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Liquid immiscibility in K2O–FeO–Al2O3–SiO2

Nature volume 264, pages 426–427 (1976)Cite this article

Abstract

DIFFERENTIATION in silicate magmas is usually considered to occur through processes of fractional crystallisation. The possibility that the formation of a second silicate liquid, immiscible with the original silicate magma, may take place has been thought unlikely1. But in lunar rocks textures were found indicating late-stage formation of a K2O-rich silicate liquid2, and serious consideration is being given to the possible importance of silicate liquid immiscibility3. Current investigations on the role of silicate liquid immiscibility were started with the work of refs 4 and 5. Because of the importance of the two-liquid field in the current developments we have re-investigated the K2O–FeO–Al2O3–SiO2 system. Electron scanning microscopy combined with electron microprobe analyses allowed us to delineate the extent of the two-liquid field as well as to determine the compositions of the two coexisting liquids.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geological Sciences, University of Illinois, Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, 60680

    WIEKERT VISSER & AUGUST F. KOSTER VAN GROOS

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  1. WIEKERT VISSER
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  2. AUGUST F. KOSTER VAN GROOS
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VISSER, W., VAN GROOS, A. Liquid immiscibility in K2O–FeO–Al2O3–SiO2. Nature 264, 426–427 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1038/264426a0

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