Polymorphism of LiGa5O8 and of LiGa5O8-MgGa2O4Solid Solutions

High-temperature X-ray diffraction and differential thermal analyses showed that LiGa₅O₈ exists in two polymorphs related by the first-order transition at 1138°±3°C of the low-temperature simple-cubic form, space group (probably) O⁷, to the high-temperature spinel (fcc) form, space group O _h ⁷. The transition is rapid, and the high-temperature form in pure LiGa₅O₈ could not be quenched to room temperature under the conditions used. However, the high-temperature polymorph can be quenched under equilibrium conditions when 40 mol% or more MgGa₂O₄ is present. The subsolidus equilibrium relations in the system MgGa₂O₄-LiGa₅O₈ are discussed.