Pressure induced amorphization in olivine has been reported when it is compressed at ca. 40 GPa. However, the onset of amorphization varies depending on the composition, the type of loading (static, dynamic), but also on non-hydrostaticity. Here, very non-hydrostatic loading conditions are applied to a perfect crystal of forsterite. We show that the onset of mechanical instability of forsterite can be as low as 5–6 GPa for some shear conditions.
To learn more:
K. Gouriet, P. Carrez & P. Cordier (2019) Ultimate mechanical properties of forsterite. Minerals, 9, 787, https://doi.org/10.3390/min9120787