Crystal chemistry and synthesis of Ternary Silicates and Germanates containing alkali (Na+, K+) and alkaline earth (Ca2+, Sr2+, Ba2+) cations

The synthesis of new ternary silicate and germanate phases containing large alkali and alkaline-earth cations is described. They are made by solid-state reaction of mixtures of carbonates or oxalates with SiO₂ or GeO₂, or by fusion and subsequent recrystallization of the glass. Representatives of the cubic MM²⁺X₃O₉ family include Na₄CaSi₃O₉ and the isostructural compounds K₄CaGe₃O₉, K₄SrGe₃O₉ and K₄SrSi₃O₉. K₄BaSi₃O₉ is pseudocubic: the symmetry of Na₄SrSi₃O₉ is unknown. The rhombohedral MM²⁺X₁₀O₂₅ family includes K₈CaSi₁₀O₂₅, K₈SrSi₁₀O₂₅ and K₈BaSi₁₀O₂₅. Na₂CaGe₂O₆ and Na₂SrGe₂O₆ are isostructural but both are structurally unrelated to Na₂BaSi₂O₆. Na₂Ba₂Ge₂O₇ and Na₂Ba₂Si₂O₇ are structurally similar.