Forsterite structural properties

Kharaziha, M., Fathi, M.H., Edris, H., 2013. Effects of surface modification on the mechanical and structural properties of nanofibrous poly(epsilon-caprolactone)/forsterite scaffold for tissue engineering applications. Materials Science and Engineering. C, Materials for Biological Applications 33, 4512-4519. 

MgSi03 melts incongruently at 1557 °C, decomposing to melt and forsterite. It has three modifications protoenstatite, clinoenstatite and enstatite which may be distinguished by X-ray diffraction despite their similar structures. The main properties are listed in Table 9. 

Note Heating above 600 °C will cause the sample to undergo a structural change which, given sufficient time, will convert the chrysotile to forsterite. Heating even at lower temperatures for 1 to 2 h may have a measurable effect on the optical properties of the minerals. If the analyst is unsure of what to expect, a sample of standard asbestos should be heated to the same temperature for the same length of time so that it can be examined for the proper interpretation. 

Mohler R, White W (1994) Influence of structural order on the luminescence of oxide spinels manganese activated spinels. Mater Res Bull 29 1109-1116 Moine B, Pedrini C, Duloisy E et al (1991) Fluorescence properties of Cu + ion in borate and phosphate glasses. J De Phys IV LC7-289-C7-292 Moncorge R, Cormier G, Simkon D, Capobianco J (1991) Fluorescence analysis of chromium doped forsterite (Mg2Si04). IEEE J Quantum Electron 27 114-120 Moncorge R, Manaa H, Boulon G (1994) Cr and Mn active centers for new solid state laser materials. Opt Mater 4 139-144... 

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