Comparison of Mo/MgO and Mo/γ-Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> catalysts: impact of support on the structure and dibenzothiophene hydrodesulfurization reaction pathways

The MgO and P₂O₅-promoted γ-Al₂O₃ supports with alkaline and acidic natures, respectively, were prepared, impregnated with Mo atoms, and compared for dibenzothiophene (DBT) hydrodesulfurization (HDS) reaction. Ultraviolet spectroscopy and the principal component analysis were used to identify the impact of the supports on the reaction pathways. The catalysts were characterized by BET surface analysis, X-ray diffraction, temperature-programmed reduction, Fourier transform infrared, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The γ-Al₂O₃-supported catalyst favors the hydrogenation pathway relative to the MgO-supported catalyst, which facilitates the direct desulfurization route. The different performance was attributed to the dissimilar Mo phases that emerged during the activation procedure. The activation under sulfo-reductive condition changed the Mo atoms on γ-Al₂O₃ support into the sulfide phase while extra oxidation took place for the MgO-supported catalyst. The migration and consumption of loosely bonded bulk oxygen atoms with under-coordinated Mo atoms on the MgO support were introduced as a possible reason for such extra oxidation. DFT calculations predicted an interaction between the Mo/MgO catalyst and DBT via the electron donation from the catalyst oxygen atoms to the aromatic rings, resulting in weakening and breaking of the C–S bonds. In spite of the higher resistance of the MgO-supported catalyst toward coking and its superior activity, its lower hydrogenation capability suggested using a dual-function catalyst. Accordingly, two catalysts were mixed and the synergism was observed in the HDS reaction of thiophene.     

Elastic and thermoelastic properties of synthetic Ca<Subscript>2</Subscript>MgSi<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>7</Subscript> (åkermanite) and Ca<Subscript>2</Subscript>ZnSi<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>7</Subscript> (hardystonite)

Elastic and thermoelastic constants of large single crystals of Ca₂MgSi₂O₇ and Ca₂ZnSi₂O₇ have been derived from ultrasonic resonance frequencies of plane-parallel plates and their shift upon variation of temperature, respectively. In addition, coefficients of thermal expansion and dielectric constants were determined. Both species possess quite similar properties. As observed in other isotypic magnesium and zinc compounds, the mean elastic stiffness and the deviation from the Cauchy relations are significantly larger in the zinc compound, due to a covalent contribution of the Zn–O bond. Positive thermoelastic constants T₄₄ and T₆₆ in Ca₂MgSi₂O₇ allow temperature-independent ultrasonic generators and oscillators to be manufactured.     

Influence of oxygen fugacity on the solubility of carbon and hydrogen in FeO-Na<Subscript>2</Subscript>O-SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>-Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> melts in equilibrium with liquid iron at 1.5 GPa and 1400°C

Equilibria in the model melt (NaAlSi₃O₈(80) + FeO(20))-C-H₂ system were experimentally studied at ΔlogfO₂(IW) from −2.2 to −5.6, a pressure of 1.5 GPa, and a temperature of 1400°C. The experiments were conducted in a piston-cylinder apparatus using Pt capsules. The low fO₂ values were imposed during the experiments by adding 2, 5, and 7 wt % of finely dispersed SiC to NaAlSi₃O₈(80) + FeO(20) powder. The experimental products were investigated by electron microprobe analysis and Raman spectroscopy. The investigations showed that melting at 1.5 GPa and 1400°C in the stability field of a metallic iron phase produces silicate liquids containing both oxidized and reduced H and C species. Carbon and hydrogen are dissolved in the melt as C-H (CH₄) complexes. In addition, OH⁻ groups, molecular hydrogen H₂, and molecular water H₂O were observed in the melts. The proportions of dissolved C and H species strongly depend on oxygen fugacity. With decreasing fO₂, the content of O-H species decreases and that of H-C species increases. The obtained data and previous results (Kadik et al., 2004, 2006) allow us to suppose a fundamental change in the character of magmatic transfer of C-O-H components during the evolution of the redox state of the Earth’s mantle in geologic time toward higher fO₂ in its interiors.     

Structural changes and valence states in the MgCr<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript>–FeCr<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript> solid solution series

The influence on the structure of Fe²⁺ Mg substitution was studied in synthetic single crystals belonging to the MgCr₂O₄–FeCr₂O₄ series produced by flux growth at 900–1200 °C in controlled atmosphere. Samples were analyzed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, electron microprobe analyses, optical absorption-, infrared- and Mössbauer spectroscopy. The Mössbauer data show that iron occurs almost exclusively as ^IVFe²⁺. Only minor Fe³⁺ (<0.005 apfu) was observed in samples with very low total Fe. Optical absorption spectra show that chromium with few exceptions is present as a trivalent cation at the octahedral site. Additional absorption bands attributable to Cr²⁺ and Cr³⁺ at the tetrahedral site are evident in spectra of end-member magnesiochromite and solid-solution crystals with low ferrous contents. Structural parameters a₀, u and T–O increase with chromite content, while the M–O bond distance remains nearly constant, with an average value equal to 1.995(1) Å corresponding to the Cr³⁺ octahedral bond distance. The ideal trend between cell parameter, T–O bond length and Fe²⁺ content (apfu) is described by the following linear relations: a₀=8.3325(5) + 0.0443(8)Fe²⁺ (Å) and T–O=1.9645(6) + 0.033(1)Fe²⁺ (Å) Consequently, Fe²⁺ and Mg tetrahedral bond lengths are equal to 1.998(1) Å and 1.965(1) Å, respectively.     

High-pressure X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy of CaFe<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript>-type β-CaCr<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript>

In situ high-pressure synchrotron X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopic studies of orthorhombic CaFe₂O₄-type β-CaCr₂O₄ chromite were carried out up to 16.2 and 32.0 GPa at room temperature using multi-anvil apparatus and diamond anvil cell, respectively. No phase transition was observed in this study. Fitting a third-order Birch–Murnaghan equation of state to the P–V data yields a zero-pressure volume of V ₀ = 286.8(1) ų, an isothermal bulk modulus of K ₀ = 183(5) GPa and the first pressure derivative of isothermal bulk modulus K ₀′ = 4.1(8). Analyses of axial compressibilities show anisotropic elasticity for β-CaCr₂O₄ since the a-axis is more compressible than the b- and c-axis. Based on the obtained and previous results, the compressibility of several CaFe₂O₄-type phases was compared. The high-pressure Raman spectra of β-CaCr₂O₄ were analyzed to determine the pressure dependences and mode Grüneisen parameters of Raman-active bands. The thermal Grüneisen parameter of β-CaCr₂O₄ is determined to be 0.93(2), which is smaller than those of CaFe₂O₄-type CaAl₂O₄ and MgAl₂O₄.     

Heat capacity of hydrous trachybasalt from Mt Etna: comparison with CaAl<Subscript>2</Subscript>Si<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>8</Subscript> (An)–CaMgSi<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>6</Subscript> (Di) as basaltic proxy compositions

The specific heat capacity (C _p) of six variably hydrated (~3.5 wt% H₂O) iron-bearing Etna trachybasaltic glasses and liquids has been measured using differential scanning calorimetry from room temperature across the glass transition region. These data are compared to heat capacity measurements on thirteen melt compositions in the iron-free anorthite (An)–diopside (Di) system over a similar range of H₂O contents. These data extend considerably the published C _p measurements for hydrous melts and glasses. The results for the Etna trachybasalts show nonlinear variations in, both, the heat capacity of the glass at the onset of the glass transition (i.e., C _p ^g ) and the fully relaxed liquid (i.e., C _p ^l ) with increasing H₂O content. Similarly, the “configurational heat capacity” (i.e., C _p ^c  = C _p ^l  ? C _p ^g ) varies nonlinearly with H₂O content. The An–Di hydrous compositions investigated show similar trends, with C _p values varying as a function of melt composition and H₂O content. The results show that values in hydrous C _p ^g , C _p ^l and C _p ^c in the depolymerized glasses and liquids are substantially different from those observed for more polymerized hydrous albitic, leucogranitic, trachytic and phonolitic multicomponent compositions previously investigated. Polymerized melts have lower C _p ^l and C _p ^c and higher C _p ^g with respect to more depolymerized compositions. The covariation between C _p values and the degree of polymerization in glasses and melts is well described in terms of SM_hydrous and NBO/T _hydrous. Values of C _p ^c increase sharply with increasing depolymerization up to SM_hydrous ~ 30–35 mol% (NBO/T _hydrous ~ 0.5) and then stabilize to an almost constant value. The partial molar heat capacity of H₂O for both glasses (\( C_{{{\text{p}}\;{\text{H}}_{2} {\text{O}}}}^{\text{g}} \)) and liquids (\( C_{{{\text{p}}\;{\text{H}}_{2} {\text{O}}}}^{\text{l}} \)) appears to be independent of composition and, assuming ideal mixing, we obtain a value for \( C_{{{\text{p}}\;{\text{H}}_{2} {\text{O}}}}^{\text{l}} \) of 79 J mol^?1 K^?1. However, we note that a range of values for \( C_{{{\text{p}}\;{\text{H}}_{2} {\text{O}}}}^{\text{l}} \) (i.e., ~78–87 J mol^?1 K^?1) proposed by previous workers will reproduce the extended data to within experimental uncertainty. Our analysis suggests that more data are required in order to ascribe a compositional dependence (i.e., nonideal mixing) to \( C_{{{\text{p}}\;{\text{H}}_{2} {\text{O}}}}^{\text{l}} \).     

Single-crystal X-ray diffraction study of cation distribution in MgAl<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript>–MgFe<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript> spinel solid solution

Synthesis experiments in the system MgAl₂O₄–MgFe₂O₄ [MgAl_2–xFe_xO₄ (0 x 2)] were carried out using a PbF₂ flux. The crystalline products synthesized in the compositional range of 0.6 <x 1.2 consisted of two spinel phases, whereas those synthesized in the compositional ranges of 0.0 x 0.6 and 1.2 < x 2.0 crystallized as single spinel phases. Structure refinements of the spinel single crystals, which grew in the ranges of 0.0 x 0.6 and 1.2 < x 2.0, show that the degree of randomness of cation distribution between A and B sites increases as x approaches the two-phase region. This means that the degree of the size mismatch among Mg²⁺, Fe³⁺ and Al³⁺occupying each equivalent mixing site increases as x approaches the two-phase region. Consequently, if the coexistence of two spinels observed in the intermediate compositions reveals the existence of a miscibility gap at low temperatures, this increase in the degree of the size mismatch among the three cations is suggested as a factor of energetic destabilization to form the miscibility gap.     

Characterization of synthetic hedenbergite (CaFeSi<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>6</Subscript>)–petedunnite (CaZnSi<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>6</Subscript>) solid solution series by X-ray powder diffraction and <Superscript>57</Superscript>Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy

Clinopyroxenes along the solid solution series hedenbergite (CaFeSi₂O₆)–petedunnite (CaZnSi₂O₆) were synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and different oxygen fugacities at temperatures of 700 to 1200 °C and pressures of 0.2 to 2.5 GPa. Properties were determined by means of X-ray diffraction, electron microprobe analysis and ⁵⁷Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy at 298 K. Unit-cell parameters display a linear dependency with changing composition. Parameters a₀ and b₀ exhibit a linear decrease with increasing Zn content while the monoclinic angle increases linearly. Parameter c₀ is not affected by composition and remains constant at a value of 5.248 Å. The molar volume can be described according to the equation V_mol (ccm mol^–1)=33.963(16)–0.544(31)*Zn pfu. The isomer shifts of ferrous iron on the octahedral M1 site in hedenbergite are not affected by composition along the hedenbergite–petedunnite solid solution series and remain constant at an average value of 1.18 mm s^–1. Quadrupole splittings of Fe²⁺ on the M1 are, however, strongly affected by composition, and they decrease linearly with increasing petedunnite component in hedenbergite, ranging from 2.25 mm s^–1 for pure hedenbergite end member to 1.99 mm s^–1 for a solid solution containing 84 mole% petedunnite. The half-widths of intermediate solid solutions vary between 0.26 and 0.33 mm s^–1, indicating, in accordance with the microprobe analyses and X-ray diffraction, that samples are homogeneous and well-crystallized. The data from this study demonstrate that the crystallinity of hedenbergitic clinopyroxenes can be improved by using oxide mixtures as starting materials. Crystal sizes for intermediate compositions range up to 70 m, suitable for standard single-crystal X-ray analysis.This paper is dedicated to Prof. Dr. Georg Amthauer, Salzburg, on occasion of his 60th birthday     

Optical spectroscopic study of synthetic NaScSi<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>6</Subscript>–CaNiSi<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>6</Subscript> pyroxenes at normal and high pressures

Six synthetic NaScSi₂O₆–CaNiSi₂O₆ pyroxenes were studied by optical absorption spectroscopy. Five of them of intermediate (Na_1−x , Ca _x )(Sc_1−x , Ni _x )Si₂O₆ compositions show spectra typical of Ni²⁺ in octahedral coordination, more precise Ni²⁺ at the M1 site of the pyroxene structure. The common feature of all spectra is three broad absorption bands with maxima around 8,000, 13,000 and 24,000 cm⁻¹ assigned to ³ A _2g → ³ T _2g, ³ A _2g → ³ T _1g and →³ T _1g (³ P) electronic spin-allowed transitions of ^VINi²⁺. A weak narrow peak at ∼14,400 cm⁻¹ is assigned to the spin-forbidden ³ A _2g → ¹ T _2g (¹ D) transition of Ni²⁺. Under pressure the spin-allowed bands shift to higher energies and change in intensity. The octahedral compression modulus, calculated from the shift of the ³ A _2g → ³ T _2g band in the (Na_0.7Ca_0.3)(Sc_0.7Ni_0.3)Si₂O₆ pyroxene is evaluated as 85±20 GPa. The Racah parameter B of Ni²⁺(M1) is found gradually changing from ∼919 cm⁻¹ at ambient pressure to ∼890 cm⁻¹ at 6.18 GPa. The Ni end-member pyroxene [(Ca_0.93 Ni_0.07)NiSi₂O₆] has a spectrum different from all others. In addition to the above mentioned bands of Ni²⁺(M1) it displays several new relatively intense and broad extra bands, which were attributed to electronic transitions of Ni²⁺ at the M2 site. In difference to CaO₈ polyhedron geometry of an eightfold coordination, Ni²⁺(M2)O₈ polyhedra are assumed to be relatively large distorted octahedra. Due to different distortions and different compressibilities of the M1 and M2 sites the Ni²⁺(M1)- and Ni²⁺(M2)-bands display rather different pressure-induced behaviors, becoming more resolved in the high-pressure spectra than in that measured at atmospheric pressure. The octahedral compression modulus of Ni²⁺(M1) in this end-member pyroxene is evaluated as 150 ± 25 GPa, which is noticeably larger than in Ni_0.3 pyroxene. This is due to a smaller size and, thus, a stiffer character of Ni²⁺(M1)O₆ octahedron in the (Ca_0.93Ni_0.07)NiSi₂O₆ pyroxene compared to (Na_0.7Ca_0.3)(Sc_0.7Ni_0.3)Si₂O₆.

Thermodynamic functions of eskolaite Cr<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>(c) at 0–1800 K

The heat capacity of eskolaite Cr₂O₃(c) was determined by adiabatic vacuum calorimetry at 11.99–355.83 K and by differential calorimetry at 320–480 K. Experimental data of the authors and data compiled from the literature were applied to calculate the heat capacity, entropy, and the enthalpy change of Cr₂O₃ within the temperature range of 0–1800 K. These functions have the following values at 298.15 K: C _p ⁰ (298.15) = 121.5 ± 0.2 J K⁻¹mol⁻¹, S ⁰(298.15) = 80.95 ± 0.14 J K⁻¹mol⁻¹, and H ⁰(298.15)-H ⁰(0) = 15.30±0.02 kJ mol⁻¹. Data were obtained on the transitions from the antiferromagnetic to paramagnetic states at 228–457 K; it was determined that this transition has the following parameters: Neel temperature T _N = 307 K, Δ _tr S = 6.11 ± 0.12 J K⁻¹mol⁻¹ and δ _tr H = 1.87 ± 0.04 kJ mol⁻¹.     

Behaviour of Fe<Subscript>4</Subscript>O<Subscript>5</Subscript>–Mg<Subscript>2</Subscript>Fe<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>5</Subscript> solid solutions and their relation to coexisting Mg–Fe silicates and oxide phases

Experiments at high pressures and temperatures were carried out (1) to investigate the crystal-chemical behaviour of Fe₄O₅–Mg₂Fe₂O₅ solid solutions and (2) to explore the phase relations involving (Mg,Fe)₂Fe₂O₅ (denoted as O₅-phase) and Mg–Fe silicates. Multi-anvil experiments were performed at 11–20 GPa and 1100–1600 °C using different starting compositions including two that were Si-bearing. In Si-free experiments the O₅-phase coexists with Fe₂O₃, hp-(Mg,Fe)Fe₂O₄, (Mg,Fe)₃Fe₄O₉ or an unquenchable phase of different stoichiometry. Si-bearing experiments yielded phase assemblages consisting of the O₅-phase together with olivine, wadsleyite or ringwoodite, majoritic garnet or Fe³⁺-bearing phase B. However, (Mg,Fe)₂Fe₂O₅ does not incorporate Si. Electron microprobe analyses revealed that phase B incorporates significant amounts of Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺ (at least ~?1.0 cations Fe per formula unit). Fe-L_2,3-edge energy-loss near-edge structure spectra confirm the presence of ferric iron [Fe³⁺/Fe_tot?=?~?0.41(4)] and indicate substitution according to the following charge-balanced exchange: [4]Si⁴⁺?+?[6]Mg²⁺?=?2Fe³⁺. The ability to accommodate Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺ makes this potential “water-storing” mineral interesting since such substitutions should enlarge its stability field. The thermodynamic properties of Mg₂Fe₂O₅ have been refined, yielding H°_1bar,298?=???1981.5 kJ mol^??1. Solid solution is complete across the Fe₄O₅–Mg₂Fe₂O₅ binary. Molar volume decreases essentially linearly with increasing Mg content, consistent with ideal mixing behaviour. The partitioning of Mg and Fe²⁺ with silicates indicates that (Mg,Fe)₂Fe₂O₅ has a strong preference for Fe²⁺. Modelling of partitioning with olivine is consistent with the O₅-phase exhibiting ideal mixing behaviour. Mg–Fe²⁺ partitioning between (Mg,Fe)₂Fe₂O₅ and ringwoodite or wadsleyite is influenced by the presence of Fe³⁺ and OH incorporation in the silicate phases.     

The high-pressure stability of chlorite and other hydrates in subduction mélanges: experiments in the system Cr<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>–MgO–Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>–SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>–H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O

The solubility of chromium in chlorite as a function of pressure, temperature, and bulk composition was investigated in the system Cr₂O₃–MgO–Al₂O₃–SiO₂–H₂O, and its effect on phase relations evaluated. Three different compositions with X _Cr = Cr/(Cr + Al) = 0.075, 0.25, and 0.5 respectively, were investigated at 1.5–6.5 GPa, 650–900 °C. Cr-chlorite only occurs in the bulk composition with X _Cr = 0.075; otherwise, spinel and garnet are the major aluminous phases. In the experiments, Cr-chlorite coexists with enstatite up to 3.5 GPa, 800–850 °C, and with forsterite, pyrope, and spinel at higher pressure. At P > 5 GPa other hydrates occur: a Cr-bearing phase-HAPY (Mg_2.2Al_1.5Cr_0.1Si_1.1O₆(OH)₂) is stable in assemblage with pyrope, forsterite, and spinel; Mg-sursassite coexists at 6.0 GPa, 650 °C with forsterite and spinel and a new Cr-bearing phase, named 11.5 Å phase (Mg:Al:Si = 6.3:1.2:2.4) after the first diffraction peak observed in high-resolution X-ray diffraction pattern. Cr affects the stability of chlorite by shifting its breakdown reactions toward higher temperature, but Cr solubility at high pressure is reduced compared with the solubility observed in low-pressure occurrences in hydrothermal environments. Chromium partitions generally according to \(X_{\text{Cr}}^{\text{spinel}}\) ? \(X_{\text{Cr}}^{\text{opx}}\) > \(X_{\text{Cr}}^{\text{chlorite}}\) ≥ \(X_{\text{Cr}}^{\text{HAPY}}\) > \(X_{\text{Cr}}^{\text{garnet}}\). At 5 GPa, 750 °C (bulk with X _Cr = 0.075) equilibrium values are \(X_{\text{Cr}}^{\text{spinel}}\) = 0.27, \(X_{\text{Cr}}^{\text{chlorite}}\) = 0.08, \(X_{\text{Cr}}^{\text{garnet}}\) = 0.05; at 5.4 GPa, 720 °C \(X_{\text{Cr}}^{\text{spinel}}\) = 0.33, \(X_{\text{Cr}}^{\text{HAPY}}\) = 0.06, and \(X_{\text{Cr}}^{\text{garnet}}\) = 0.04; and at 3.5 GPa, 850 °C \(X_{\text{Cr}}^{\text{opx}}\) = 0.12 and \(X_{\text{Cr}}^{\text{chlorite}}\) = 0.07. Results on Cr–Al partitioning between spinel and garnet suggest that at low temperature the spinel- to garnet-peridotite transition has a negative slope of 0.5 GPa/100 °C. The formation of phase-HAPY, in assemblage with garnet and spinel, at pressures above chlorite breakdown, provides a viable mechanism to promote H₂O transport in metasomatized ultramafic mélanges of subduction channels.     

Static compression of α-Fe<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>: linear incompressibility of lattice parameters and high-pressure transformations

The high-pressure behavior of -Fe₂O₃ has been studied under static compression up to 60 GPa, using a laser-heated diamond anvil cell. Synchrotron-based angular-dispersive X-ray diffraction shows that the sample remains in the corundum structure up to 50 GPa, but with the appearance of coexisting diffraction lines from a high-pressure phase at pressures above 45 GPa. A least-squares fit of low-pressure phase data to an Eulerian finite-strain equation of state yields linear incompressibilities of K _{a 0}=749.5 (± 18.4) GPa and K _{c 0}= 455.7 (± 21.4) GPa, differing by a factor of 1.6 along the two directions. The enhanced compressibility of the c axis may lead to breaking of vertex- or edge-sharing bonds between octahedra, inducing the high-pressure phase transformation at 50 GPa. Analysis of linear compressibilities suggests that the high-pressure phase above 50 GPa is of the Rh₂O₃ (II) structure. Continuous laser heating reveals a new structural phase transformation of -Fe₂O₃ at 22 GPa, to an orthorhombic structure with a=7.305(3) Å, b=7.850(3) Å, and c=12.877(14) Å, different from the Rh₂O₃ (II) structure.     

Mechanisms and rates of quartz dissolution in melts in the CMAS (CaO–MgO–Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>–SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>) system

The dissolution rate of minerals in silicate melts is generally assumed to be a function of the rate of mass transport of the released cations in the solvent. While this appears to be the case in moderately to highly viscous solvents, there is some evidence that the rate-controlling step may be different in very fluid, highly silica undersaturated melts such as basanites. In this study, convection-free experiments using solvent melts with silica activity from 0.185–0.56 and viscosity from 0.03–4.6 Pa s show that the dissolution rate is strongly dependent on the degree of superheating, silica activity and the viscosity of the solvent. Dissolution rates increase with increasing melt temperature and decreasing silica activity and viscosity. Quartz dissolution in melts with viscosity <0.59–1.9 Pa s and silica activity <0.47 is controlled by the rate of interface reaction as shown by the absence of steady state composition and silica saturation in the interface melts. Only in the most viscous melt with the highest silica activity is quartz dissolution controlled by the rate of diffusion in the melt and only after a long initiation time. The results of this study indicate that although a diffusion-based model may be applicable to dissolution in viscous magmas, a different approach that combines the interplay between the degree of undersaturation of the melt and its viscosity is required in very fluid melts.This revised version was published online September 2004 with a correction to Figure 8.     

Phase relations of potassium-bearing clinopyroxene in the system CaMgSi<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>6</Subscript>-KAlSi<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>6</Subscript> at 7 GPa

The pseudo-binary system CaMgSi₂O₆-KAlSi₂O₆, modeling the potassium-bearing clinopyroxene (KCpx) solid solution, has been studied at 7 GPa and 1,100–1,650 °C. The KCpx is a liquidus phase of the system up to 60 mol% of KAlSi₂O₆. At higher content of KAlSi₂O₆ in the system, grossular-rich garnet becomes a liquidus phase. Above 75 mol% of KAlSi₂O₆ in the system, KCpx is unstable at the solidus as well, and garnet coexists with kalsilite, Si-wadeite and kyanite. No coexistence of KCpx with kyanite was observed. Above the solidus, KAlSi₂O₆ content of the KCpx coexisting with melt increases with decreasing temperature. Near the solidus of the system (about 1,250 °C) KCpx contains up to 5.6 wt% of K₂O, i.e. about 22–26 mol% of KAlSi₂O₆. Such high concentration of potassium in KCpx is presumably the maximal content of KAlSi₂O₆ in the Fe-free clinopyroxene at 7 GPa. In addition to the major substitution Mg^M1C²Al¹K², the KCpx solid solution contains Ca-Eskola and only minor Ca-Tschermack components. Our experimental results indicate that the natural assemblage KCpx+grossular-rich garnet might be a product of crystallization of the ultra-potassic SiO₂-rich alumino-silicate mantle melts (>200 km).Editorial responsibility: J. Hoefs     

Electrical conductivity,thermopower and <Superscript>57</Superscript>Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy of aegirine (NaFeSi<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>6</Subscript>)

DC and AC electrical conductivities were measured on samples of two different crystals of the mineral aegirine (NaFeSi₂O₆) parallel () and perpendicular () to the [001] direction of the clinopyroxene structure between 200 and 600 K. Impedance spectroscopy was applied (20 Hz–1 MHz) and the bulk DC conductivity _DC was determined by extrapolating AC data to zero frequency. In both directions, the log _DC – 1/T curves bend slightly. In the high- and low-temperature limits, differential activation energies were derived for measurements [001] of E_A 0.45 and 0.35 eV, respectively, and the numbers [001] are very similar. The value of _DC [001] with _DC(300 K) 2.0 × 10^{–6 –1}cm^–1 is by a factor of 2–10 above that measured [001], depending on temperature, which means anisotropic charge transport. Below 350 K, the AC conductivity () (/2=frequency) is enhanced relative to _DC for both directions with an increasing difference for rising frequencies on lowering the temperature. An approximate power law for () is noted at higher frequencies and low temperatures with () ^s, which is frequently observed on amorphous and disordered semiconductors. Scaling of () data is possible with reference to _DC, which results in a quasi-universal curve for different temperatures. An attempt was made to discuss DC and AC results in the light of theoretical models of hopping charge transport and of a possible Fe²⁺ Fe³⁺ electron hopping mechanism. The thermopower (Seebeck effect) in the temperature range 360 K < T <770 K is negative in both directions. There is a linear – 1/T relationship above 400 K with activation energy E 0.030 eV [001] and 0.070 eV [001]. ⁵⁷Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy was applied to detect Fe²⁺ in addition to the dominating concentration of Fe³⁺.     

Parageorgbokiite, β-Cu<Subscript>5</Subscript>O<Subscript>2</Subscript>(SeO<Subscript>3</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>Cl<Subscript>2</Subscript>, a new mineral species from volcanic exhalations,Kamchatka Peninsula,Russia

Parageorgbokiite, β-Cu₅O₂(SeO₃)₂Cl₂, has been found at the second cinder cone of the Great Fissure Tolbachik Eruption, Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia. Ralstonite, tolbachite, melanothallite, chalcocyanite, euchlorine, Fe oxides, tenorite, native gold, sophiite, Na, Ca, and Mg sulfates, cotunnite, and some copper oxoselenites are associated minerals. The estimated temperature of the mineral formation is 400–625°C. The color is green, with a vitreous luster; the streak is light green. The mineral is brittle, with the Mohs hardness ranging from 3 to 4. Cleavage is not observed. The calculated density is 4.70 g/cm³. Parageorgbokiite is biaxial (+); α = 2.05(1), β = 2.05(1), and γ = 2.08(1); 2V _(meas.) is ～0³, and 2V _(calc.) = 0(5)°. The optical orientation is X = a; other details remain unclear. The mineral is pleochroic, from grass green on X and Y to yellowish green on Z. The empirical formula calculated on the basis of O + Cl = 10 is Cu_4.91Pb_0.02O_1.86(ScO₃)₂Cl_2.14. The simplified formula is Cu₅O₂(ScO₃)₂Cl₂. Parageorgbokiite pertains to a new structural type of inorganic compounds. Its name points out its dimorphism with georgbokiite, which was named in honor of G.B. Bokii, the prominent Russian crystal chemist (1909–2000).     

Crystal structure and refined formula of garyansellite Mg<Subscript>2</Subscript>Fe<Superscript>3+</Superscript>(PO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>(OH) · 2H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O

Single-crystal study of the structure (R = 0.0268) was performed for garyansellite from Rapid Creek, Yukon, Canada. The mineral is orthorhombic, Pbna, a = 9.44738(18), b = 9.85976(19), c = 8.14154(18) Å, V = 758.38(3) ų, Z = 4. An idealized formula of garyansellite is Mg₂Fe³⁺(PO₄)₂(OH) · 2H₂O. Structurally the mineral is close to other members of the phosphoferrite–reddingite group. The structure contains layers of chains of M(2)O₄(OH)(H₂O) octahedra which share edges to form dimers and connected by common edges with isolated from each other M(1)O₄(H₂O)₂ octahedra. The neighboring chains are connected to the layer through the common vertices of M(2) octahedra and octaahedral layers are linked through PO₄ tetrahedra.     

Ab initio calculations on the O<Subscript>2</Subscript><Superscript>3−</Superscript>-Y<Superscript>3+</Superscript> center in CaF<Subscript>2</Subscript> and SrF<Subscript>2</Subscript>: its electronic structure and hyperfine constants

The O₂ ^3?-Y³⁺ center in fluorite-type structures (CaF₂ and SrF₂) has been investigated at the density functional theory (DFT) level using the CRYSTAL06 code. Our calculations were performed by means of the hybrid B3PW method in which the Hartree–Fock exchange is mixed with the DFT exchange functional, using Becke’s three parameter method, combined with the non-local correlation functionals by Perdew and Wang. Our calculations confirm the stability and the molecular character of the O₂ ^3?-Y³⁺ center. The unpaired electron is shown to be almost exclusively localized on and equally distributed between the two oxygen atoms that are separated by a bond distance of 2.47 Å in CaF₂ and 2.57 Å in SrF₂. The calculated ¹⁷O and ¹⁹F hyperfine constants for of the O₂ ^3?-Y³⁺ center are in good agreement with their corresponding experimental values reported by previous electron paramagnetic resonance and electron nuclear double resonance studies, while discrepancies are notable for the ⁸⁹Y hyperfine constants.     

The solubility of Gd<Subscript>2</Subscript>Ti<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>7</Subscript> and the hydrolysis of Gd<Superscript>3+</Superscript> in acidic solutions at 250°C and saturation vapor pressure

The solubility of Gd₂Ti₂O₇ ceramic in acidic solutions (HCl and HClO₄) was studied at 250°C and saturation vapor pressure within pH 2.5–5.2. The dissolution process occurs mainly via two reactions: 0.5 Gd₂Ti₂O_7(cr) + 3H⁺ = Gd³⁺ + TiO_2(cr) + 1.5 H₂O at pH < 3 and 0.5Gd₂Ti₂O₇(cr) + H⁺ + 0.5H₂O = Gd(OH) ₂ ⁺ TiO₂(cr) at pH 3–5. The thermodynamic equilibrium constants were calculated at the 0.95 confidence level as log K ₍₁₎ ^o = 4.12 ± 0.47; = ?0.97 ± 0.16 at 250°C. It was shown that Gd³⁺ undergoes hydrolysis in solutions with pH > 3, and the species Gd(OH) ₂ ⁺ dominates up to at least pH 5. At pH < 3, Gd occurs in solutions as Gd³⁺. The second constant of Gd³⁺ hydrolysis was determined at 250°C as K ^o = ?5.09 ± 0.5, and the thermodynamic characteristics of the initial Gd₂Ti₂O₇ solid phase were determined: S _298.15 ^o = 251.4 J/(mol K) and ΔfG _298.15 ^o = ?3630 ± 10 kJ/mol.