Chemical Petrology of Grenville Schists near Fernleigh, Ontario

A suite of mica schists from the staurolite zone was studiedin detail. Phase rule considerations and distribution relationsindicate that chemical equilibrium was attained within the samplevolume. Iron-magnesium ratios of the silicates vary greatly,and correlate with rock ferrous-ferric ratio, as does the oxidemineral mode. Rock oxidation state varies locally, and is probablydependent on the composition of the original sediment. Distribution coefficients for Fe, Mg, and Mn among garnet, biotote,and staurolite show no vaiation attributable to temperature.Partition of Fe and Mg between staurolite and biotite is regular,but non-ideal. The staurolite structure permits only limited(15–35 percent) substitution of Mg for Fe.