In this article, you’ll obtain answers to common questions about Bridgmanite.
What Is Bridgmanite?
Bridgmanite is an inorganic compound that’s classified as a mineral.
It is composed of sodium, magnesium, silicon, oxygen, and iron.
The chemical formula for Bridgmanite is (Mg,Fe)SiO3.
Bridgmanite is also known by its previous name, which was “monoclinic pyroxene”.
An inorganic mineral is one that doesn’t contain organic matter.
In terms of its structure, Bridgmanite is a silicate mineral.
It’s also considered to be a “high-pressure phase”.
This is because it’s only found in environments that are incredibly high pressure – such as the Earth’s lower mantle.
The lower mantle is the layer of the Earth that lies beneath the upper mantle.
It extends from a depth of 660 kilometers (410 miles) all the way down to 2900 kilometers (1800 miles).
Bridgmanite is thought to be the most abundant mineral in the Earth’s lower mantle.
This is because it makes up approximately 38% of the mantle’s volume.
The History of Bridgmanite
It was first discovered back in the early 1900s and was named after Percy Bridgman, who won the 1946 Nobel Prize for his work on high-pressure physics.
Others claim it was discovered many years before in the mid-1800s.
Uses of Bridgmanite
Bridgmanite is used as an ore of iron and magnesium.
It’s also used in the production of refractory materials and in the manufacture of Portland cement.
What Are the Characteristics of Bridgmanite?
Bridgmanite is black, brown, or green in color.
It has a vitreous luster and a Mohs hardness of 6 to 6.5.
The specific gravity of Bridgmanite is 3.2 to 3.3.
Where Is Bridgmanite Found?
Bridgmanite can be found in metamorphic and igneous rocks.
It’s also found in some meteorites.
What Countries In The World Is Bridgmanite Found?
Bridgmanite is found in Canada, the United States, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia, Austria, Italy, and South Africa.
What Is the Mineralogy of Bridgmanite?
Bridgmanite is a member of the nesosilicate mineral group.
It’s also a member of the pyroxene subgroup.
The pyroxene subgroup is a group of inosilicate minerals that have the same structure as Bridgmanite.
The other members of this subgroup are enstatite, hypersthene, jadeite, and diopside.
Is Bridgmanite a Rock or a Mineral?
Bridgmanite is a mineral. It’s not a rock. Why?
Because a rock is made up of two or more minerals, whereas a mineral is a naturally occurring, inorganic substance with a definite chemical composition and crystal structure.
Is Bridgmanite Igneous, Sedimentary, or Metamorphic?
Bridgmanite can be either igneous or metamorphic, because it can be found in both igneous and metamorphic rocks.
However, it is not sedimentary, because it is not composed of particles that have been deposited by water, wind, or ice.
Is Bridgmanite Foliated or Non-foliated?
Bridgmanite is non-foliated because it does not have a layered or banded structure.
Is Bridgmanite Felsic or Mafic?
Bridgmanite is felsic because it is rich in silica and alumina.
It is not mafic because it is not rich in magnesium and iron.
Is Bridgmanite Intrusive or Extrusive?
Bridgmanite can be either intrusive or extrusive because it can be found in both intrusive and extrusive igneous rocks.
Is Bridgmanite Aphanitic or Phaneritic?
Bridgmanite is aphanitic because it has an fine-grained or amorphous structure.
It is not phaneritic because it does not have a visible grain structure.
Is Bridgmanite Volcanic or Plutonic?
Bridgmanite is not volcanic because it is not formed from the solidification of lava or magma.
It is plutonic because it is formed from the solidification of magma deep within the earth.
Is Bridgmanite Rare?
Bridgmanite is not a rare mineral. It can be found in many parts of the world.
In fact, it might be the most common mineral in the earth’s mantle!
Is Bridgmanite Valuable?
Bridgmanite is not a valuable mineral. It is not used for jewelry or monetary purposes.
What Is The Luster of Bridgmanite?
The luster of Bridgmanite is vitreous, which means it has a glassy or shiny surface.
What Is The Cleavage of Bridgmanite?
Bridgmanite does not have cleavage because it does not break along planes of weakness.
Is Bridgmanite Clastic?
No, Bridgmanite is not clastic. It is not composed of particles that have been transported by water, wind, or ice.
Is There A Spiritual Meaning Associated With Bridgmanite?
There is no spiritual meaning that is universally associated with Bridgmanite.
However, some people might choose to use it for metaphysical purposes because of its connection to the earth’s mantle.
Bridgmanite is sometimes used as a talisman or amulet to protect against negativity, to bring good luck, or to promote healing.
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