Assessment of the molecular structure of an intermediate member of the triplite-zwieselite mineral series : a raman and infrared study.

Abstract

The mineral series triplite-zwieselite with theoretical formula (Mn2þ)2(PO4)(F)-(Fe2þ)2(PO4)(F) from the El Criolo granitic pegmatite, located in the Eastern Pampean Ranges of Cordoba Province, was studied

using electron microprobe, thermogravimetry, and Raman and infrared spec- troscopy. The analysis of the mineral provided a formula of (Fe1.00, Mn0.85,

Ca0.08, Mg0.06)P2.00(PO4)1.00(F0.80, OH0.20)P1.00. An intense Raman band at 981cm1 with a shoulder at 977cm1 is assigned to the PO3

4 n1 symmetric stretching mode. The observation of two bands for the phosphate symmetric stretching mode offers support for the concept that the phosphate units in the structure of triplite-zwieselite are not equivalent. Low-intensity Raman bands at 1012, 1036, 1071, 1087, and 1127 cm1 are assigned to the PO3 4 n3 antisymmetric stretching modes. A set of Raman bands at 572, 604, 639, and 684 cm1 are attributed to the PO3

4 n4 out-of-plane bending modes. A single intense Raman band is found at 3508 cm1 and is assigned to the stretching vibration of hydroxyl units. Infrared bands are observed at 3018, 3125, and 3358 cm1 and are attributed to water stretching vibrations. Supplemental materials are available for this article. Go to the publisher’s online edition of Spectroscopy Letters to view the supplemental file.