Microstructural, Raman, EPMA and X-ray Tomographic Study of the Odisha's Beryl (Emerald) Sample

Abstract

This study presents Optical, Microstructural, EPMA and X-ray tomography studies of the chromium-containing Beryl samples of Bangiriposi, Mayurbhanj district of Odisha. The detailed microscopic studies followed by EDAX analysis of different phases revealed the presence of beryllium aluminium silicate as the major matrix with yttrium silicate, Apatite, Albite, Quartz, Zircon, Cordierite and Ferichromite as minor inclusions. Micro-Raman data of the polished surface established the presence of gaseous (CO2, CH4), Water, and other Minerals. Few rare earth (lanthanides) elements such as Ce, Nd, Gd, Y and Sc, along with other transitional elements such as Ti and Zr, Cs are found to be present in these beryl samples. The volume percentage of silicate, phosphate, and oxide, as well as gaseous inclusions, are determined by X-ray tomographic study and are found to be 24%, 3.122% and 6.717% respectively.