Coarsening of Fine-Scale Exsolution Lamellae

John B. Brady, Smith College

Abstract

Diffusional exchange between the wedge-shaped terminations of fine-scale, coherent exsolution lamellae and the large flat sides of adjacent like lamellae is proposed as the principal mechanism for the coarsening of lamellar exsolution textures in silicate minerals. Following the methods of Gibbs (1906), a formula is derived for the chemical potential gradients due to interfacial energy effects that drive the proposed diffusion and coarsening...