<P> This thesis is concerned with the investigation of the diffusion controlled reaction between MgO and β-quartz in the temperature range 1200 - 1450 °C in wet and dry atmospheres. The reactions were studied by placing known faces of quartz crystals in direct contact with Mg0 powder, heat treating them, and then investigating the cross sections. The product layer was investigated by both reflected light and thin section metallography, electron - microprobe and X- ray diffraction. Using Wagner's and Schmalzried's ideas on solid state reactions, a theoretical model for the diffusion controlled formation of silicates was developed. With this model, a mechanism for the diffusion controlled formation of forsterite from MgO and β-quartz was advanced. </P> / Thesis / Master of Science (MSc)