Published online by Cambridge University Press: 10 January 2013
New powder X-ray data for cancrinite [ideally Na8Si6Al6O24 (CO3)2·2 H2O] are reported along with in-situ real-time thermal processes recorded using energy dispersive X-ray diffractometry (EDXD). A completely anhydrous phase is obtained after heating the sample up to 600 °C and quickly cooling it to room temperature, as shown by means of both Rietveld analysis and IR spectroscopy. The anhydrous phase does not show any tendency to re-acquire molecular water. During the heating process, at around 450 °C, a peak splitting is observed, possibly due to a reversible phase transition.