Isomorphism, Chemical Variability, and Solid Solutions of Minerals and Related Compounds, 2nd Edition

Dear Colleagues,

Many minerals and related crystalline compounds are characterized by the phenomenon of isomorphism, during which substitution of some components by others in certain positions of the crystal structure leads to the formation of series of solid solutions. This phenomenon is one of the factors determining mineral diversity. As a rule, in the taxonomy of minerals, assemblages of isostructural or structurally similar mineral species that form complete or incomplete series of solid solutions are considered to be mineral groups.

It is customary to distinguish isovalent, heterovalent, and blocky isomorphism. Elements with the same valence or ions of the same charge take part in isovalent isomorphism. Elements with different valences participate in heterovalent isomorphism, which requires charge compensation through the heterovalent substitution of atoms at another position of the crystal structure. Blocky isomorphism is realized by the most complex mechanisms involving large groups of atoms, and it is often accompanied by changes in local configurations and the coordination numbers of atoms.

Isomorphic admixtures in minerals (including trace elements) and chemical zoning of their crystals are important geochemical markers that reflect the conditions of mineral formation because fluid properties (temperature, pressure, chemical composition, pH, oxygen fugacity, etc.) affect the substitutions. On the other hand, isomorphic substitutions affect the properties of minerals, including those characteristics that make it possible to consider minerals as prototypes of materials with technologically important properties. These materials may be used in ion exchange, sorption, immobilization of heavy metals and radionuclides, as optical materials, ionic conductors, and so on.

This Special Issue will focus on recent advances in the study of isomorphism and compositional variability in minerals and related compounds.

Dr. Nikita V. Chukanov
Guest Editor

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• chemical composition
• crystal chemistry
• isomorphism
• solid solution
• doping
• color centers
• chemical defects
• chemical zoning
• trace elements
• thermodynamics control of major and trace elements in substitutions and solid solutions
• geochemical markers