Bonding and electronic changes in rhodochrosite at high pressure

Abstract

Atmospheric carbon is critical for maintaining the climate and life equilibrium on Earth. The concentration of this carbon is controlled by the deep carbon cycle, which is responsible for the billion year-scale evolution of the terrestrial carbon reservoirs of the planet. Understanding the crystal chemistry and physical properties of carbonates at mantle conditions is vital as they represent the main oxidized carbon-bearing phases in the Earth's mantle. Here we present data on the crystal chemistry and physical properties of rhodochrosite at high pressure.