| This dissertation is a study of minerals containing light elements and/or water in each of the Earth's three main layers: crust, mantle, and core. Chapters are presented in a manner depicting the increase in pressure and temperature corresponding to the increasing depth of formation of the minerals studied. The dissertation begins with a study of the hydrous crustal mineral dickite to 4 GPa, continues to the mantle and a discussion of the synthesis and characterization of the hydrous layered silicate clinojimthompsonite at 16 GPa, and finally ends with the iron and nickel phosphides at 70 GPa, which are studied as (potential) core materials. Inherent to this study was the use of a variety of techniques for mineral synthesis, identification, and crystal structure solution. Methodologies for mineral synthesis, use of high-pressure apparatus, and crystal structure characterization are explored. |
