Abstract
Serpentine minerals were synthesized from 2Mg2SiO4 (natural olivine) + 3H2O, under various conditions for periods of 30 min to 30 days, to investigate the initial stages of chrysotile formation. Growth patterns and structures of the synthetic chrysotile were examined by means of X-ray, electron diffraction, and lattice-imaging electron microscopy. It is suggested that chrysotile cylinders grow at both the tips and roots of fibers by addition at the growth front. This mechanism basically supports the model of Jagodzinski and Kunze (1954).
Microstructures of synthetic chrysotile observed by lattice imaging are described, and the fine structure in electron diffraction patterns of chrysotile is qualitatively explained by a differential refraction effect.
