I am undertaking some chemostratigraphic work with carbon and oxygen isotopes in carbonates. I have used basic petrographic techniques and (cold) cathodoluminescence to gauge diagenesis and alteration in my samples, though I am interested to hear about experiences other researchers may have had and what techniques they have used. Cheers!
Dear Mrs. Betts,
if you want to get a full-blown picture of your rock samples as to the degree of alteration you have to used the various mineralogical methods from XRD, SEM-EDX and thin section through image-providing techniques for quantification. They are classical but there is no other choice. If you suspect of argillitisation, CEC and quantitative measurements in XRD are recommended as it is the application of IR -spectroscopy. Should you have further questions, iI can provide you with papers addressing these problems. I am especially focused on clay mineralogy, which might be one of your stumbling blocks as you mention gauge in your opening address.
Best regards
Harald G. Dill