High-pressure phase transformations in the MgFe2O4 and Fe2O3–MgSiO3 systems

Abstract

The crystal structure of MgFe2O4 was investigated by in situ X-ray diffraction at high pressure, using YAG laser annealing in a diamond anvil cell. Magnesioferrite undergoes a phase transformation at about 25 GPa, which leads to a CaMn2O4-type polymorph about 8% denser, as determined using Rietveld analysis. The consequences of the occurrence of this dense MgFe2O4 form on the high-pressure phase transformations in the (MgSi)0.75(FeIII)0.5O3 system were investigated. After laser annealing at about 20 GPa, we observe decomposition to two phases: stishovite and a spinel-derived structure with orthorhombic symmetry and probably intermediate composition between MgFe2O4 and Mg2SiO4. At pressures above 35 GPa, we observe recombination of these products to a single phase with Pbnm perovskite structure. We thus conclude for the formation of Mg3Fe2Si3O12 perovskite.