Elastic and thermoelastic properties of synthetic Ca2MgSi2O7 (�kermanite) and Ca2ZnSi2O7 (hardystonite)

Elastic and thermoelastic constants of large single crystals of Ca2MgSi2O7 and Ca2ZnSi2O7 have been derived from ultrasonic resonance frequencies of plane-parallel plates and their shift upon variation of temperature, respectively. In addition, coefficients of thermal expansion and dielectric constants were determined. Both species possess quite similar properties. As observed in other isotypic magnesium and zinc compounds, the mean elastic stiffness and the deviation from the Cauchy relations are significantly larger in the zinc compound, due to a covalent contribution of the Zn–O bond. Positive thermoelastic constants T44 and T66 in Ca2MgSi2O7 allow temperature-independent ultrasonic generators and oscillators to be manufactured.