Modulated Structures, Microstructures and Subsolidus Phase Relations of Labradorite Feldspars ^†

Abstract

The coupled substitution between Na+Si and Ca+Al, in the plagioclase solid solution, results in a continuous variation in the Al/Si ratio of the composition, which is the reason for the complicated ordering patterns in the intermediate plagioclase feldspars such as labradorite. Both fast-cooled and slow-cooled labradorite feldspars display the incommensurately modulated structures. The ordering pattern in the incommensurately modulated structures of e-plagioclase (characterized by the satellite diffraction peak called e-reflections) is the most complicated and intriguing. The modulated structure has a super-space group symmetry of X(αβγ)0, with a special centering condition of (½ ½ ½ 0), (0 0 ½ ½), (½ ½ 0 ½), and the q-vector has components (i.e., δh, δk, δl) along all three axes in reciprocal space. Displacive modulation, occupational modulation, and density modulation are observed in slowly cooled labradorite feldspars. No density modulation was observed in fast cooled (volcanic) labradorite feldspars. The amplitudes of the modulation waves are new parameters for quantifying the ordering state of labradorite. Iridescent labradorite feldspars display exsolution lamellae with an average periodicity ranging from ~150 nm to ~350 nm. Compositional difference between the lamellae is about 12 mole % in anorthite components. Areas or zones with red (or yellow) iridescent color (i.e., long lamellae periodicity) always contain more Ca (~1 to 3 mole %) than the areas with blue (or green) iridescent color within the same labradorite crystal. We proposed that the solvus for Bøggild intergrowth has a loop-like shape, ranging from ~An₄₄ to ~An₆₃. The Ca-rich side / zone has higher exsolution temperature than the Na-rich side / zone. The shapes of satellite peaks, the distances between e-reflections (modulation periods), and even the intensity of e-reflections may also be used to evaluate the ordering state or cooling rate of the plagioclase feldspar. Both modulated structure and the exsolution lamellae can be used as proxies for quantifying cooling rate of a labradorite and it’s host rock.