Rock‐forming minerals: Crystal chemistry, spectroscopy, disorder, high pressure, and synchrotron radiation

The complexion of research efforts on rock‐ forming minerals has changed substantially in the past four years because of an increasing interest in the physical and chemical properties of minerals and how understanding of these proper‐ ties can contribute to the solution of important geological problems. This is illustrated by activities of the American Geophysical Union Committee on Mineral Physics where geophysicists, geochemists, mineralogists, crystallographers, and petrologists have begun to have regular meetings an scientific sessions designed to promote collaboration and cooperation. The general term that is being applied to all of this is “mineral physics,” not an entirely accurate term, but one that seems to cover most bases and to satisfy most participants. The Mineral Physics Committee was formed at the Philadelphia AGU meeting in 1983 and has continually expanded its role since that time, including holding a workshop and writing a report on the subject [Bassett, 1986]. For example, sessions on the mineral physics theme occupied all five days of the 1986 Fall AGU Meeting in San Francisco. Because of the interest in the subject, this review on rock forming minerals is written with emphasis on current developments in mineral physics that are of primary interest to mineralogists, petrologists, and geochemists. Other aspects of mineral physics, such as elasticity of minerals, is beyond the scope of this review.