Phase relations in the system NaAlSi3O8-KAlSi3O8-CaAl2Si2O8-SiO2 at 1 kilobar water vapour pressure

Crystal-melt relations at a water vapour pressure of 1 kilobar have been determined for planes at 3, 5, 7.5, and 10 weight per cent anorthite in the system NaAlSi₃O₈KAlSi₃O₈-CaAl₂Si₂O₈-SiO₂. The ratio of the silicate components in the liquids which are in univariant equilibrium with plagioclase, alkali feldspar, quartz and gas are Ab₃₁Or₂₈Q₃₈An₃ (weight per cent) at 730°±5–10° C, Ab₂₁Or₃₄Q₄₀An₅ at 745°±5–10° C and Ab₁₀Or₃₉ Q_43.5An_7.5 at 780°±10° C. The univariant curve on which the above compositions lieoriginates on the H₂O-saturated Or-An-Q plane at a composition containing less than 10 weight per cent An and terminates within 1.5 weight per cent An of the H₂O-saturated Or-Ab-Q plane. Experimental data for the synthetic system have been used to illustrate a discussion on the partial melting of metasediments and the possible significance of such a process with respect to the genesis of granitic rocks. Data taken from the literature (Winkler and v. Platen, 1960, 1961a) have been used to illustrate that the normative salic composition of a sediment has a strong influence on the composition of any melt which form when such a rock is subjected to high temperatures and pressures.