Stability field of olivine with respect to oxidation and reduction

Abstract

The important effects of oxidation conditions upon the stability and physical properties of iron-bearing olivine have not been fully considered in recent geophysical studies of this mineral. Calculated on the basis of existing thermodynamic data, a T-ƒo2 phase diagram for olivine at 1 atm total pressure shows the conditions under which olivine of any given composition is thermodynamically stable. Due regard for these conditions must be given in the design and interpretation of geophysical experiments involving olivine.