Structure and Properties of Silicate Melts

Characterization of the relationships between structure and properties of materials is based on the fundamental principle that the structure of the material be determined first, followed by assessments of which structural properties may govern their properties as a function of composition, pressure, temperature and other variables. Whereas this methodology has been successfully applied to further our understanding of crystalline materials, studies of silicate melt structure are often conducted on a somewhat different basis. Rather than from direct structural determination, structure models have been developed from assumed relationships between a specific melt property and its structure. As a result, a multitude of models has evolved - many of which are mutually exclusive.

The overall scope of this book is to address properties and processes of magmatic systems from the vantage point of melt structure. To this end available data in chemically increasingly complex systems are reviewed and discussed with the ultimate goal being integration of the simple system data into a model that describes complex systems such as natural magmatic liquids. Thus the book evolves from the simplest possible system, SiO2, to complex systems such as natural magmatic liquids. From a petrologic point of view, sufficient data have been obtained so that a general framework of the structure of magmatic liquids is in place. This framework is based on the same principles as those of crystal chemistry, modulated by the absence of long range order in amorphous material, and systematic relationships between structure and properties can be discerned at least at atmospheric pressure.

Mysen's monograph is a timely and comprehensive summary of current thinking on this important topic.

Mysen is careful to present contrary opinions fairly and objectively. Workers in the field will find much in common with Mysen's conclusions, many ideas which are speculative yet certainly stimulating and a few that will generate more than a little controversy.
Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, Volume 53, No. 7, 1989
Mysen's book is well presented, extremely readable and as up to date as it can be. Notwithstanding this, the reference list is quite comprehensive, as is the index, and the general level of production maintains the good standard of the series. The book should be in all Earth Science libraries.
Journal of Petrology
Y. Bottinga
The great value of the book is that a direction for future scientific research has been clearly indicated. Now eager students have at their disposal an indispensable guide to the literature on this mind-taxing subject of silicate liquids and settled petrologists can contemplate what has been accomplished during the last two decades. Bravo Bjorn!
Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research