An electron-probe microanalysis of tetrahedrite occurring together with the latest-deposited pyrite-cinnabar association in the Chiprovtsi lead-silver deposit yielded more than 16 wt. % Ag and more than 18 wt. % Hg. X-ray powder examination established an extremely large unit-cell edge, a 10.64±0.01 Å. Vickers microhardness 223 to 237 kg/mm2. The chemical formula derived on the basis of the analyses made is quite near to Cu6+(Cu+, Ag+)4(Hg,Zn)2(Sb,As)4S13. There is not any antiparallelism between Ag and Hg in tetrahedrite. The name proposed for all stages of simultaneous isomorphic replacement along the Cu+-Ag+ and Cu2+-Hg2+(Zn2+,Fe2+) directions is argentian mercurian tetrahedrite. The upper limits of the Ag and Hg content are expected to be Cu6Ag4Hg2(Sb,As)4S13. It is the six copper atoms (Cu4+;Cu22+), sited in the Laves’ polyhedra, that are replaced by Ag+ and Hg2+ respectively.

The rock composition and electron microprobe analyses of the five constituent minerals are presented for a sapphirine-cordierite-bronzite-phlogopite-spinel rock from Namaqualand, South Africa. These data are considered inrelation to experimental data and the mineralogy of certain associated rock types, and it is suggested that the sapphirine-bearing rock represents a metamorphic residuum (restite) after extraction of anatectic granitic liquid from an original argillaceous sediment.

Optical and microprobe investigations have been made on the metal and silicate portions of four particles > 1 mm extracted from the magnetic fraction of lunar soil bulk sanaple 14162,80. Three of the particles have structures and compositions similar to those encountered in the < 1-mm fraction of this bulk sample. One of the particles shows a complex arrangement of melted metal, unmelted metal, micronorite, and vitroclastic silicate material. The structure of this particle is reported in detail and its structure is explained in terms of preferential melting of metal-phosphide interfaces under the influence of shock events operating on material at a temperature of about 650°C.

A nickel-bearing mineral belonging to the pyroaurite-sj~Sgrenite group has been found in a serpentinite rock near the village of Leslie, Aberdeenshire. X-ray powder diffraction data and electron-probe microanalysis indicate that the mineral has a three-layer rhombohedral structure with a probable formula near (OH)13CO3.4H2O. The mineral can therefore be described as nickeloan pyroaurite. It decomposes readily in mildly acid conditions and if inherited by serpentinite-derived soils could well be an important source of plant-available nickel.

Lepidomelane, an iron-rich biotite, was heated in air or in vacuum, or by electron bombardment, and the processes of dehydration and transformation were studied by means of X-ray diffractometry, optical microscopy, and electron microscopy. By heat treatment, vacancies are at first formed by the evaporation of water molecules and alkali ions, and they move and condense to form holes, which act as preferential nucleation sites for new phases. Other preferential sites are edges of exposed silicate sheets along microcracks, and these are decorated by a newly formed maghemite- like mineral whose a is 10.20 Å (on a hexagonal cell), so that the sites can be clearly seen even under the reflection microscope. By heating at higher temperatures or prolonged heating, various phases, olivine, hematite, magnetite, and leucite are formed, depending upon the conditions of dehydration.

The iron-titanium oxide minerals of three troctolites from the Freetown layered gabbro have been analysed using an electron microprobe. Comparisons of the analyses of the iron-titanium minerals with the data of Buddington and Lindsley (1964) provide temperature and oxygen fugacity information relating to particular magnetite-ilmenite grains. Magnetite-ilmenite grains occurring in different silicate environments within any one single troctolite rock have equilibrated at differing times in the cooling history of that rock and this enables part of that history to be established. The partial cooling histories established for the three specimens can be clearly distinguished, and are strongly influenced by the appropriate buffer reactions.

Clay-like, hydrous nickel silicates from Niquelandia, Goias, Brazil, and from Jacupiranga, São Paulo, Brazil, arc examined by X-ray diffraction, chemical analysis, and thermogravimetric methods. The nickel silicates from Niquelandia are ferric iron montmorillonites, with nickel in the octahedral positions and, to a lesser extent, in interlayer positions. The chemical compositions of samples dried at 110°C average (Mg0.15Ni0.08Ca0.015Na0.005) (Fe0.92IIIFe0.025IIAl0.55Mg0.37Ni0.22) (Si3.88Al0.12)O10(OH)2(H2O)0.93. The layer charge originates largely in the octahedral sheet. The cation-exchange capacities average 107 me/100 g clay (110°C). These minerals differ from non-tronites, in which the layer charge originates mainly in the tetrahedral sheets.

The nickel silicates from Jacupiranga resemble chlorites, with a non-expanding basal spacing of 14·2-14·3 Å. The better crystalline forms give X-ray data in good agreement with a la polytype structure, which is consistent with their formation by low-temperature processes. Chemical formulae derived on the basis of O10(OH)8 give an average of 5·47 cations in octahedral positions. Thermogravimetric measurements show up to 4% H2O lost between 110 and 500 °C. These results suggest a partial vermiculitization of the interlayer sheets. A new method of calculating a structural formula is developed that gives an interlayer composition of the form R1.75(OH)3.75(H2O)1.14, with (OH + H2O)/R = 2·80, which approaches the ratio for a dioctahedral sheet structure.

A comparison of these defect chlorites with available data on schuchardtites shows many similarities; however, schuchardtite is not yet sufficiently well denned for the Jacupiranga chlorites to be given this name.

Biotites from a number of granites have been analysed for major oxides and a wide range of trace elements. Their compositions are found to be typical of biotites from granite and to show element fractionation in presumed differentiation series. Estimates are made of the fugacity of oxygen and water during the crystallization of the granites. PH2O is found to increase slightly through the differentiation series, and fO2, for a temperature of 700°C is estimated to be between 10−18 and 10−12. Tin mineralization is connected with the igneous rocks and the relationship of tin in the micas to the rock compositions is described and the factors controlling the distribution of tin are discussed. The biotites have only up to 21 % of the tin of the granites. In general Sn increases in the biotites with decreasing temperature of equilibration and with increase in the degree of albitization of the granites. High Sn in biotites seems to be an indicator of potential mineralization.

The progressive crystallization of dolomite has been investigated in the temperature range of 90 to 410°C by means of X-ray powder diffraction, electron microscopy, and infra-red spectroscopy.

Short-time, low-temperature experiments (≤ 145°C yielded dolomites with a high defect density. In detail, lattice faults can be described as: Random succession of more or less ordered cation domains, producing a long-range mosaic-type disorder; cation ordering may take place along <101̄0> and <112̄0> tilting and dislocation of individual CO3 groups; and irregular interstratification of dolomite layers of different chemical compositions in the crystallographic c-directions.

Dolomites produced in experiments of longer duration are composed of an interstratification of essentially two chemically different dolomite layers, of which the stacking sequence is more perfect than it is at lower crystallization degrees. Both components grow rapidly at the expense of dolomites of intermediate composition. Finally, long-term low-temperature (145°C) experiments produced two independent, coexistent dolomite phases. Within single dolomite layers cations now lie very close to their theoretical positions. CO3-tilting and dislocation decreases markedly.

Hydrothermal runs at temperatures > c. 145°C yielded one single, nearly stoichiometrie, highly ordered dolomite phase. Finally, dolomites synthesized at temperatures > c. 200°C are of an ideal chemical composition and have perfect lattice ordering.

The spectral reflectivities of homogeneous and exsolved titanomagnetites of the same chemical composition were measured in air and in oil. The reflectivities of the two kinds of titanomagnetite are closely similar in the blue part of the spectrum, but become increasingly different when proceeding towards the red end. The refractive indices (n) and the absorption coefficients (k) were calculated from the reflectivity values. The n-values of the two kinds of titanomagnetite show a pattern of separation similar to that of the reflectivity values. Regarding possible differences between the k-values no reliable conclusions could be drawn. Some possible explanations of the observed separations are discussed.

Eocene tholeiitic basalts occur throughout the length of New Caledonia where their emplacement preceded that of the peridotite massifs. In the south, two areas of basaltic rocks are intimately associated with Eocene sediments, which have been overridden by the peridotites. The aphyric, holocrystalline basalts consist of plagioclase, clinopyroxene, titanomagnetite, and minor quartz together with their abundant alteration products, which include epidote and uralite. The chemical compositions of these rocks fail to show agreement with oceanic tholeiitites, as suggested by earlier writers, although strong similarities exist with the basalts of the Papuan Ultramafic Belt.

The crystal structure of galeite from Searles Lake (California) has been determined by means of X-ray diffraction data on a single crystal. A possible structure was derived from that of schairerite on the basis of chemical and lattice analogies and was confirmed by comparison of the observed diffractometric structure factors with the calculated ones. The refinement was performed by least-squares methods employing isotropic thermal parameters and assuming that atoms related by translational pseudosymmetry exhibit equal thermal parameters. The final R value is 0·09. The cell content is 3[Na15(SO4)5F4Cl]; the space group is P31m The lattice dimensions are a 12·197(4)Å, c 13·955(10) Å The marked subcell has P3m1 symmetry and a 7·042Å, c 13·955 Å. The crystal structure of galeite consists of a three-dimensional framework, formed by coordination octahedra around Na+ ions, including tetrahedral holes with sulphur atoms at the centres. The three-dimensional framework can be considered built up by five octahedral sheets (seven sheets can be recognized in schairerite and six in sulphohalite). The very close analogies occurring in the structures of galeite and schairerite are discussed.

A garnetite that occurs locally in phyllitic schists exposed by the Santorini caldera consists mainly of euhedral garnet crystals showing alternating isotropic and birefringent lamellae. X-ray diffraction revealed two garnets with unit cell dimensions a of 12·052±0·002 and 11·984±0·005 Å, corresponding respectively to almost pure andradite and a granditic phase. Mean compositions determined by microprobe analysis are An97Sp1Alm2 for the isotropic and about An63Gr33Sp1Alm3 for the birefringent layers.

The garnets are deduced to have been produced mainly by thermal metamorphism of the schists. Although cyclic variations in the composition of circulating fluids could have brought about the zoning, this may just as well be the result of temperature fluctuations, individual garnet compositions being indicative of the respective formation temperature.

The Insch granite-diorite complex of Aberdeenshire consists of acid and intermediate igneous rocks that are quite distinct from, and younger than, the differentiates of the Insch basic mass.

The main components of the complex include two types of uniform granite (one pink, one grey), and a variety of inhomogeneous dioritic rocks (diorite xenoliths in grey granite matrix, granodiorite with residual mafic inclusions, and more uniform diorite). Full chemical analyses for major and trace elements are presented for sixteen rocks representative of all types, together with initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios and rare-earth-element distribution patterns for a selection of samples. The pink granite is not chemically related to the remaining members of the complex. Comparison with chemical data for a range of basic igneous rocks of the Insch and Boganclogh basic masses discredits the hypothesis that the diorite rocks were produced by assimilation of any of these in the grey granite magma. A primary diorite magma is recognized as essential to the petrogenesis of the complex.

Native nickel of composition Ni 96.3 %, Fe 1.77 %, and Co 0.69 % was found as tiny flakes up to 0.75 mm across in a heavy mineral concentrate from stream sediments in the Jerry River, South Westland, New Zealand. The locality is approximately 13 km downstream from the original locality for awaruite (Ni2Fe), and it is shown that the nickel content of detrital grains increases with distance from the source of the awaruite in serpentinites of the Red Hills Range. It is proposed that the native nickel has been derived from awaruite by leaching of iron.

The widespread ferristilpnomelane in Dalradian metabasites of the south-west Scottish Highlands has usually formed by secondary oxidation of primary ferrostilpnomelane, probably during weathering. Ferrostilpnomelane oxidizes readily in polished thin sections open to the atmosphere over a period of months, and microprobe examination of the resulting ferristilpnomelane suggests a change in the role of potassium in the structure during oxidation.

A phonolite dyke at Mount Goonneringerringgi, south-eastern Queensland, carries prominent pink specks of eudialyte, together with manganoan pectolite (ranging to calcian serandite), aegirine, albite, arfvedsonite, nepheline, natrolite, and analcime. This is the first confirmed occurrence of eudialyte in Australia

Some 200 ultramafic xenoliths and their basaltic hosts from five French localities were studied. New analyses are presented, which show the five host-rocks to be nepheline- and olivine-normative. Seven bulk analyses of xenoliths from four localities, together with analyses of their constituent diopsides and, for six, of their orthopyroxenes, are also presented. Xenoliths from four occurrences appear to have equilibrated at pressures between about 8 to 18 kb at sub-basaltic solidus temperatures. Suites of xenoliths are chemically different. Histograms were used to determine compositions of depleted and ‘undepleted’ upper mantle. A suite of peridotite xenoliths from the Bult-fontein kimberlite pipe is no less depleted in fusible oxides than xenoliths from two French localities. ‘Undepleted’ upper mantle is very similar to ‘pyrolite’ in composition, except that the latter has much higher TiO2, Na2O, and K2O contents. No xenolith encountered in this work has a bulk composition that could yield more than 12% oceanic tholeiite on partial melting.

Mercury has been determined by radiochemical neutron-activation analysis in nineteen representative rocks from the Skaergaard intrusion and in the separated cumulus minerals of five. The chilled marginal gabbro contains 0.23 ppm Hg, values in the Layered Series rocks ranging from 0.07 to 0.34 ppm, in one exceptional case reaching 1.23 ppm Hg. There is a tendency for mercury to be more abundant in leucocratic than in average or melanocratic rocks at a similar horizon. Somewhat higher levels of mercury are found in the granophyric rocks at the top of the intrusion.

Apart from a weak and sporadic tendency to be preferentially enriched in plagioclase, the distribution of mercury between the various cumulus phases is fairly uniform and it is thought to occur as uncharged atoms mainly occupying spaces resulting from lattice defects and imperfections rather than in specific structural sites.

The distribution pattern of mercury in the intrusion appears to be determined by its high volatility and chemical inertness; no real evidence of any chalcophile character is observed.

The first known occurrence of kornerupine in Australia is described. The mineral is a minor component of a phlogopite-rich garnet-corundum-spinel metasomatic zone, which cuts mafic and ultranlafic spinel-plagioclase-orthopyroxene-hornblende rocks. The kornerupine-bearing assemblage was formed during the second major metamorphic episode that affected the terrain, probably under low-grade granulite or upper amphibolite facies conditions. Kornerupine appears to have formed at significantly lower levels of P-T than those reached in the terrain during the peak of the second granulite metamorphism.