Graphical estimations of magma densities and compositional expansion coefficients

Assuming that the partial molar volume of each chemical component in a magma is constant, the magma density, _m , is expressed as 1/ _m =C _i / _fi , whereC _i is the weight fraction, and _fi is the fractionation density of thei ^th component. Using this linear relationship between 1/ and weight fraction, the density change due to addition or subtraction of any component can be graphically estimated on 1/ vs oxide wt% diagrams. The compositional expansion coefficient of thei ^th component, _fi , is expressed as _i = _m / _fi –1. The compositional expansion coefficient of H₂O has a much larger absolute value than those of any other oxide or mineral components, showing that addition of a small amount of H₂O can significantly decrease magma density. These simple expressions facilitate the estimation of magma densities during fractionation.