2D to 3D Magnetism in Synthetic Micas

Fe-based mica minerals usually display two opposing magnetic ground states, either they behave as spin-glasses or as layered ferrimagnets. No definite reason has been proposed as an explanation for this duality. This conundrum is unraveled by comparing the synthetic micas KFe₃[MGe₃]O₁₀X₂ with M═Fe and Ga, X═OH^- and F^-. Neutron diffraction demonstrates a 2D to 3D magnetic transition in KFe₃[FeGe₃]O₁₀(OH)₂ while just hints or no order at all are observed for the fluorides with M═Fe and Ga respectively. The 3D transition is triggered by the presence of iron in the intralayer tetrahedra. DFT+U calculations show that the magnetic exchange couplings between the previously believed solely magnetic octahedral layers would otherwise be frustrated without this intralayer iron.