Roberto Lorenzi, Andrea Zullino, Valentina Gagliardi, Loredana Prosperi, Alberto Paleari, Ilaria Adamo
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Agates from Yozgat province are appreciated on the gem market for their white and purple-blue banded colours. In this study, we present a detailed investigation aimed at the identification of the atomic and structural origin of this peculiar colouration of chalcedony. X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy revealed the presence of fine grains of quartz and moganite with a preferential accumulation of the latter in the blue bands. Near-infrared diffuse absorption spectra show overtones of hydroxyls vibrations at 1425, 1900, and 2250 nm. In the visible, the broad absorption at about 500 nm, as well as its behaviour at low temperatures, is compatible with the optical activity of iron impurities in quartz matrices, such as that observed in amethysts. Peak intensities and shapes are very similar for spectra collected in blue and white bands. Accordingly, trace-element composition from laser ablation inductively coupled mass spectrometry confirmed that the two regions have similar Fe content. The perceived changes in band colours are indeed originated by differences in microstructural arrangement and size of the grains visualised through scanning electron microscopy. White and blue stripes have grains of about 5 µm and 300 nm in size, respectively, resulting in an accentuated scattering component for the white bands. Therefore, the unique purple-blue shades typical of Yozgat agates are a combination of iron-related colour centres and scattering effect.
期刊介绍:
Physics and Chemistry of Minerals is an international journal devoted to publishing articles and short communications of physical or chemical studies on minerals or solids related to minerals. The aim of the journal is to support competent interdisciplinary work in mineralogy and physics or chemistry. Particular emphasis is placed on applications of modern techniques or new theories and models to interpret atomic structures and physical or chemical properties of minerals. Some subjects of interest are:
-Relationships between atomic structure and crystalline state (structures of various states, crystal energies, crystal growth, thermodynamic studies, phase transformations, solid solution, exsolution phenomena, etc.)
-General solid state spectroscopy (ultraviolet, visible, infrared, Raman, ESCA, luminescence, X-ray, electron paramagnetic resonance, nuclear magnetic resonance, gamma ray resonance, etc.)
-Experimental and theoretical analysis of chemical bonding in minerals (application of crystal field, molecular orbital, band theories, etc.)
-Physical properties (magnetic, mechanical, electric, optical, thermodynamic, etc.)
-Relations between thermal expansion, compressibility, elastic constants, and fundamental properties of atomic structure, particularly as applied to geophysical problems
-Electron microscopy in support of physical and chemical studies
-Computational methods in the study of the structure and properties of minerals
-Mineral surfaces (experimental methods, structure and properties)