Infrared microspectroscopy analysis of the chemical state and spatial distribution of hydrous species in minerals.

Abstract

Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy (Micro FT-IR) has been applied to minerals to analyze hydrous microphases. Spectra interpretation and mapping analysis of a thin section of altered granitic rock can give us information on the chemical states of hydrous species and their spatial distribution, respectively, in an area as small as 10×10 μm. Micro FT-IR can be a powerful method of microscopical study of heterogeneous geochemical processes, such as water-rock interactions.