Planetary interiors (IMAGE) Carnegie Institution for Science Caption Silicate minerals make up most of the Earth’s mantle and are thought to be a major component of the interiors of other rocky planets, as well, based on calculations of their densities. On Earth, the structural changes induced in silicates under high pressure and temperature conditions define key boundaries in Earth’s deep interior, like that between the upper and lower mantle. The research team was interested in probing the emergence and behavior of new forms of silicate under conditions mimicking those found in distant worlds. Illustration is courtesy of Kalliopi Monoyios. Credit Illustration is courtesy of Kalliopi Monoyios. Usage Restrictions With content License Original content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.