Natural occurrence of a (Fe,Mn, Mg) tetrasilicic potassium mica

A mica whose structural formula: (K_1.76Na_0.31)(Fe_2.22Mn_1.29Mg_0.99Ti_0.28Al_0.240.98) ·(Si_7.33Al_0.67)O_20.26(F_2.16OH_1.58) closely approximates that of tetrasilicic potassium mica K₂(M ₅ ²⁺ )Si₈O₂₀(OH,F)₄ where M²⁺ represents Mg²⁺, Fe²⁺, Mn²⁺, ..., has been discovered in the matrix of a peralkaline rhyolite (comendite) of the Mont-Dore massif (France). These micas had been obtained previously by synthesis only. In the groundmass of the rock, the micaceous phase is accompanied by a manganoan arfvedsonite, pyrophanite, magnetite, apatite, sphene, zircon and fluorite. The crystallographic properties of the mica are typically that of a tetrasilicic mica, with d ₀₆₀ = 1.533Å and space group C2/m. There is a regular decrease of d ₀₆₀ (parameter b) with the ionic radius of the octahedral cation in synthetic micas containing Fe²⁺, Co²⁺, Mg²⁺, Ni²⁺. The purely Mn²⁺ end-member could not be synthesised; its instability is discussed on the basis of structural considerations. The conditions of crystallization of the micaceous phase are estimated to be 760 ° C, 800 bars with a f _{o 2}=10^–14.7 bar. This mica has crystallized from a residual liquid, with high activity of silica and low activity of alumina, whose origin is discussed. The name MONT-DORITE is proposed for this natural tetrasilicic mica having Fe/Fe+Mg >1/2 and Fe/Fe+Mn >1/2. This name is from the stratovolcano Mont-Dore.