In situ high-T neutron diffraction studies of non-convergent order/disorder in minerals: From simple oxides to complex silicates

Neutron powder time of flight diffraction provides a powerful tool for the measurement of the temperature dependence of cation ordering in minerals, i ncluding non-convergent ordering. The successful application of the techniq ue to the study of metal cation long range order in olivines and spinels is reviewed, and the extension of the method to more complex silicates is dis cussed. Recent results from powder diffraction of amphiboles are highlighte d, and the prospects for the measurement of subtle ordering effects in stru cturally complex minerals are outlined.