Transmission electron microscopy of pyrometamorphic breakdown of phengite and chlorite

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Abstract
Phengite and chlorite have undergone decomposition during pyrometamorphism caused by the intrusion of a dolerite feeder pipe into Dalradian greenschists in Argyllshire, Scotland. All reaction products are extremely fine grained. Transmission electron microscopy has revealed that phengite pseudomorphs consist of biotite, spinel, mullite, sanidine and phengite, and that chlorite pseudomorphs consist of combinations of chlorite, spinel, orthopyroxene, magnetite, cordierite and biotite. Although the reactions were short-lived and did not go to completion, microprobe analysis and phase diagram analysis have revealed that there has been significant chemical interaction between the phyllosilicates and the surrounding rock. Numerous orientation relationships exist between the original minerals and their reaction products; the close-packed planes in the precursor phyllosilicates were inherited by their reaction products.