Equation of state and melting point studies of forsterite

We report in this paper results of lattice dynamical calculations of the thermodynamic properties, namely, the equation of state and the melting point of forsterite. The root mean square displacements of atoms and thermal parameters are also evaluated. It is observed from our results, that, a modified Lindemann criterion for melting may be proposed for an ionic ‘molecular’ solid like forsterite. Agreement among various theoretical and experimental results is satisfactory indicating that lattice dynamical studies based on microscopic quasiharmonic formulations help in understanding the macroscopic properties of forsterite, over a wide range of temperature and pressure.