Olivine
Structure
Olivine is a common green or brown rock forming
minerals which consists of a solid-solution series
between Forsterite (Fo) and Fayalite (Fa).
It is an orthorhombic orthosilicate with isolated SiO4
tetrahedra linked by divalent Mg or Fe ions. The
oxygen atoms lie in sheets parallel to the (100) plane
and the points of the tetrahedra point in alternate
directions.
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Chemistry (Mg,Fe)2SiO4
Olivine is forms what is called an isomorphous solid
solution series that ranges between two end
members:
Forsterite Mg2SiO4 to Fayalite Fe2SiO4.
As an aside: The Fe rich members (Fayalite) have
Mn and Ca entering the crystal whereas the Mg rich
members (Forsterite) have Ni and Cr entering the
lattice.
Solid Solution Series
In nature, a complete series from Mg to Fe olivine
can be found. However, some problems arise in
natural, almost pure Fayalite as Mn or Ca (divalent)
can substitute for the Fe up to 1%.
It is also important to note that ferric (Fe3+) iron
does not substitute into olivine. Any ferric iron
present is contained in Spinel group (MgAl2O4)
inclusions usually in the Mg (forsterite) end
member.
Alterations
Olivines are not stable at surface temperatures
because of their high temperature of formation. They
are therefore are susceptible to low grade
metamorphism and weathering.
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Alterations cont.
3Mg2SiO4 + 4H2O + SiO2 2Mg3Si2O5(OH)4
(olivine) (serpentine)
2Mg3Si2O5(OH)4 + 3CO2 Mg3Si4O10(OH)2 + 3MgCO3 +3H2O
(serpentine) (talc) (magnesite)
Phase Relationships
The Forsterite - Fayalite phase diagram is a classic
that represents one of the simplist systems.
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Phase Relationships cont.
This is an equilibrium diagram plotting
Temperature vs composition. Results are based on
experimental studies of synthetic olivine mixtures.
Zoned Crystal
Mg core, Fe rims