The influence on Fe content on Raman spectra and unit cell parameters of magnesite–siderite solid solutions

• DOI: 10.1007/s00269-011-0479-3
• Publication Date: 2011-12-28T04:43:25Z
• Authors: E. Boulard; F. Guyot; G. Fiquet
• Keywords: Magnesite; Microprobe; Characterization

Characterization of a set of iron-magnesium carbonate mineral samples was done by Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and electron microprobe. The evolution of unit cell parameters and of the Raman peak positions of the three vibrations modes T, L and 2m2 are reported as a function of the Fe content. Fourteen samples spanning the compositional range from FeCO3 siderite to MgCO3 magnesite were used for this calibration. Such a calibration provides a non-destructive and rapid method for extracting mineral chemistry, suitable for samples that cannot be moved and need immediate analysis or for samples that cannot be destructed or that are in small quantities.