Articles | Volume 35, issue 5
https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-35-873-2023
© Author(s) 2023. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Special issue:
https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-35-873-2023
© Author(s) 2023. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Research article
| 
19 Oct 2023
Research article |
| 19 Oct 2023
| 19 Oct 2023
Vibrational properties of OH groups associated with divalent cations in corundum (α-Al2O3)
Michael C. Jollands
Gemological Institute of America, 50 W 47th Street, New York, NY 10036, USA
Shiyun Jin
Gemological Institute of America, 5355 Armada Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92008, USA
Martial Curti
Bellerophon Gemlab SAS, 16 Place Vendôme, Paris 75001, France
Maxime Guillaumet
Sorbonne Université, CNRS, MNHN, IRD, Institut de Minéralogie, de Physique des Matériaux et de Cosmochimie (IMPMC), 4 place Jussieu, 75252 Paris CEDEX 05, France
Keevin Béneut
Sorbonne Université, CNRS, MNHN, IRD, Institut de Minéralogie, de Physique des Matériaux et de Cosmochimie (IMPMC), 4 place Jussieu, 75252 Paris CEDEX 05, France
Paola Giura
Sorbonne Université, CNRS, MNHN, IRD, Institut de Minéralogie, de Physique des Matériaux et de Cosmochimie (IMPMC), 4 place Jussieu, 75252 Paris CEDEX 05, France
Etienne Balan
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
Sorbonne Université, CNRS, MNHN, IRD, Institut de Minéralogie, de Physique des Matériaux et de Cosmochimie (IMPMC), 4 place Jussieu, 75252 Paris CEDEX 05, France
Related authors
Michael C. Jollands, Hugh St.C. O'Neill, Andrew J. Berry, Charles Le Losq, Camille Rivard, and Jörg Hermann
Eur. J. Mineral., 33, 113–138, https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-33-113-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-33-113-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
How, and how fast, does hydrogen move through crystals? We consider this question by adding hydrogen, by diffusion, to synthetic crystals of olivine doped with trace amounts of chromium. Even in a highly simplified system, the behaviour of hydrogen is complex. Hydrogen can move into and through the crystal using various pathways (different defects within the crystal) and hop between these pathways too.
Michael C. Jollands, Marc Blanchard, and Etienne Balan
Eur. J. Mineral., 32, 311–323, https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-32-311-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-32-311-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
Quartz is a very common form of almost pure silica. It can contain a small concentration of hydrogen-bearing defects whose nature is still debated. Here, we use a theoretical approach to unravel the atomic-scale geometry of these defects. Our findings help explain some important quartz properties.
Etienne Balan, Guillaume Radtke, Chloé Fourdrin, Lorenzo Paulatto, Heinrich A. Horn, and Yves Fuchs
Eur. J. Mineral., 35, 105–116, https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-35-105-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-35-105-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Assignment of OH-stretching bands to specific atomic-scale environments in tourmaline is still debated, which motivates detailed theoretical studies of their vibrational properties. We have theoretically investigated the OH-stretching spectrum of foitite, showing that specific OH bands observed in the vibrational spectra of iron-rich and Na-deficient tourmalines are affected by the magnetic configuration of iron ions and X-site vacancy ordering.
Etienne Balan, Lorenzo Paulatto, Qianyu Deng, Keevin Béneut, Maxime Guillaumet, and Benoît Baptiste
Eur. J. Mineral., 34, 627–643, https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-34-627-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-34-627-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
The near-infrared spectra of hydrous minerals involve OH stretching vibrations, but their interpretation is not straightforward due to anharmonicity and vibrational coupling. We analyze the spectra of well-ordered samples of talc, brucite and lizardite to better assess the various factors contributing to the absorption bands. The results clarify the relations between the overtone spectra and their fundamental counterparts and provide a sound interpretation of the two-phonon combination bands.
Yves Fuchs, Chloé Fourdrin, and Etienne Balan
Eur. J. Mineral., 34, 239–251, https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-34-239-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-34-239-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Information about the local structure of tourmaline-group minerals can be obtained from the characteristic OH stretching bands in their vibrational spectra. However, their assignment to specific atomic-scale environments is debated. We address this question theoretically by investigating a series of dravite models. Our results support a local role of cationic occupancies in determining the OH stretching frequencies and bring constraints for the interpretation of the vibrational spectra.
Shiyun Jin, Ziyin Sun, and Aaron C. Palke
Eur. J. Mineral., 34, 183–200, https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-34-183-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-34-183-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
The inclusions and exsolution lamellae in rainbow lattice sunstone (RLS) are studied using microscopic observations, chemical analyses and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Complicated processes producing the aventurescence and adularescence effect in RLS are revealed through the spatial relationship among the inclusions and exsolution lamellae, as well as the unique ordering pattern in the feldspar structures.
Emmanuel Fritsch, Etienne Balan, Sabine Petit, and Farid Juillot
Eur. J. Mineral., 33, 743–763, https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-33-743-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-33-743-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
The study presents and discusses mid- and near-infrared spectra of three Mg–Ni mineral series (serpentine-like and talc-like minerals, sepiolite) commonly found in reactivated faults and sequences of clay infillings of the New Caledonian Ni-silicate deposits. This spectroscopic study sheds light on the nature of the residual mineral phases found in the clay infillings (serpentine-like minerals) and reveals the aptitude of the newly formed minerals (talc-like minerals and sepiolite) to store Ni.
Etienne Balan, Emmanuel Fritsch, Guillaume Radtke, Lorenzo Paulatto, Farid Juillot, Fabien Baron, and Sabine Petit
Eur. J. Mineral., 33, 647–657, https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-33-647-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-33-647-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Interpretation of vibrational spectra of serpentines is complexified by the common occurrence of divalent and trivalent cationic impurities at tetrahedral and octahedral sites. We theoretically investigate the effect of Fe and Al on the vibrational properties of lizardite, focusing on the OH stretching modes. The results allow us to disentangle the specific effects related to the valence and coordination states of the impurities, supporting a detailed interpretation of the experimental spectra.
Emmanuel Fritsch, Etienne Balan, Sabine Petit, and Farid Juillot
Eur. J. Mineral., 33, 447–462, https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-33-447-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-33-447-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
The study provides new insights into the OH stretching vibrations of serpentine species (lizardite, chrysotile, antigorite) encountered in veins of peridotite. A combination of infrared spectroscopy in the mid-infrared and near-infrared ranges and Raman spectroscopy enabled us to interpret most of the observed bands in the fundamental and first overtone regions of the spectra and to propose consistent spectral decomposition and assignment of the OH stretching bands for the serpentine species.
Etienne Balan, Emmanuel Fritsch, Guillaume Radtke, Lorenzo Paulatto, Farid Juillot, and Sabine Petit
Eur. J. Mineral., 33, 389–400, https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-33-389-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-33-389-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
The infrared absorption spectrum of an antigorite sample, an important serpentine-group mineral, is compared to its theoretical counterpart computed at the density functional level. The model reproduces most of the observed bands, supporting their assignment to specific vibrational modes. The results provide robust interpretations of the significant differences observed between the antigorite spectrum and that of lizardite, the more symmetric serpentine variety.
Etienne Balan, Emmanuel Fritsch, Farid Juillot, Thierry Allard, and Sabine Petit
Eur. J. Mineral., 33, 209–220, https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-33-209-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-33-209-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
The OH overtone bands of kaolinite- and serpentine-group minerals observed in their near-infrared (NIR) spectra are widely used but their relation to stretching modes involving coupled OH groups is uncertain. Here, we map a molecular model of harmonically coupled anharmonic oscillators on the spectroscopic properties of 1:1 phyllosilicates. This makes it possible to interpret most of the observed bands and support the assignment of some of them to cationic substitutions in serpentines.
Michael C. Jollands, Hugh St.C. O'Neill, Andrew J. Berry, Charles Le Losq, Camille Rivard, and Jörg Hermann
Eur. J. Mineral., 33, 113–138, https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-33-113-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-33-113-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
How, and how fast, does hydrogen move through crystals? We consider this question by adding hydrogen, by diffusion, to synthetic crystals of olivine doped with trace amounts of chromium. Even in a highly simplified system, the behaviour of hydrogen is complex. Hydrogen can move into and through the crystal using various pathways (different defects within the crystal) and hop between these pathways too.
Etienne Balan, Lorenzo Paulatto, Jia Liu, and Jannick Ingrin
Eur. J. Mineral., 32, 505–520, https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-32-505-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-32-505-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
The atomic-scale geometry of hydrous defects in diopside is still imperfectly known despite their contribution to the Earth's water cycle. Their OH-stretching vibrations lead to a variety of infrared absorption bands. Low-temperature infrared spectroscopy makes it possible to resolve additional bands in the spectra of gem-quality natural samples. Theoretical results obtained at the density functional theory level support the assignment of the observed bands to specific atomic-scale models.
Etienne Balan
Eur. J. Mineral., 32, 457–467, https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-32-457-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-32-457-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
Corundum is an important oxide mineral which can contain low amounts of hydrogen-bearing structural defects. These defects are observed by infrared spectroscopy, but their atomic-scale geometry is still uncertain. Here, a theoretical approach makes it possible to relate most of the observed infrared bands to specific atomic configurations, highlighting the key role of other chemical impurities and defect clustering in the high-temperature incorporation of hydrogen in corundum.
Michael C. Jollands, Marc Blanchard, and Etienne Balan
Eur. J. Mineral., 32, 311–323, https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-32-311-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-32-311-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
Quartz is a very common form of almost pure silica. It can contain a small concentration of hydrogen-bearing defects whose nature is still debated. Here, we use a theoretical approach to unravel the atomic-scale geometry of these defects. Our findings help explain some important quartz properties.
Related subject area
Spectroscopic methods applied to minerals
Near-infrared signature of hydrothermal opal: a case study of Icelandic silica sinters
The effect of chemical variability and weathering on Raman spectra of enargite and fahlore
OH incorporation and retention in eclogite-facies garnets from the Zermatt–Saas area (Switzerland) and their contribution to the deep water cycle
Optimal Raman-scattering signal for estimating the Fe3+ content on the clinozoisite–epidote join
A framework for quantitative in situ evaluation of coupled substitutions between H+ and trace elements in natural rutile
Effect of Fe–Fe interactions and X-site vacancy ordering on the OH-stretching spectrum of foitite
Molecular overtones and two-phonon combination bands in the near-infrared spectra of talc, brucite and lizardite
Non-destructive determination of the biotite crystal chemistry using Raman spectroscopy: how far we can go?
Crystallographic orientation mapping of lizardite serpentinite by Raman spectroscopy
The effect of Co substitution on the Raman spectra of pyrite: potential as an assaying tool
Theoretical OH stretching vibrations in dravite
First-principles modeling of the infrared spectrum of Fe- and Al-bearing lizardite
Structural, textural, and chemical controls on the OH stretching vibrations in serpentine-group minerals
The intracrystalline microstructure of Monte Fico lizardite, by optics, μ-Raman spectroscopy and TEM
First-principles modeling of the infrared spectrum of antigorite
A Raman spectroscopic study of the natural carbonophosphates Na3MCO3PO4 (M is Mn, Fe, and Mg)
Local mode interpretation of the OH overtone spectrum of 1:1 phyllosilicates
Low-temperature infrared spectrum and atomic-scale structure of hydrous defects in diopside
In situ micro-FTIR spectroscopic investigations of synthetic ammonium phengite under pressure and temperature
Theoretical infrared spectra of OH defects in corundum (α-Al2O3)
Maxime Pineau, Boris Chauviré, and Benjamin Rondeau
Eur. J. Mineral., 35, 949–967, https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-35-949-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-35-949-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
We study Icelandic silica sinter samples formed in hot-spring environments to evaluate the effect of both temperature and microstructure on the spectral properties of hydrothermal opal. We show that spectral changes can be related to different parameters such as fluid temperatures, hydrodynamics, microbial activity, and silica micro-textures, which are specific to their environment of formation within hot-spring geothermal contexts.
Khulan Berkh, Juraj Majzlan, Jeannet A. Meima, Jakub Plášil, and Dieter Rammlmair
Eur. J. Mineral., 35, 737–754, https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-35-737-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-35-737-2023, 2023
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Since As is detrimental to the environment, the As content of ores should be reduced before it is released into the atmosphere through a smelting process. Thus, Raman spectra of typical As minerals were investigated, and these can be used in the industrial removal of As-rich ores prior to the ore beneficiation. An additional objective of our study was an investigation of the secondary products of enargite weathering. They play a decisive role in the release or retainment of As in the waste form.
Julien Reynes, Jörg Hermann, Pierre Lanari, and Thomas Bovay
Eur. J. Mineral., 35, 679–701, https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-35-679-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-35-679-2023, 2023
Short summary
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Garnet is a high-pressure mineral that may incorporate very small amounts of water in its structure (tens to hundreds of micrograms per gram H2O). In this study, we show, based on analysis and modelling, that it can transport up to several hundred micrograms per gram of H2O at depths over 80 km in a subduction zone. The analysis of garnet from the various rock types present in a subducted slab allowed us to estimate the contribution of garnet in the deep cycling of water in the earth.
Mariko Nagashima and Boriana Mihailova
Eur. J. Mineral., 35, 267–283, https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-35-267-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-35-267-2023, 2023
Short summary
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We provide a tool for fast preparation-free estimation of the Fe3+ content in Al–Fe3+ series epidotes by Raman spectroscopy. The peaks near 570, 600, and 1090 cm−1, originating from Si2O7 vibrations, strongly correlated with Fe content, and all three signals are well resolved in a random orientation. Among them, the 570 cm−1 peak is the sharpest and easily recognized. Hence, the linear trend, ω570 = 577.1(3) − 12.7(4)x, gives highly reliable Fe content, x, with accuracy ± 0.04 Fe3+ apfu.
Mona Lueder, Renée Tamblyn, and Jörg Hermann
Eur. J. Mineral., 35, 243–265, https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-35-243-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-35-243-2023, 2023
Short summary
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Although rutile does not have water in its chemical formula, it can contain trace amounts. We applied a new measurement protocol to study water incorporation into rutile from eight geological environments. H2O in natural rutile can be linked to six crystal defects, most importantly to Ti3+ and Fe3+. Quantifying the H2O in the individual defects can help us understand relationships of trace elements in rutile and might give us valuable information on the conditions under which the rock formed.
Etienne Balan, Guillaume Radtke, Chloé Fourdrin, Lorenzo Paulatto, Heinrich A. Horn, and Yves Fuchs
Eur. J. Mineral., 35, 105–116, https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-35-105-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-35-105-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Assignment of OH-stretching bands to specific atomic-scale environments in tourmaline is still debated, which motivates detailed theoretical studies of their vibrational properties. We have theoretically investigated the OH-stretching spectrum of foitite, showing that specific OH bands observed in the vibrational spectra of iron-rich and Na-deficient tourmalines are affected by the magnetic configuration of iron ions and X-site vacancy ordering.
Etienne Balan, Lorenzo Paulatto, Qianyu Deng, Keevin Béneut, Maxime Guillaumet, and Benoît Baptiste
Eur. J. Mineral., 34, 627–643, https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-34-627-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-34-627-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
The near-infrared spectra of hydrous minerals involve OH stretching vibrations, but their interpretation is not straightforward due to anharmonicity and vibrational coupling. We analyze the spectra of well-ordered samples of talc, brucite and lizardite to better assess the various factors contributing to the absorption bands. The results clarify the relations between the overtone spectra and their fundamental counterparts and provide a sound interpretation of the two-phonon combination bands.
Stylianos Aspiotis, Jochen Schlüter, Günther J. Redhammer, and Boriana Mihailova
Eur. J. Mineral., 34, 573–590, https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-34-573-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-34-573-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Combined Raman-scattering and wavelength-dispersive electron microprobe (WD-EMP) analyses of natural biotites expanding over the whole biotite solid-solution series demonstrate that the chemical composition of the MO6 octahedra, TO4 tetrahedra, and interlayer space can be non-destructively determined by Raman spectroscopy with relative uncertainties below 8 %. The content of critical minor elements such as Ti at the octahedral site can be quantified as well with a relative error of ~ 20 %.
Matthew S. Tarling, Matteo Demurtas, Steven A. F. Smith, Jeremy S. Rooney, Marianne Negrini, Cecilia Viti, Jasmine R. Petriglieri, and Keith C. Gordon
Eur. J. Mineral., 34, 285–300, https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-34-285-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-34-285-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Rocks containing the serpentine mineral lizardite occur in many tectonic settings. Knowing the crystal orientation of lizardite in these rocks tells us how they deform and gives insights into their physical properties. The crystal orientation of lizardite is challenging to obtain using standard techniques. To overcome this challenge, we developed a method using Raman spectroscopy to map the crystal orientation of lizardite with minimal preparation on standard thin sections.
Khulan Berkh and Dieter Rammlmair
Eur. J. Mineral., 34, 259–274, https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-34-259-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-34-259-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Common energy dispersive methods cannot accurately analyze low concentrations of cobalt in pyrite due to the overlapping of cobalt and iron peaks. The Raman method, on the other hand, has been shown to be very sensitive to a trace amount of cobalt. In addition, it can be applied on a rough surface, does not require a vacuum chamber, and operates with a laser instead of X-rays. Thus, Raman has the potential to be used as an assaying tool for Co-bearing pyrite.
Yves Fuchs, Chloé Fourdrin, and Etienne Balan
Eur. J. Mineral., 34, 239–251, https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-34-239-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-34-239-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Information about the local structure of tourmaline-group minerals can be obtained from the characteristic OH stretching bands in their vibrational spectra. However, their assignment to specific atomic-scale environments is debated. We address this question theoretically by investigating a series of dravite models. Our results support a local role of cationic occupancies in determining the OH stretching frequencies and bring constraints for the interpretation of the vibrational spectra.
Etienne Balan, Emmanuel Fritsch, Guillaume Radtke, Lorenzo Paulatto, Farid Juillot, Fabien Baron, and Sabine Petit
Eur. J. Mineral., 33, 647–657, https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-33-647-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-33-647-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Interpretation of vibrational spectra of serpentines is complexified by the common occurrence of divalent and trivalent cationic impurities at tetrahedral and octahedral sites. We theoretically investigate the effect of Fe and Al on the vibrational properties of lizardite, focusing on the OH stretching modes. The results allow us to disentangle the specific effects related to the valence and coordination states of the impurities, supporting a detailed interpretation of the experimental spectra.
Emmanuel Fritsch, Etienne Balan, Sabine Petit, and Farid Juillot
Eur. J. Mineral., 33, 447–462, https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-33-447-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-33-447-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
The study provides new insights into the OH stretching vibrations of serpentine species (lizardite, chrysotile, antigorite) encountered in veins of peridotite. A combination of infrared spectroscopy in the mid-infrared and near-infrared ranges and Raman spectroscopy enabled us to interpret most of the observed bands in the fundamental and first overtone regions of the spectra and to propose consistent spectral decomposition and assignment of the OH stretching bands for the serpentine species.
Giancarlo Capitani, Roberto Compagnoni, Roberto Cossio, Serena Botta, and Marcello Mellini
Eur. J. Mineral., 33, 425–432, https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-33-425-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-33-425-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Unusually large lizardite (Lz) crystals from Monte Fico serpentinites, Elba (Mellini and Viti, 1994), have allowed several subsequent studies. During a µ-Raman study of serpentine minerals (Compagnoni et al., 2021), the careful microscopic examination of this Lz showed
spongymicrostructure. TEM observations confirmed that the Lz hosts voids, filled with chrysotile and polygonal serpentine; their mutual relationships indicate that Lz grew up with a skeletal habit and fibres epitactically.
Etienne Balan, Emmanuel Fritsch, Guillaume Radtke, Lorenzo Paulatto, Farid Juillot, and Sabine Petit
Eur. J. Mineral., 33, 389–400, https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-33-389-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-33-389-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
The infrared absorption spectrum of an antigorite sample, an important serpentine-group mineral, is compared to its theoretical counterpart computed at the density functional level. The model reproduces most of the observed bands, supporting their assignment to specific vibrational modes. The results provide robust interpretations of the significant differences observed between the antigorite spectrum and that of lizardite, the more symmetric serpentine variety.
Evgeniy Nikolaevich Kozlov, Ekaterina Nikolaevna Fomina, Vladimir Nikolaevich Bocharov, Mikhail Yurievich Sidorov, Natalia Sergeevna Vlasenko, and Vladimir Vladimirovich Shilovskikh
Eur. J. Mineral., 33, 283–297, https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-33-283-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-33-283-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Carbonophosphates (sidorenkite, bonshtedtite, and bradleyite) with the general formula Na3MCO3PO4 (M is Mn, Fe, and Mg) are often found in inclusions of carbonatite and kimberlite minerals. This article presents the results of Raman spectroscopic study and a simple algorithm for diagnosing mineral phases of the carbonophosphate group. This work may be of interest both to researchers of carbonatites and/or kimberlites and to a wide range of specialists in the field of Raman spectroscopy.
Etienne Balan, Emmanuel Fritsch, Farid Juillot, Thierry Allard, and Sabine Petit
Eur. J. Mineral., 33, 209–220, https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-33-209-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-33-209-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
The OH overtone bands of kaolinite- and serpentine-group minerals observed in their near-infrared (NIR) spectra are widely used but their relation to stretching modes involving coupled OH groups is uncertain. Here, we map a molecular model of harmonically coupled anharmonic oscillators on the spectroscopic properties of 1:1 phyllosilicates. This makes it possible to interpret most of the observed bands and support the assignment of some of them to cationic substitutions in serpentines.
Etienne Balan, Lorenzo Paulatto, Jia Liu, and Jannick Ingrin
Eur. J. Mineral., 32, 505–520, https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-32-505-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-32-505-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
The atomic-scale geometry of hydrous defects in diopside is still imperfectly known despite their contribution to the Earth's water cycle. Their OH-stretching vibrations lead to a variety of infrared absorption bands. Low-temperature infrared spectroscopy makes it possible to resolve additional bands in the spectra of gem-quality natural samples. Theoretical results obtained at the density functional theory level support the assignment of the observed bands to specific atomic-scale models.
Nada Abdel-Hak, Bernd Wunder, Ilias Efthimiopoulos, and Monika Koch-Müller
Eur. J. Mineral., 32, 469–482, https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-32-469-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-32-469-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
The structural response of the NH4+ molecule to temperature and pressure changes is studied in ammonium phengite. The symmetry of the molecule is lowered by increasing P or decreasing T; the type and mechanism of this lowered symmetry is different in both cases. Devolatilisation (NH4+ and OH loss) of ammonium phengite is studied as well. This study confirms the wide stability range of phengite and its volatiles and thus has important implications for N and H recycling into the deep Earth.
Etienne Balan
Eur. J. Mineral., 32, 457–467, https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-32-457-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-32-457-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
Corundum is an important oxide mineral which can contain low amounts of hydrogen-bearing structural defects. These defects are observed by infrared spectroscopy, but their atomic-scale geometry is still uncertain. Here, a theoretical approach makes it possible to relate most of the observed infrared bands to specific atomic configurations, highlighting the key role of other chemical impurities and defect clustering in the high-temperature incorporation of hydrogen in corundum.
Cited articles
Atikarnsakul, U. and Emmett, J. L.: Heat treatment effects on the behavior of the 3161 cm−1 feature in low-iron metamorphic yellow sapphire, Gems Gemol., 57, 286–288, 2021.
Balan, E.: Theoretical infrared spectra of OH defects in corundum (α-Al2O3), Eur. J. Miner., 32, 457–467, https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-32-457-2020, 2020.
Balan, E., Lazzeri, M., Delattre, S., Meheut, M., Refson, K., and Winkler, B.: Anharmonicity of inner-OH stretching modes in hydrous phyllosilicates: assessment from first-principles frozen-phonon calculations, Phys. Chem. Minerals, 34, 621–625, https://doi.org/10.1007/s00269-007-0176-4, 2007.
Balan, E., Refson, K., Blanchard, M., Delattre, S., Lazzeri, M., Ingrin, J., Mauri, F., Wright, K., and Winkler, B.: Theoretical infrared absorption coefficient of OH groups in minerals, Am. Mineral., 93, 950–953, https://doi.org/10.2138/am.2008.2889, 2008.
Balmer, W. A., Leelawatanasuk, T., Atichat, W., Wathanakul, P., and Somboon, C.: Update on characteristics of heated yellow sapphires, Poster, Proceedings of the 1st International Gem and Jewelry Conference, 2006.
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Short summary
The infrared spectrum of hydrous defects in corundum is routinely used in gemology, but the assignment of absorption bands to specific defects remains elusive. Here, we theoretically study selected defects and compare the results with available experimental data. The main results are the assignment of the
3161 cm−1 seriesto OH groups associated with Fe2+ ions and the interpretation of bands below 2700 cm−1 in corundum containing divalent cations in terms of overtones of OH bending modes.
The infrared spectrum of hydrous defects in corundum is routinely used in gemology, but the...
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