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, including non-convergent ordering. The successful application of the technique 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 discussed. Recent results from powder diffraction of amphiboles are highlighted, and the prospects for the measurement of subtle ordering effects in structurally complex minerals are outlined.