Fracture surface energy of olivine

A relatively simple indentation technique for the rapid measurement of fracture surface energy, , of small samples is described. The reliability of this technique is assessed by testing soda-lime glass for which there are good independent fracture mechanics determinations of fracture surface energy. The indentation technique gives a value for of 4.33 J m^–2 which compares favourably with the accepted value of 3.8 J m^–2. Fracture surface energies of the {010} and {001} cleavage planes of single crystal olivine (modal composition Fo₈₈Fa₁₂) are then determined and compared with theoretical estimates of the thermodynamic surface energy, , calculated from atomistic parameters ( is equal to in the absence of dissipative processes during crack extension). The experimental values for _{010} and _{001} are respectively 0.98 J m^–2 and 1.26 J m^–2. The calculated values of _{010} and _{001} are respectively in the range from 0.37 J m^–2 to 8.63 J m^–2 and 12.06 J m^–2. The particular advantages of the indentation technique for the study of the fracture surface energies of geological materials are outlined.