Exoplanet Mineralogy

TL;DR

This paper introduces fundamental concepts of planetary mineralogy, computational methods for estimating exoplanet mineral compositions, and discusses potential surprises in exoplanet mineralogy, aimed at astronomers and geologists new to the field.

Contribution

It provides accessible computational approaches for estimating exoplanet mineral assemblages and discusses error analysis in mineralogical plotting, bridging astronomy and petrology.

Findings

Computational methods align with current exoplanet data levels.

Error analysis improves mineral abundance plotting accuracy.

Exoplanets may exhibit unexpected mineralogical compositions.

Abstract

This chapter begins with some basic concepts regarding the structure and mineralogy of rocky planets, how to read and construct ternary diagrams, and why partial melting occurs when plate tectonics is operative. Partial melting is a key concept in that it governs crust and core formation, which in turn control mineralogy. These sections are for astronomers, or geologists new to the study of igneous petrology. From there, computational approaches for estimating planetary mineral assemblages will be introduced. These quantitative methods are simple, consonant with the level of information currently available on exoplanet compositions, and while largely intended for mineralogists, should be accessible to non-specialists as well. Such methods are followed by a study of error when plotting mineral abundances in ternary diagrams, for mineralogists and petrologists who construct such diagrams. The chapter concludes with caveats, and the ways in which exoplanets might surprise us.