O–MgO–Al₂O₃–SiO₂–SiF₄ (NMASF) using the bulk composition of fluor-glaucophane, Na₂Mg₃Al₂Si₈O₂₂F₂. Previous experimental studies of glaucophane in the water-bearing system (NMASH) have been hampered by problems of fine grain size (electron microprobe analyses with low oxide totals and contamination by other phases), and consequently good compositional data are lacking. Fluor-amphiboles, on the other hand, generally have much higher thermal stabilities than their hydrous counterparts. By using the fluorine-analogue system NMASF, amphibole crystals sufficiently coarse for electron microprobe analysis have been obtained. Furthermore, NMASH amphibole phase relations are directly analogous to those of the NMASF system because SiF₄ fills the role of H₂O as the fluid species. High-pressure NMASF amphibole parageneses are comparable to those obtained for NMASH amphiboles under similar pressure-temperature conditions, except that the NMASF solidus was not encountered. In the pressure-temperature range of the NMASF experiments, fluor-glaucophane is unstable relative to glaucophanenyböite-Mg-magnesio-katophorite amphiboles. Variations in synthetic fluor-amphibole composition with P and T are discussed in terms of changes in the thermodynamic activities of the principal amphibole end-members, such as glaucophane (a_Gp) and nyböite (a_Ny) using an ideal-mixing-on-sites model. The most glaucophanic amphiboles analysed have a_Gp=0.50–0.60 and coexist with jadeite and coesite at 30 kbar/800°C. Amphiboles become increasingly nyböitic with decreasing pressure through the NaAlSi_-1 exchange, which is the principal variation observed. The most nyböitic amphiboles have a_Ny =0.65–0.70 and coexist with fluor-sodium-phlogopite and quartz at 21–24 kbar/800–850°C. At 800°C amphiboles are essentially glaucophane-nyböite solid solutions. At 850°C there is some minor displacement along MgMgSi_-1, but Mg-magnesio-katophorite activities are very low (<0.06). Activities of the eight other NMASF amphibole end-members are <0.001, except for eckermannite activity which varies from 0.01–0.11. Our results indicate that: (a) synthetic amphiboles mimic the essential stoichiometries observed in blueschist amphiboles; (b) synthetic studies should be relevant to petrologically important high-pressure parageneses and reactions involving glaucophanicamphiboles, sodic pyroxenes, albite and talc; (c) the high-pressure stability limit of fluorglaucophane lies at pressures higher than those reached in this study (31 kbar); (d) in natural systems an approach to glaucophane stoichiometry should be favoured by high water activities as well as high pressures.Abbreviations and formulae used in this paper Glaucophane (Gp) oNa₂(Mg₃Al₂)Si₈O₂₂(OH,F)₂ - Nyböite (Ny) NaNa₂(Mg₃Al₂)Si₇AlO₂₂(OH,F)₂ - Eckermannite (Ek) NaNa₂(Mg₄Al)Si₈O₂₂(OH,F)₂ - Magnesio-cummingtonite (MC) oMg₂(Mg₅)Si₈O₂₂(OH,F)₂ - Sodium-magnesio-cummingtonite (SMC) NaNaMg(Mg₅)Si₈O₂₂(OH,F)₂ - Sodium-anthophyllite (SAn) NaMg₂(Mg₅)Si₇AlO₂₂(OH,F)₂ - Gedrite (Gd) oMg₂(Mg₃Al₂)Si₆Al₂O₂₂(OH,F)₂ - Sodium-gedrite (SGd) NaMg₂(Mg₄Al)Si₆Al₂O₂₂(OH,F)₂ - Mg-magnesio-aluminotaramite (MAT) NaNaMg(Mg₃Al₂)Si₆Al₂O₂₂(OH,F)₂ - Mg-magnesio-katophorite (MKt) NaNaMg(Mg₄Al)Si₇AlO₂₂(OH,F)₂ - Mg-magnesio-barroisite (MBa) oNaMg(Mg₄Al)Si₇AlO₂₂(OH,F)₂ - Jadeite (Jd) NaAlSi₂O₆ - Enstatite (En) Mg₂Si₂O₆ - Forsterite (Fo) Mg₂SiO₄ - Nepheline (Ne) NaAlSiO₄ - Albite (Ab) NaAlSi₃O₈ - Quartz/Coesite (Qz/Co) SiO₂ - Sodium-phlogopite (Sphl) NaMg₃Si₃AlO₁₀(OH,F)₂ - Talc (Tc) oMg₃Si₄O₁₀(OH,F)₂ - o vacant A-site in amphiboles and interlayer site in talc. Octahedral cations in amphiboles are bracketted     

Crystal structures of the Rb- and Sr-exchanged forms of ivanyukite-Na-T

The Rb- and Sr-exchanged forms of ivanyukite have been obtained and structurally characterized. The chemical formulas derived from the electron microprobe data are as follows: the Rb-exchanged form (Na_0.10K_0.07Ca_0.15Sr_0.05Rb_1.81Ba_0.02)_{Σ = 2.20}[(Ti_3.65Nb_0.19Fe_0.05Mn_0.01)_{Σ = 3.90}O_2.07/(OH)_1.93(Si_2.98Al_0.02)_{Σ = 3.00} O₁₂] · 3.61H₂O; the Sr-exchanged form (K_0.03Sr_0.81Ca_0.04Ba_0.07)_{Σ = 0.95}[(Ti_3.74Nb_0.19Fe_0.03)_{Σ = 3.96}] [O_1.83/(OH)_2.17](Si_2.99Al_0.01)_{Σ = 3.00}O₁₂) · 7H₂O. The structures of the Rb- and Sr-exchanged forms of ivanyukite have been solved and refined using the least squares method. The structures are based on a mixed three-dimensional octahedral-tetrahedral framework of the pharmacosiderite type with channels occupied by Rb⁺ and Sr²⁺ cations and water molecules. The Rb⁺ cations in the Rb-exchanged form are 12-coordinated, whereas the Sr²⁺ cations in the Sr-exchanged form are 9- or 7-coordinated. The statistical investigation of the geometric parameters of the pharmacosiderite-type titanosilicates showed that symmetry changes are associated with the interactions of extraframework cations with the O atom of the Ti₄(O,OH)₄ clusters of the titanosilicate framework. The relationship between the unit-cell parameters in titanosilicates of the pharmacosiderite type and the structural geometric parameters of the titanosilicate framework has been proved by the use of multiple regression equations.