8 In order to understand the effects of H 2 O on the mineral phases forming under the 9 pressure-temperature conditions of the lower mantle, we have conducted laser-heated 10 diamond-anvil cell experiments on hydrous ringwoodite (Mg 2 SiO 4 with 1.1wt% H 2 O) at Always consult and cite the final, published document. See http:/www.minsocam.org or GeoscienceWorld pressures between 29 and 59 GPa and temperatures between 1200 and 2400 K. Our 12 experimental results show that hydrous ringwoodite (hRw) converts to crystalline dense 13 hydrous silica, stishovite (Stv) or CaCl 2 -type SiO 2 (mStv), containing 1 wt% H 2 O 14 together with Brd and MgO at the pressure-temperature conditions expected for shallow 15 lower-mantle depths between approximately 660 to 1600 km. Considering lack of sign 16 for melting in our experiments, our preferred interpretation of the observation is that Brd 17 partially breaks down to dense hydrous silica and periclase (Pc), forming Brd + Pc + Stv 18 mineralogy. Our experiments may provide an explanation for the enigmatic coexistence 19 of Stv and Fp inclusions in lower-mantle diamonds.