end-member

noun

: a pure chemical compound in some cases hypothetical but regarded as a component entering into solid solution with other pure chemical compounds to form an isomorphous series of minerals
fayalite Fe2SiO4 and forsterite Mg2SiO4 are end-members of the olivine series (Mg,Fe)2SiO4

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Cite this Entry

“End-member.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/end-member. Accessed 15 Dec. 2024.

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