The electronic structure of magnesiowustite is investigated using self-consistent field X?? scattered wave (SCF-X??-SW) molecular orbital calculations on (FeO6)10- and (FeMg12O14)2- clusters. Calculated one-electron transition energies are used to interpret the optical spectrum of (Mg, Fe)O. The results are applied to the electrical and thermal conductivity of the lower mantle. This is especially true if Fe2+ adopts the low-spin configuration. The geophysically significant properties of (Fe, Mg)O probably result from defect Fe3+. -from Author
Additional publication details
Publication type:
Article
Publication Subtype:
Journal Article
Title:
The high-pressure electronic structure of magnesiowustite (Mg, Fe)O: applications to the physics and chemistry of the lower mantle
