Micro-Raman spectroscopy for a quick and reliable identification of serpentine minerals from ultramafics

Identifying serpentine minerals in rocks is generally accomplished by means of Scanning Electron Microscopy - Energy Dispersion Spectrometry (SEM-EDS) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), both of which require complicated sample preparation. In this work, we evaluate the use of micro-Raman spectroscopy, which requires no sample preparation, in identifying the different serpentine minerals contained in thin sections of serpentinized peridotites, where the various phases occur in different microstructural positions. The micro-Raman spectra were obtained from samples previously characterized by optical microscopy, SEM-EDS and TEM. Micro-Raman spectroscopy proved to be a quick, easy and reliable method for the identification of serpentine minerals.

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