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that is, the number from the A12 3 with that from the Fe2 3 , and
that from the FeO with those from the MnO, MgO and CaO,
it will be found that the relationship of the different groups of
radicals can be expressed as Si02 : A12 3 -j- Fe2 3 : FeO + MnO
+ MgO -f CaO = 3:1:3. From this it is seen that some of
the possible A12 3 has been replaced by isomorphous Fe2 3 ,
and that a part of the FeO has been replaced by the isomorphous
oxides of MnO, MgO and CaO. The formula for this
garnet might be written, therefore, as 3R//0.1R2
///
3.3Si02 or
R3
//R2
///
(Si04) 3 , in which R" = Fe, Mn, Mg and Ca, and R'" = A1
and Fe.
Isomorphous Groups. A series of compounds which have
analogous chemical compositions and closely similar crystal
forms are said to make an isomorphous group. The artificial
compounds known as the alums form a striking example. They
are double salts of sulphuric acid, similar to the following,
KA1(S04 ) 2.12H20, which is known as potash alum. They may
vary, in their composition by the substitution of Na, Li, NH4 ,
etc., for the potassium and of Fe"' and Cr for the aluminium.
All these compounds have, therefore, different but analogous
compositions, and it is found also that they all crystallize in the
Isometric System with an octahedral habit. Further, if a crystal
of one alum is suspended in a saturated solution of another
member of the series, the crystal will continue to grow. From
this it is proved that the molecules of the different alums are
physically so closely alike that they can be substituted for each
other in any proportion. Therefore this series of compounds is
said to be an Isomorphous Group.
Many such groups are to be found in minerals, and attention
is called to them in various places in Section IV. Reference
might be made to one of the most prominent of these in the case
of the Calcite Group (see page 203). This is a series of minerals all of which are carbonates of
similar bivalent metals, and therefore
they can be said to have analogous chemical compositions.
Further, they all crystallize in the same crystal system and class,
and have closely agreeing angles between similar crystal faces.
Consequently they conform to the second requirement for an
Isomorphous Group, namely, that the minerals of it should show
similar crystal forms.
Dimorphism, Trimorphism, Etc.
A number of cases are well known among minerals in which