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On the Polymorphism of Enstatite
Author(s) -
LEE W. E.,
HEUER A. H.
Publication year - 1987
Publication title -
journal of the american ceramic society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.9
H-Index - 196
eISSN - 1551-2916
pISSN - 0002-7820
DOI - 10.1111/j.1151-2916.1987.tb05007.x
Subject(s) - enstatite , polymorphism (computer science) , crystallization , shear (geology) , mineralogy , materials science , geology , thermodynamics , chemistry , composite material , physics , allele , astrobiology , meteorite , chondrite , biochemistry , gene
The polymorphism of enstatite (MgSiO 3 ) is reviewed. Three stable phases occur—clinoenstatite, orthoenstatite, and protoenstatite, being stable at low, intermediate, and elevated temperatures, respectively — and new data concerning their crystallization from synthetic glasses are summarized. The phase transformations between these polymorphs are discussed, particularly their sensitivity to shear stresses. Finally, the possibility of using one or more of these transformations for toughening silicates is considered.