The Alkali Feldspars of the Ardara Pluton, Donegal

A. Hall
Geology Department, King's College, London, W.C.2

Summary: The alkali feldspars in the Ardara pluton are microcline- and orthoclase-microperthites. Their compositions have been determined by the 201¯ X-ray method, both before and after homogenization. The bulk compositions are very rich in potassium as a result of postmagmatic recrystallization of the alkali feldspar. There is no significant variation in either the bulk composition or the composition of the potassic phase in different parts of the intrusion. The structural state of the feldspars has been studied by measurement of 2V and obliquity of the potassic phases, and the reciprocal lattice angles α* and γ* of the potassic and sodic phases in selected crystals. Most of the specimens contain near-maximum microcline, but there is a decrease in the obliquity of the potassic phase at the eastern end of the intrusion. This can be related to the subsequent intrusion of the Main Donegal Granite.

Mineralogical Magazine; March 1966 v. 35; no. 273; p. 693-703; DOI: 10.1180/minmag.1966.035.273.04
© 1966, The Mineralogical Society
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