Investigation of inclusions trapped inside Libyan desert glass by Raman microscopy.

Original article

English

Swaenen M, Stefaniak EA, Frost R, Worobiec A, Van Grieken R.

Academie voor Mineralogie vzw (ACAM), F.de L’Arbrelaan 12, 2170 Antwerp, Belgium.

Anal Bioanal Chem. 2010 Aug;397(7):2659-65.

Abstract

Several specimens of Libyan desert glass (LDG), an enigmatic natural glass from Egypt, were subjected to investigation by micro-Raman spectroscopy. The spectra of inclusions inside the LDG samples were successfully measured through the layers of glass and the mineral species were identified on this basis. The presence of cristobalite as typical for high-temperature melt products was confirmed, together with co-existing quartz. TiO(2) was determined in two polymorphic species rutile and anatase. Micro-Raman spectroscopy proved also the presence of minerals unusual for high-temperature glasses such as anhydrite and aragonite.

Keywords: Libyan desert glass – Raman spectroscopy – Inclusions – Cristobalite – Anatase – Zircon – Rutile

Link/DOI: http://www.springerlink.com/content/u3560nh2276kv217/