Solid solution behaviour of CaSiO3 and MgSiO3 perovskites

Abstract

Using density functional simulations within the generalized gradient approximation and projector-augmented wave method together with thermodynamic modelling, the reciprocal solubilities of MgSiO3 and CaSiO3 perovskites were calculated for pressures and temperatures of the Earth’s lower mantle from 25 to 100 GPa and 0 to 6,000 K, respectively. The solubility of Ca in MgSiO3 at conditions along a mantle adiabat is found to be less than 0.02 atoms per formula unit. The solubility of Mg in CaSiO3 is even lower, and most important, the extent of solid solution decreases with pressure. To dissolve CaSiO3 perovskite completely in MgSiO3 perovskite, a solubility of 7.8 or 2.3 mol% would be necessary for a fertile pyrolytic or depleted harzburgitic mantle, respectively. Thus, for any reasonable geotherm, two separate perovskites will be present in fertile mantle, suggesting that Ca-perovskite will be residual to low degree melting throughout the entire mantle. At the solidus, CaSiO3 perovskite might completely dissolve in MgSiO3 perovskite only in a depleted mantle with <1.25 wt% CaO. These implications may be modified if Ca solubility in MgSiO3 is increased by other major mantle constituents such as Fe and Al.