Attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy was applied for qualitative and quantitative analysis of aragonite-group carbonates. This simple, fast, and accurate technique requires no sample preparation and can serve as a rapid alternative to X-ray diffraction. The novel aspect of this work is the development of calibration curves for quantifying strontianite and witherite in aragonite mixtures using absorbance ratios between  peaks, reducing variability from measurement conditions.

Lawsonite eclogites, which are a type of metamorphic rock, are important but rare archives of the conditions and processes in modern subduction zones. This report describes a 10th lawsonite eclogite locality (Elekdağ, Central Pontides, Türkiye). Mineral and bulk-rock compositions indicate P–T conditions of ~500°C, ~2.3 GPa, which are higher than the previously determined pressure conditions for the area but are similar to conditions recorded by other lawsonite eclogites.

This study examines the growth of nanoporous ellipsoidal hematite via hydrothermal synthesis. Initially, iron oxyhydroxides agglomerate at 30 min, followed by needle-shaped FeOOH formation at 45 min. As the reaction progresses, FeOOH dehydrates and transforms into ellipsoidal hematite. After 120 min, lattice rearrangement results in nanoporous ellipsoidal hematite (~ 27 nm). These findings provide insight into hematite crystal growth mechanisms.