This is a micro-Raman spectrum of a heavy mineral grain from a Precambrian spherule layer. We have not been able to identify which phase produced this spectrum. If you know what phase or phases this is, please let me know.
Kenneth...Yes, that would be an obvious way to find out what phases are present, but we no longer have an operational X-ray machine. Nor do we have easy access to SEM/EDX to determine the major element content.
Billy, did you try comparing to the RRUFF database using the crystalsleuth software? I often use it to identify Raman mineral spectra. Here's a link: http://rruff.info/about/about_download.php
Timothy,
We have been using the RRUFF database, but I was not aware of the crystalsleuth software. I will give it a try.
Thanks,
Bill
Timothy,
Crystalsleuth is a great tool. I wish that I had known about it years ago.
Bill
Bill, were you able to make an identification? I'm curious.
Thanks,
Tim
Tim,
Looks like it could be a couple of Cu phases, but the match isn't great. It is from a PhD student's (Frank Smith) dissertation. He was able to identify most everything else. He found this same spectrum for one grain in two different samples. It may just be contamination of some sort. We need to get get some XRD or compositional data, but that will have to wait.
Thanks again for your help and have a Merry Christmas.
Bill