Science Project-Martian Simulant turned to Glass-Products?

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fljonesfam
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Science Project-Martian Simulant turned to Glass-Products?

Post by fljonesfam »

I am performing a science experiment for an upcoming science fair. In the experiment I am determining whether martian simulated soil can turn into glass, suitable for corrective eyeglass lenses (since astronauts lose eyesight during long duration spaceflight). The chemical equation for turning silica sand to glass is pretty straightforward:
Na2CO3 + 6 SiO2 + CaCO3 --> (Na2O) (CaO)(6SiO2) + 2 CO2

For the Martian simulant, several impurities are present and I can't figure out how those impurities will react. I do know that Al2O3 and MgO have a melting point much higher than I will be using in my experiment. Fe2O3 has a melting point about the same as I will be using (~1500 deg C). Here are the elements of the simulant mixture (along with soda ash to lower melting point of silica)

Na2CO3 + 6 SiO2 + Fe2O3 + Al2O3 + CaO3 + MgO -->

Can anyone help me understand what the products would be? My thought was:
(Na2FeO2)(CaO)(6SiO2) + 2 CO2 + MgO + Al2O3

Any insight someone can provide for this would be greatly appreciated. I am very much a novice when it comes to chemistry.

Thanks in advance!!
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