Ferropericlase

Ferropericlase is a high-pressure mineral found in the Earth's lower mantle. Its chemical formula is (Mg,Fe)O, indicating that it is a solid solution of magnesium oxide (periclase) and iron oxide. The presence of iron substitutes for magnesium in the crystal structure, hence the name ferropericlase. This mineral is a major component of the lower mantle, estimated to make up a significant portion of its volume, possibly as much as 20%.

Ferropericlase is an oxide mineral with a rock-salt crystal structure, similar to that of periclase and halite. Its physical properties, such as density and refractive index, vary depending on the proportion of iron present. In the extreme pressures and temperatures of the lower mantle, ferropericlase plays a crucial role in the geodynamics of our planet. It influences seismic wave velocities, helping scientists to interpret the structure of the Earth's interior.

The study of ferropericlase is primarily conducted through laboratory experiments simulating lower mantle conditions and through the analysis of meteorites that have experienced high-pressure events. These studies reveal its behavior under pressure, its melting point, and its interactions with other mantle minerals like bridgmanite. Understanding ferropericlase is key to comprehending the physical and chemical processes occurring deep within the Earth.