Fourier transform Raman spectroscopic data on the fossil resin siegburgite

Abstract

Abstract The fossil resin siegburgite is known from two localities in Europe: Siegburg, near Bonn, and the ‘Goitsche,’ near Bitterfeld, both in Germany. Raman spectroscopic data on the material proved the polystyrene character of siegburgite and therefore supported the chemical investigations conducted previously. Cinnamic acid, which was identified as a major constituent in recent resins of Liquidambar ssp. (Hamamelidaceae), was included as a standard pointing towards the origin of siegburgite in the Hamamelidaceae. The rapid and non‐destructive method used permits a quick distinction of fossil resins, especially when different resin types occur together in the same deposit, as in Bitterfeld. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.