A near-infrared and Raman spectroscopic study of the mineral richelsdorfite Ca2Cu5Sb[Cl|(OH)6|(AsO4)4]·6H2O

Raman spectroscopy has enabled insights into the molecular structure of the richelsdorfite Ca(2)Cu(5)Sb[Cl|(OH)(6)|(AsO(4))(4)]·6H(2)O. This mineral is based upon the incorporation of arsenate or phosphate with chloride anion into the structure and as a consequence the spectra reflect the bands attributable to these anions, namely arsenate or phosphate and chloride. The richelsdorfite Raman spectrum reflects the spectrum of the arsenate anion and consists of ν(1) at 849, ν(2) at 344 cm(-1), ν(3) at 835 and ν(4) at 546 and 498 cm(-1). A band at 268 cm(-1) is attributed to CuO stretching vibration. Low wavenumber bands at 185 and 144 cm(-1) may be assigned to CuCl TO/LO optic vibrations.     

Raman microscopy of synthetic goudeyite (YCu6(AsO4)2(OH)6 x 3H2O)

Raman microscopy has been used to study the molecular structure of a synthetic goudeyite (YCu(6)(AsO(4))(3)(OH)(6) x 3H(2)O). These types of minerals have a porous framework similar to that of zeolites with a structure based upon (A(3+))(1-x)(A(2+))(x)Cu(6)(OH)(6)(AsO(4))(3-x)(AsO(3)OH)(x). Two sets of AsO stretching vibrations were found and assigned to the vibrational modes of AsO(4) and HAsO(4) units. Two Raman bands are observed in the region 885-915 and 867-870 cm(-1) region and are assigned to the AsO stretching vibrations of (HAsO(4))(2-) and (H(2)AsO(4))(-) units. The position of the bands indicates a C(2v) symmetry of the (H(2)AsO(4))(-) anion. Two bands are found at around 800 and 835 cm(-1) and are assigned to the stretching vibrations of uncomplexed (AsO(4))(3-) units. Bands are observed at around 435, 403 and 395 cm(-1) and are assigned to the nu(2) bending modes of the HAsO(4) (434 and 400 cm(-1)) and the AsO(4) groups (324 cm(-1)).     

Raman and infrared spectroscopy of the manganese arsenate mineral allactite

The mineral allactite [Mn(7)(AsO(4))(2)(OH)(8)] is a basic manganese arsenate which is highly pleochroic. The use of the 633 nm excitation line enables quality spectra of to be obtained irrespective of the crystal orientation. The mineral is characterised by a set of sharp bands in the 770-885 cm(-1) region. Intense and sharp Raman bands are observed at 883, 858, 834, 827, 808 and 779 cm(-1). Collecting the spectral data at 77K enabled better band separation with narrower bandwidths. The observation of multiple AsO(4) stretching bands indicates the non-equivalence of the arsenate anions in the allactite structure. In comparison the infrared spectrum shows a broad spectral profile with a series of difficult to define overlapping bands. The low wavenumber region sets of bands which are assigned to the nu(2) modes (361 and 359 cm(-1)), the nu(4) modes (471, 452 and 422 cm(-1)), AsO stretching vibrations at 331 and 324 cm(-1), and bands at 289 and 271 cm(-1) which may be ascribed to MnO stretching modes. The observation of multiple bands shows the loss of symmetry of the AsO(4) units and the non-equivalence of these units in the allactite structure. The study shows that highly pleochroic minerals can be studied by Raman spectroscopy.     

A vibrational spectroscopic study of the mixed anion mineral sanjuanite Al2(PO4)(SO4)(OH)·9H2O

The mineral sanjuanite Al2(PO4)(SO4)(OH)·9H2O has been characterised by Raman spectroscopy complimented by infrared spectroscopy. The mineral is characterised by an intense Raman band at 984 cm(-1), assigned to the (PO4)3- ν1 symmetric stretching mode. A shoulder band at 1037 cm(-1) is attributed to the (SO4)2- ν1 symmetric stretching mode. Two Raman bands observed at 1102 and 1148 cm(-1) are assigned to (PO4)3- and (SO4)2- ν3 antisymmetric stretching modes. Multiple bands provide evidence for the reduction in symmetry of both anions. This concept is supported by the multiple sulphate and phosphate bending modes. Raman spectroscopy shows that there are more than one non-equivalent water molecules in the sanjuanite structure. There is evidence that structural disorder exists, shown by the complex set of overlapping bands in the Raman and infrared spectra. At least two types of water are identified with different hydrogen bond strengths. The involvement of water in the sanjuanite structure is essential for the mineral stability.     

Using Raman spectroscopy to identify mixite minerals

Raman spectroscopy has been used to identify whether or not a selection of minerals labelled as mixites (formula BiCu6(AsO4)3(OH)6.3H2O) are correctly marked. Of the four samples, two samples are shown to be potentially mixites because of the presence of the characteristic Raman spectra of (AsO4)3- units and (HAsO4)- units, characterised by bands at around 803 and 833 cm(-1). Two of the minerals are shown to be predominantly carbonates. Bands are observed at 3473.9 and 3470.3 cm(-1) for the two mixite samples. Bands observed in the region 880-910 cm(-1) and in the 867-870 cm(-1) region are assigned to the AsO stretching vibrations of (HAsO4)2- and (H2AsO4)- units. Whilst bands at around 803 and 833 cm(-1) are assigned to the stretching vibrations of uncomplexed (AsO4)3- units. Intense bands observed at 473.7 and 475.4 cm(-1) are assigned to the nu4 bending mode of AsO4 units. Bands observed at around 386.5, 395.3 and 423.1 cm(-1) are assigned to the nu2 bending modes of the HAsO4 (434 and 400 cm(-1)) and the AsO4 groups (324 cm(-1)). Raman spectroscopy lends itself to the identification of minerals on host matrices and is especially useful for the identification of mixites.     

Raman and infrared spectroscopy of arsenates of the roselite and fairfieldite mineral subgroups

Raman spectroscopy complimented with infrared spectroscopy has been used to determine the molecular structure of the roselite arsenate minerals of the roselite and fairfieldite subgroups of formula Ca(2)B(AsO(4))(2).2H(2)O (where B may be Co, Fe(2+), Mg, Mn, Ni and Zn). The Raman arsenate (AsO(4))(2-) stretching region shows strong differences between the roselite arsenate minerals which is attributed to the cation substitution for calcium in the structure. In the infrared spectra complexity exists with multiple (AsO(4))(2-) antisymmetric stretching vibrations observed, indicating a reduction of the tetrahedral symmetry. This loss of degeneracy is also reflected in the bending modes. Strong Raman bands around 450 cm(-1) are assigned to nu(4) bending modes. Multiple bands in the 300-350 cm(-1) region assigned to nu(2) bending modes provide evidence of symmetry reduction of the arsenate anion. Three broad bands for roselite are found at 3450, 3208 and 3042 cm(-1) and are assigned to OH stretching bands. By using a Libowitzky empirical equation hydrogen bond distances of 2.75 and 2.67 A are estimated. Vibrational spectra enable the molecular structure of the roselite minerals to be determined and whilst similarities exist in the spectral patterns, sufficient differences exist to be able to determine the identification of the minerals.     

Raman spectroscopy of uranyl rare earth carbonate kamotoite-(Y)

Raman spectroscopy at 298 and 77K has been used to study the mineral kamotoite-(Y), a uranyl rare earth carbonate mineral of formula Y(2)(UO(2))(4)(CO(3))(3)(OH)(8).10-11H(2)O. The mineral is characterised by two Raman bands at 1130.9 and 1124.6 cm(-1) assigned to the nu(1) symmetric stretching mode of the (CO(3))(2-) units, while those at 1170.4 and 862.3 cm(-1) (77K) to the deltaU-OH bending vibrations. The assignment of the two bands at 814.7 and 809.6 cm(-1) is difficult because of the potential overlap between the symmetric stretching modes of the (UO(2))(2+) units and the nu(2) bending modes of the (CO(3))(2-) units. Only a single band is observed in the 77K spectrum at 811.6 cm(-1). One possible assignment is that the band at 814.7 cm(-1) is attributable to the nu(1) symmetric stretching mode of the (UO(2))(2+) units and the second band at 809.6 cm(-1) is due to the nu(2) bending modes of the (CO(3))(2-) units. Bands observed at 584 and 547.3 cm(-1) are attributed to water librational modes. An intense band at 417.7 cm(-1) resolved into two components at 422.0 and 416.6 cm(-1) in the 77K spectrum is assigned to an Y(2)O(2) stretching vibration. Bands at 336.3, 286.4 and 231.6 cm(-1) are assigned to the nu(2) (UO(2))(2+) bending modes. U-O bond lengths in uranyl are calculated from the wavenumbers of the uranyl symmetric stretching vibrations. The presence of symmetrically distinct uranyl and carbonate units in the crystal structure of kamotoite-(Y) is assumed. Hydrogen-bonding network related to the presence of water molecules and hydroxyls is shortly discussed.     

Raman spectroscopic study of pascoite Ca3V10O(28)·17H2O

Raman spectroscopy has been used to study the molecular structure of the vanadate mineral pascoite. Pascoite, rauvite and huemulite are examples of simple salts involving the decavanadate anion (V10O28)6-. Decavanadate consists of four distinct VO6 units which are reflected in Raman bands occurring at higher wavenumbers. The Raman spectrum of pascoite is characterised by two intense bands at 991 and 965 cm(-1). Raman bands are observed at 991, 965, 958 and 905 cm(-1) and originate from four distinct VO6 sites in the mineral structure. In the infrared spectra of pascoite, two wavenumber regions are observed between: (1) 837 and 860, and (2) between 803 and 833 cm(-1). These bands are assigned to ν3 antisymmetric stretching modes of (V10O28)6- or (V5O14)3- units. The spectrum is highly complex in the lower wavenumber region, and therefore the assignment of bands is difficult. Bands observed in the 404 to 458 cm(-1) region are assigned to the ν2 bending modes of (V10O28)6- or (V5O14)3- units. Raman bands observed in the 530-620 cm(-1) region are assigned to the ν4 bending modes of (V10O28)6- or (V5O14)3- units. The Raman spectra of the vanadates in the low wavenumber region are complex with multiple overlapping bands which are probably due to VO subunits and MO bonds.     

A Raman spectroscopic study of the uranyl sulphate mineral johannite

Raman spectroscopy at 298 and 77K has been used to study the secondary uranyl mineral johannite of formula (Cu(UO2)2(SO4)2(OH)2 x 8H2O). Four Raman bands are observed at 3593, 3523, 3387 and 3234cm(-1) and four infrared bands at 3589, 3518, 3389 and 3205cm(-1). The first two bands are assigned to OH- units (hydroxyls) and the second two bands to water units. Estimations of the hydrogen bond distances for these four bands are 3.35, 2.92, 2.79 and 2.70 A. A sharp intense band at 1042 cm(-1) is attributed to the (SO4)2- symmetric stretching vibration and the three Raman bands at 1147, 1100 and 1090cm(-1) to the (SO4)2- anti-symmetric stretching vibrations. The nu2 bending modes were at 469, 425 and 388 cm(-1) at 77K confirming the reduction in symmetry of the (SO4)2- units. At 77K two bands at 811 and 786 cm(-1) are attributed to the nu1 symmetric stretching modes of the (UO2)2+ units suggesting the non-equivalence of the UO bonds in the (UO2)2+ units. The band at 786cm(-1), however, may be related to water molecules libration modes. In the 77K Raman spectrum, bands are observed at 306, 282, 231 and 210cm(-1) with other low intensity bands found at 191, 170 and 149cm(-1). The two bands at 282 and 210 cm(-1) are attributed to the doubly degenerate nu2 bending vibration of the (UO2)2+ units. Raman spectroscopy can contribute significant knowledge in the study of uranyl minerals because of better band separation with significantly narrower bands, avoiding the complex spectral profiles as observed with infrared spectroscopy.     

Vibrational spectroscopy of the multi-anion mineral zykaite Fe4(AsO4)(SO4)(OH)·15H2O-implications for arsenate removal

Some minerals are colloidal and are poorly diffracting. Vibrational spectroscopy offers one of the few methods for the assessment of the structure of these types of minerals. Among this group of minerals is zykaite with formula Fe(4)(AsO(4))(SO(4))(OH)·15H(2)O. The objective of this research is to determine the molecular structure of the mineral zykaite using vibrational spectroscopy. Raman and infrared bands are attributed to the AsO(4)(3-), SO(4)(2-) and water stretching vibrations. The sharp band at 3515 cm(-1) is assigned to the stretching vibration of the OH units. This mineral offers a mechanism for the formation of more crystalline minerals such as scorodite and bukovskyite. Arsenate ions can be removed from aqueous systems through the addition of ferric compounds such as ferric chloride. This results in the formation of minerals such as zykaite and pitticite (Fe(3+), AsO(4), SO(4), H(2)O).     

Vibrational spectroscopic study of the mineral pitticite Fe, AsO4, SO4, H2O

Some minerals are colloidal and show no X-ray diffraction patterns. Vibrational spectroscopy offers one of the few methods for the determination of the structure of these minerals. Among this group of minerals is pitticite, simply described as (Fe, AsO(4), SO(4), H(2)O). In this work, the analogue of the mineral pitticite has been synthesised. The objective of this research is to determine the molecular structure of the mineral pitticite using vibrational spectroscopy. Raman and infrared bands are attributed to the AsO(4)(3-), SO(4)(2-) and water stretching and bending vibrations. The Raman spectrum of the pitticite analogue shows intense peaks at 845 and 837cm(-1) assigned to the AsO(4)(3-) stretching vibrations. Raman bands at 1096 and 1182cm(-1) are attributed to the SO(4)(2-) antisymmetric stretching bands. Raman spectroscopy offers a useful method for the analysis of such colloidal minerals.     

Raman spectroscopic study of the tellurite minerals: rajite and denningite

Tellurites may be subdivided according to formula and structure. There are five groups based upon the formulae (a) A(XO3), (b) A(XO3).xH2O, (c) A2(XO3)3.xH2O, (d) A2(X2O5) and (e) A(X3O8). Raman spectroscopy has been used to study rajite and denningite, examples of group (d). Minerals of the tellurite group are porous zeolite-like materials. Raman bands for rajite observed at 740, and 676 and 667 cm(-1) are attributed to the nu1 (Te2O5)(2-) symmetric stretching mode and the nu3 (TeO3)(2-) antisymmetric stretching modes, respectively. A second rajite mineral sample provided a more complex Raman spectrum with Raman bands at 754 and 731 cm(-1) assigned to the nu1 (Te2O5)(2-) symmetric stretching modes and two bands at 652 and 603 cm(-1) are accounted for by the nu3 (Te2O5)(2-) antisymmetric stretching mode. The Raman spectrum of dennigite displays an intense band at 734 cm(-1) attributed to the nu1 (Te2O5)(2-) symmetric stretching mode with a second Raman band at 674 cm(-1) assigned to the nu3 (Te2O5)(2-) antisymmetric stretching mode. Raman bands for rajite, observed at (346, 370) and 438 cm(-1) are assigned to the (Te2O5)(2-)nu2 (A1) bending mode and nu4 (E) bending modes.     

Raman spectroscopy of newberyite Mg(PO3OH)·3H2O: a cave mineral

Newberyite Mg(PO3OH)·3H2O is a mineral found in caves such as from Moorba Cave, Jurien Bay, Western Australia, the Skipton Lava Tubes (SW of Ballarat, Victoria, Australia) and in the Petrogale Cave (Madura, Eucla, Western Australia). Because these minerals contain oxyanions, hydroxyl units and water, the minerals lend themselves to spectroscopic analysis. Raman spectroscopy can investigate the complex paragenetic relationships existing between a number of 'cave' minerals. The intense sharp band at 982 cm(-1) is assigned to the PO4(3-)ν1 symmetric stretching mode. Low intensity Raman bands at 1152, 1263 and 1277 cm(-1) are assigned to the PO4(3-)ν3 antisymmetric stretching vibrations. Raman bands at 497 and 552 cm(-1) are attributed to the PO4(3-)ν4 bending modes. An intense Raman band for newberyite at 398 cm(-1) with a shoulder band at 413 cm(-1) is assigned to the PO4(3-)ν2 bending modes. The values for the OH stretching vibrations provide hydrogen bond distances of 2.728 ? (3267 cm(-1)), 2.781 ? (3374 cm(-1)), 2.868 ? (3479 cm(-1)), and 2.918 ? (3515 cm(-1)). Such hydrogen bond distances are typical of secondary minerals. Estimates of the hydrogen-bond distances have been made from the position of the OH stretching vibrations and show a wide range in both strong and weak bonds.     

Raman spectroscopy of the multi anion mineral arsentsumebite Pb2Cu(AsO4)(SO4)(OH) and in comparison with tsumebite Pb2Cu(PO4)(SO4)(OH)

The mineral arsentsumebite Pb(2)Cu(AsO(4))(SO(4))(OH), a copper arsenate-sulphate hydroxide of the brackebuschite group has been characterised by Raman spectroscopy. The brackebuschite mineral group are a series of monoclinic arsenates, phosphates and vanadates of the general formula A(2)B(XO(4))(OH,H(2)O), where A may be Ba, Ca, Pb, Sr, while B may be Al, Cu(2+),Fe(2+), Fe(3+), Mn(2+), Mn(3+), Zn and XO(4) may be AsO(4), PO(4), SO(4),VO(4). Bands are assigned to the stretching and bending modes of SO(4)(2-) AsO(4)(3-) and HOAsO(3) units. Raman spectroscopy readily distinguishes between the two minerals arsentsumebite and tsumebite. Raman bands attributed to arsenate are not observed in the Raman spectrum of tsumebite. Phosphate bands found in the Raman spectrum of tsumebite are not found in the Raman spectrum of arsentsumebite. Raman spectroscopy readily distinguishes the two minerals tsumebite and arsentsumebite.     

Infrared and infrared emission spectroscopy of the zinc carbonate mineral smithsonite

Infrared emission and infrared spectroscopy has been used to study a series of selected natural smithsonites from different origins. An intense broad infrared band at 1440cm(-1) is assigned to the nu(3) CO(3)(2-) antisymmetric stretching vibration. An additional band is resolved at 1335cm(-1). An intense sharp Raman band at 1092cm(-1) is assigned to the CO(3)(2-) symmetric stretching vibration. Infrared emission spectra show a broad antisymmetric band at 1442cm(-1) shifting to lower wavenumbers with thermal treatment. A band observed at 870cm(-1) with a band of lesser intensity at 842cm(-1) shifts to higher wavenumbers upon thermal treatment and is observed at 865cm(-1) at 400 degrees C and is assigned to the CO(3)(2-)nu(2) mode. No nu(2) bending modes are observed in the Raman spectra for smithsonite. The band at 746cm(-1) shifts to 743cm(-1) at 400 degrees C and is attributed to the CO(3)(2-)nu(4) in phase bending modes. Two infrared bands at 744 and around 729cm(-1) are assigned to the nu(4) in phase bending mode. Multiple bands may be attributed to the structural distortion ZnO(6) octahedron. This structural distortion is brought about by the substitution of Zn by some other cation. A number of bands at 2499, 2597, 2858, 2954 and 2991cm(-1) in both the IE and infrared spectra are attributed to combination bands.     

Raman spectroscopy of newberyite, hannayite and struvite

The phosphate minerals hannayite, newberyite and struvite have been studied by Raman spectroscopy using a thermal stage. Hannayite and newberyite are characterised by an intense band at around 980cm(-1) assigned to the v(1) symmetric stretching vibration of the HPO(4) units. In contrast the symmetric stretching mode is observed at 942cm(-1) for struvite. The Raman spectra are characterised by multiple v(3) anti-symmetric stretching bands and v(2) and v(4) bending modes indicating strong distortion of the HPO(4) and PO(4) units. Hannayite and newberyite are defined by bands at 3382 and 3350cm(-1) attributed to HOPO(3) vibrations and hannayite and struvite by bands at 2990, 2973 and 2874 assigned to NH(4)(+) bands. Raman spectroscopy has proven most useful for the analysis of these 'cave' minerals where complex paragenetic relationships exist between the minerals.     

Vibrational spectroscopy of stichtite

Raman spectroscopy complimented with infrared spectroscopy has been used to study the mineral stitchtite, a hydrotalcite of formula Mg6Cr2(CO3)(OH)16.4H2O. Two bands are observed at 1087 and 1067 cm(-1) with an intensity ratio of approximately 2.5/1 and are attributed to the symmetric stretching vibrations of the carbonate anion. The observation of two bands is attributed to two species of carbonate in the interlayer, namely weakly hydrogen bonded and strongly hydrogen bonded. Two infrared bands are found at 1457 and 1381 cm(-1) and are assigned to the antisymmetric stretching modes. These bands were not observed in the Raman spectrum. Two infrared bands are observed at 744 and 685 cm(-1) and are assigned to the nu4 bending modes. Two Raman bands were observed at 539 and 531 cm(-1) attributed to the nu2 bending modes. Importantly the band positions of the paragenically related hydrotalcites stitchtite, iowaite, pyroaurite and reevesite all of which contain the carbonate anion occur at different wavenumbers. Consequently, Raman spectroscopy can be used to distinguish these minerals, particularly in the field where many of these hydrotalcites occur simultaneously in ore zones.     

Peisleyite an unusual mixed anion mineral--a vibrational spectroscopic study

The mineral peisleyite has been studied using a combination of electron microscopy and vibrational spectroscopy. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) photomicrographs reveal that the peisleyite morphology consists of an array of small needle-like crystals of around 1 microm in length with a thickness of less than 0.1 microm. Raman spectroscopy in the hydroxyl stretching region shows an intense band at 3506 cm(-1) assigned to the symmetric stretching mode of the OH units. Four bands are observed at 3564, 3404, 3250 and 3135 cm(-1) in the infrared spectrum. These wavenumbers enable an estimation of the hydrogen bond distances 3.052(5), 2.801(0), 2.705(6) and 2.683(6)A. Two intense Raman bands are observed at 1023 and 989 cm(-1) and are assigned to the SO(4) and PO(4) symmetric stretching modes. Other bands are observed at 1356, 1252, 1235, 1152, 1128, 1098 and 1067 cm(-1). The bands at 1067 cm(-1) is attributed to AlOH deformation vibrations. Bands in the low wavenumber region are assigned to the nu(4) and nu(2) out of plane bending modes of the SO(4) and PO(4) units. Raman spectroscopy is a useful tool in determining the vibrational spectroscopy of mixed hydrated multianion minerals such as peisleyite. Information on such a mineral would be difficult to obtain by other means.     

Vibrational spectroscopy of selected minerals of the rosasite group

Minerals in the rosasite group namely rosasite, glaucosphaerite, kolwezite, mcguinnessite have been studied by a combination of infrared and Raman spectroscopy. The spectral patterns for the minerals rosasite, glaucosphaerite, kolwezite and mcguinnessite are similar to that of malachite implying the molecular structure is similar to malachite. A comparison is made with the spectrum of malachite. The rosasite mineral group is characterised by two OH stretching vibrations at approximately 3401 and 3311 cm-1. Two intense bands observed at approximately 1096 and 1046 cm-1 are assigned to nu1(CO3)2- symmetric stretching vibration and the delta OH deformation mode. Multiple bands are found in the 800-900 and 650-750 cm-1 regions attributed to the nu2 and nu4 bending modes confirming the symmetry reduction of the carbonate anion in the rosasite mineral group as C2v or Cs. A band at approximately 560 cm-1 is assigned to a CuO stretching mode.     

Raman spectroscopic study of the tellurite minerals: carlfriesite and spiroffite

Raman spectroscopy has been used to study the tellurite minerals spiroffite and carlfriesite, which are minerals of formula type A(2)(X(3)O(8)) where A is Ca(2+) for the mineral carlfriesite and is Zn(2+) and Mn(2+) for the mineral spiroffite. Raman bands for spiroffite observed at 721 and 743 cm(-1), and 650 cm(-1) are attributed to the nu(1) (Te(3)O(8))(2-) symmetric stretching mode and the nu(3) (Te(3)O(8))(2-) antisymmetric stretching modes, respectively. A second spiroffite mineral sample provided a Raman spectrum with bands at 727 cm(-1) assigned to the nu(1) (Te(3)O(8))(2-) symmetric stretching modes and the band at 640cm(-1) accounted for by the nu(3) (Te(3)O(8))(2-) antisymmetric stretching mode. The Raman spectrum of carlfriesite showed an intense band at 721 cm(-1). Raman bands for spiroffite, observed at (346, 394) and 466 cm(-1) are assigned to the (Te(3)O(8))(2-)nu(2) (A(1)) bending mode and nu(4) (E) bending modes. The Raman spectroscopy of the minerals carlfriesite and spiroffite are difficult because of the presence of impurities and other diagenetically related tellurite minerals.