solid solution

A Dictionary of Earth Sciences | 1999 | 573 words | Copyright

solid solution Solid crystalline phases representing a mixture of two or more end-members and which may vary in composition within finite limits without the appearance of another phase. A mineral may exhibit solid solution involving atoms of an isomorphous mineral; for example, magnesium and iron ions are similar in size, and complete solid solution occurs between forsterite (Mg₂SiO₄) and fayalite (Fe₂SiO₄) end-members of the olivine series, in the most common type of solid solution, known as ‘substitutional solid solution’. See also IONIC SUBSTITUTION.

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AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY. "solid solution." A Dictionary of Earth Sciences. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. 27 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

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AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY. "solid solution." A Dictionary of Earth Sciences. 1999. Retrieved May 27, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O13-solidsolution.html

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