Conditions of phlogopite crystallization in ultrapotassic volcanic rocks

Phlogopite occurs as an early crystallizing mineral in many ultrapotassic lavas of basaltic affinities. Based on high-pressure experiments in lavas of these compositions, the early crystallization of phlogopite is controlled in large part by the bulk compositions of the liquids from which it crystallizes but also by the total pressure and by the a H 2 O , with early phlogopite forming under a narrow range of a H 2 O , less than that represented by H 2 O-saturated conditions. Variations in f O 2 do not appreciably affect phlogopite crystallization but high a CO 2 suppresses its crystallization. In ultrapotassic magmas, phlogopite will preferentially incorporate K 2 O, TiO 2 , MgO, and Al 2 O 3 relative to the coexisting early silicate minerals, olivine and clinopyroxene, and thus, on fractionation of these minerals, phlogopite will be more effective in reducing these oxides in residual liquids. Phenocrysts and microphenocrysts of phlogopite in ultrapotassic lavas are directly related with respect to their K/Ti, K/Al, K/(K + Na), and Mg/(Mg + Fe) ratios. Textural relations suggest phlogopite may form by reaction relationships involving liquid with olivine, and/or clinopyroxene. Such relationships are supported by the experimental studies on ultrapotassic rock compositions.