Electrical conductivity of dunite during shock compression from 12.5 to 45 GPa

The electrical conductivity of 7 dunites (Addie, Åheim, Balsam Gap, Corundum Hill, Dun Mountain, Mooihoek and Twin Sisters) in the pressure range 12.5 ‐ 45 GPa has been studied using the shock wave technique. In this pressure range the measured conductivity varies from 2.8·10−5 to 2.6·10−2Ω−1cm−1. Differences in the total olivine content, Fe‐content of the olivines, Fe2O3− and chromite content and grain sizes of the dunites lead to differences in their conductivity. All dunites show an increase of about 105Ω−1cm−1 of the electrical conductivity in the pressure range 0 ‐ 40 GPa, thus approaching semiconductor behavior. This increase is due to both temperature and pressure effects and possibly also to a partial phase transition of olivine.