Inversion of quartz solid solutions at cryogenic temperatures

Abstract

Abstract Quartz solid solution crystals of six different compositions were obtained from crystallization of glass powders belonging to the Li 2 O–Al 2 O 3 ‐SiO 2 (LAS) system. They were analyzed in situ by laboratory‐based X‐ray diffraction down to cryogenic temperatures (−190°C). Temperature‐resolved analysis of their lattice parameters allowed determination of the critical inversion temperature T c in these materials, marking the displacive phase transition from a high‐quartz‐ to a low‐quartz‐like lattice. Integrating available data from other literature sources, an updated phase diagram for the occurrence of high and low quartz solid solution phases is provided for the LAS system; these data are expected to support future development of functional materials relying on these crystalline phases.