Armalcolite/ilmenite - Mineral chemistry, paragenesis, and origin of textures

In order to understand the origin of differing ilmenite/armalcolite textural relationships, bulk rock composition, oxygen fugacity and cooling rate have been experimentally investigated. Results show that armalcolite and ilmenite compositions are dependent upon the liquid composition and temperature at the time of crystallization. Furthermore, the different armalcolite/ilmenite textures rely to a greater extent on f sub O2 than on cooling rate or bulk rock composition, and the Ti(3+) content of armalcolite can be used as an indicator of the approximate f sub O2 prevailing at the time of crystallization.