STABILITY OF STAUROLITE AND CHLORITOID AND THEIR SIGNIFICANCE IN METAMORPHISM OF PELITIC ROCKS

The reaction chlorite+muscovite=staurolite+biotite+quartz+vapor has been experimentally determined and reversible equilibrium has been demonstrated. At an oxygen fugacity corresponding to that of the FMQ buffer and using a starting mixture with a Mg/Mg+Fe ratio of 0.4, the equilibrium conditions of the reaction are 565±15°C at 7 kb and 540±15°C at 4 kb. The preliminary maximum stability of staurolite in the presence of quartz, muscovite, and biotite has been established at the following conditions: 675±15°C at 5.5 kb and 575±15°C at 2 kb. The results of both investigations are in good agreement with other experimental data and with petrographical observations. Furthermore, equilibria between minerals in medium-grade pelitic rocks are deduced from theoretical considerations and the effect of T, Psolid, {Mathematical expression}, {Mathematical expression} on some dehydration reactions is discussed. © 1969 Springer-Verlag.