Objectives for the topic: Solid Solution

Reading: See syllabus

Images to understand: See syllabus

After completing this topic, the student will be able to:

1. Define solid solution, and explain how it relates to the concept of a crystallographic site.
2. Explain how the degree of allowable solid solution varies with temperature.
3. Use the exchange vector notation to describe a solid solution exchange mechanism.
4. Explain how an exchange mechanism is independent of the mineral in which it operates.
5. Describe a range of solid solution compositions using a generalized mineral formula.
6. Describe specific mineral compositions as an end-member plus some amount of one or more exchange vectors.
7. Describe the four types of solid solution exchanges, and give a plausible example of each.
8. Describe specific mineral compositions as percentages of end-members (e.g., Fo₃₄Fa₆₆).
9. Describe specific mineral compositions as mineral formulas with decimal subscripts (e.g., Mg_1.3Fe_0.7SiO₄).
10. Give the Tschermak exchange vector.