Novel materials derived from minerals at high P-T

We have constructed and operated versatile miniature pressure cells designed for the in situ characterization of materials under combined high pressure-temperature (P-T) conditions. This provides an opportunity conveniently to perform laboratory experiments to synthesize and characterize novel materials that may be stable only under high P-T conditions. The synthesis process may then be scaled up to an industrial level provided that such phase stabilization occurs under modest P-T conditions. The pressure anvils consist of cubic-zirconia, sapphire or diamond to obtain maximum pressures of 10-30 GPa. I cite selected examples of materials and minerals that have been investigated in our laboratory, where the properties of the crystalline high-pressure phase are radically different from those at ambient pressure, for example, cubanite (CuFe₂S₃) and troilite (FeS). I discuss the possibility of pressure-induced amorphization and emphasize the occurrence of this phenomenon in mineral-related materials.