The thermal expansion of the sodalite group of minerals

Abstract

Summary: Thermal expansion data up to 920° C by powder X-ray diffraction methods are presented for four noseans, five haüynes, and one sodalite. The rate of thermal expansion is at first high and increases with temperature; this is interpreted as due to the untwisting of the partially collapsed framework. Above a certain temperature (which depends on the mineral and its composition) the rate of thermal expansion is much lower and is linear with temperature; this corresponds to the rate of thermal expansion of the more fully expanded framework. Sodalite does not show this second stage below 920° C. The thermal expansion behaviour of other framework silicates is interpreted in analogy to that of the sodalite group.