MAGNESIUM GERMANATE

Description

Magnesium germanate can be formed by firing the oxides together at about 900°C.
MgO + GeO2?MgGeO3
This salt has the perovskite structure. The lattice parameters are: a = 4.9375 ?, c = 13.743 ?, V = 290.15 ?³. It occurs as the mineral, “majorite”, with lattice parameters of: a = 11.051 ?, b = 11.051 ?, c = 11.480 ?, α= β = γ = 90°.
MgGeO3 is polymorphic. It forms several types of pyroxenes. Pyroxene is one of the important constituent minerals of the earth’s crust and upper mantle. , space group = I41/A. There are four (4) magnesium germanates known as shown in the following phase diagram of the system, MgO–GeO2 where each compound can be obtained by varying the MgO/GeO2 mol ratios before firing (Fig. 5.55). MgGeO3 is polymorphic. It forms several types of pyroxenes. Pyroxene is one of the important constituent minerals of the earth’s crust and upper mantle.

The Uses of MAGNESIUM GERMANATE

Magnesium germanate, when activated by manganese has long been used in fluorescent lamps. The emission spectrum of Mg4GeO6:0.01Mn²⁺ has been found to depend on the temperature of preparation.