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Atom Probe Tomography Analysis of Exsolved Mineral Phases
Published on: October 25, 2019
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Mineral dissolution and reprecipitation mediated by an amorphous phase
Matthias Konrad-Schmolke1, Ralf Halama2, Richard Wirth3
1Earth Science Department, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, 40530, Sweden. mks@gvc.gu.se.
Nature Communications
|April 26, 2018
Summary
Mineral reactions in Earth's crust can occur through a novel amorphous material, not just water. This process accelerates element transfer and mineral reaction rates, impacting Earth's dynamics.
Area of Science:
- Geochemistry
- Mineralogy
- Solid Earth Sciences
Background:
- Fluid-mediated mineral dissolution and reprecipitation are key Earth processes.
- Aqueous solutions and mineral solubility typically limit reaction rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate an alternative mechanism for element transfer during mineral reactions.
- To explore the role of amorphous materials in high-pressure/low-temperature rocks.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of high-pressure/low-temperature rocks.
- Observation of depolymerization and repolymerization processes.
- Characterization of alkali-Al-Si-rich amorphous material.
Main Results:
- Element transfer occurs via an amorphous material, decoupled from aqueous solutions.
- Depolymerization at grain boundaries and defects forms porosity.
- Product minerals precipitate directly from the amorphous material.
Conclusions:
- A non-aqueous amorphous material facilitates rapid mineral reactions.
- This mechanism enhances element transport and reaction rates significantly.
- It has major implications for understanding Earth's dynamic processes.
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