Vibrational spectroscopy of the multi anion mineral zykaite Fe4(AsO4)(SO4)(OH)•15H2O – implications for arsenate removal

Some minerals are colloidal and are poorly diffracting . Vibrational spectroscopy offers one of the few methods for the assessment of the structure of these types of minerals. Among this group of minerals is zykaite with formula Fe4(AsO4)(SO4)(OH)•15H2O. The objective of this research is to determine the molecular structure of the mineral zykaite using vibrational spectroscopy. Raman and infrared bands are attributed to the AsO43-, SO42- and water stretching vibrations. The sharp band at 3515 cm-1 is assigned to the stretching vibration of the OH units. This mineral offers a mechanism for the formation of more crystalline minerals such as scorodite and bukovskyite. Arsenate ions can be removed from aqueous systems through the addition of ferric compounds such as ferric chloride. This results in the formation of minerals such as zykaite and pitticite (Fe3+,AsO4,SO4,H2O).

Raman spectroscopy of the multi-anion mineral mallestigite Pb3Sb5+(SO4)(AsO4)(OH)6•3H2O – a mineral of archaeological significance

Some minerals are formed which show poorly defined X-ray diffraction patterns. Vibrational spectroscopy offers one of the few methods for the assessment of the structure of the oxyanions in such minerals. Among this group of minerals is mallestigite with formula Pb3Sb5+(SO4)(AsO4)(OH)6•3H2O. The objective of this research is to determine the molecular structure of the mineral mallestigite using vibrational spectroscopy. Raman and infrared bands are attributed to the AsO43- , SO42- and water stretching vibrations. Mallestigite is a mineral formed in ancient waste dumps such as occurs at Mallestiger, Carinthia, Austria and as such is a mineral of archaeological significance.

The molecular structure of the multianion mineral hidalgoite PbAl3(AsO4)(SO4)(OH)6 : implications for arsenic removal from soils

The objective of this research is to determine the molecular structure of the mineral hidalgoite PbAl3(AsO4)(SO4)(OH)6 using vibrational spectroscopy. The mineral is found in old mine sites. Observed bands are assigned to the stretching and bending vibrations of (SO4)2- and (AsO4)3- units, stretching and bending vibrations of hydrogen bonded (OH)- ions and Al3+-(O,OH) units. The approximate range of O-H...O hydrogen bond lengths is inferred from the Raman and infrared spectra. Values of 2.6989 Å, 2.7682 Å, 2.8659 Å were obtained. The formation of hidalgoite may offer a mechanism for the removal of arsenic from the environment.

Molecular structural studies of the amorphous mineral pitticite Fe, AsO4, SO4, H2O

Some minerals are colloidal and show no X-ray diffraction patterns. Vibrational spectroscopy offers one of the few methods for the assessment of the structure of these types of mineral. Among this group of minerals is pitticite simply described as Fe, AsO4, SO4, H2O. The objective of this research is to determine the molecular structure of the mineral pitticite using vibrational spectroscopy. Raman microscopy offers a useful method for the analysis of such colloidal minerals. Raman and infrared bands are attributed to the , and water stretching vibrations. The Raman spectrum is dominated by a very intense sharp band at 983 cm−1 assigned to the symmetric stretching mode. A strong Raman band at 1041 cm−1 is observed and is assigned to the antisymmetric stretching mode. Low intensity Raman bands at 757 and 808 cm−1 may be assigned to the antisymmetric and symmetric stretching modes. Raman bands observed at 432 and 465 cm−1 are attributable to the doubly degenerate ν2(SO4)2- bending mode.

Raman spectroscopic study of the mineral xonotlite Ca 6Si 6O 17(OH) 2-A component of plaster boards

The mineral xonotlite Ca 6Si 6O 17(OH) 2 is a crystalline calcium silicate hydrate which is widely used in plaster boards and in many industrial applications. The structure of xonotlite is best described as having a dreierdoppelketten silicate structure, and describes the repeating silicate trimer which forms the silicate chains, and doppel indicating that two chains combine. Raman bands at 1042 and 1070 cm -1 are assigned to the SiO stretching vibrations of linked units of Si 4O 11 units. Raman bands at 961 and 980 cm -1 serve to identify Si 3O 10 units. The broad Raman band at 862 cm -1 is attributed to hydroxyl deformation modes. Intense Raman bands at 593 and 695 cm -1 are assigned to OSiO bending vibrations. Intense Raman bands at 3578, 3611, 3627 and 3665 cm -1 are assigned to OH stretching vibrations of the OH units in xonotlite. Infrared spectra are in harmony with the Raman spectra. Raman spectroscopy with complimentary infrared spectroscopy enables the characterisation of the building material xonotlite.

Vibrational spectroscopy of the multianion mineral kemmlitzite (Sr,Ce)Al3(AsO4)(SO4)(OH)6

Some minerals are colloidal and show no X-ray diffraction patterns. Vibrational spectroscopy offers one of the few methods for the assessment of the structure of these types of mineral. Among this group of minerals is kemmlitzite (Sr,Ce)Al3(AsO4)(SO4)(OH)6. The objective of this research is to determine the molecular structure of the mineral kemmlitzite using vibrational spectroscopy. Raman microscopy offers a useful method for the analysis of such colloidal minerals. Raman and infrared bands are attributed to the AsO43- , SO42- and water stretching vibrations. The Raman spectrum is dominated by a very intense sharp band at 984 cm-1 assigned to the SO42- symmetric stretching mode. Raman bands at 690, 772 and 825 cm-1 may be assigned to the AsO43- antisymmetric and symmetric stretching modes. Raman bands observed at 432 and 465 cm-1 are attributable to the doubly degenerate 2 (SO4)2- bending mode. Vibrational spectroscopy is important in the assessment of the molecular structure of the kemmlitzite, especially when the mineral is non-diffracting or poorly diffracting.

The borate mineral jeremejevite Al6(BO3)5(F,OH)3 – A vibrational spectroscopic study

Jeremejevite is a borate mineral of aluminium and is of variable colour, making the mineral and important inexpensive jewel. The mineral contains variable amounts of F and OH, depending on origin. A comparison of the vibrational spectroscopic data is made with the published data of borate minerals. Raman spectra were averaged over a range of crystal orientations. Two intense Raman bands observed at 961 and 1067 cm−1 are assigned to the symmetric stretching and antisymmetric stretching modes of trigonal boron. Infrared spectrum, bands observed at 1229, 1304, 1350, 1388 and 1448 cm−1 are attributed to BOH in-plane bending modes. Intense Raman band found at 372 cm−1 with other bands of significant intensity at 327 and 417 cm−1 is assigned to trigonal borate bending modes. A quite intense Raman band is found at 3673 cm−1 with other sharp Raman bands found at 3521, 3625 and 3703 cm−1 are assigned to the stretching modes of OH. Raman and infrared spectroscopy has been used to assess the molecular structure of the mineral jeremejevite. Such research is important in the study of borate based nanomaterials.

Infrared and Raman spectroscopic characterization of the phosphate mineral kosnarite KZr2(PO4)3 in comparison with other pegmatitic phosphates

In this research, we have used vibrational spectroscopy to study the phosphate mineral kosnarite KZr2(PO4)3. Interest in this mineral rests with the ability of zirconium phosphates (ZP) to lock in radioactive elements. ZP have the capacity to concentrate and immobilize the actinide fraction of radioactive phases in homogeneous zirconium phosphate phases. The Raman spectrum of kosnarite is characterized by a very intense band at 1,026 cm−1 assigned to the symmetric stretching vibration of the PO4 3− ν1 symmetric stretching vibration. The series of bands at 561, 595 and 638 cm−1 are assigned to the ν4 out-of-plane bending modes of the PO4 3− units. The intense band at 437 cm−1 with other bands of lower wavenumber at 387, 405 and 421 cm−1 is assigned to the ν2 in-plane bending modes of the PO4 3− units. The number of bands in the antisymmetric stretching region supports the concept that the symmetry of the phosphate anion in the kosnarite structure is preserved. The width of the infrared spectral profile and its complexity in contrast to the well-resolved Raman spectrum show that the pegmatitic phosphates are better studied with Raman spectroscopy.

Vibrational spectroscopic study of the mineral pitticite Fe, AsO4, SO4, H2O

Some minerals are colloidal and show no X-ray diffraction patterns. Vibrational spectroscopy offers one of the few methods for the determination of the structure of these minerals. Among this group of minerals is pitticite, simply described as (Fe, AsO4, SO4, H2O). In this work, the analogue of the mineral pitticite has been synthesised. The objective of this research is to determine the molecular structure of the mineral pitticite using vibrational spectroscopy. Raman and infrared bands are attributed to the AsO43−, SO42− and water stretching and bending vibrations. The Raman spectrum of the pitticite analogue shows intense peaks at 845 and 837 cm−1 assigned to the AsO43− stretching vibrations. Raman bands at 1096 and 1182 cm−1 are attributed to the SO42− antisymmetric stretching bands. Raman spectroscopy offers a useful method for the analysis of such colloidal minerals.

Vibrational spectroscopic characterization of the phosphate mineral phosphophyllite – Zn2Fe(PO4)2·4H2O, from Hagendorf Süd, Germany and in comparison with other zinc phosphates

This research was undertaken on phosphophyllite sample from the Hagendorf Süd pegmatite, Bavaria, Germany. Chemical analysis was carried out by Scanning Electron Microscope in the EDS mode and indicates a zinc and iron phosphate with partial substitution of manganese, which partially replaced iron. The calculated chemical formula of the studied sample was determined to be: Zn2(Fe0.65, Mn0.35)P1.00(PO4)2- �4(H2O). The intense Raman peak at 995 cm�1 is assigned to the m1 PO3� 4 symmetric stretching mode and the two Raman bands at 1073 and 1135 cm�1 to the m3 PO3� 4 antisymmetric stretching modes. The m4 PO3� 4 bending modes are observed at 505, 571, 592 and 653 cm�1 and the m2 PO3� 4 bending mode at 415 cm�1. The sharp Raman band at 3567 cm�1 attributed to the stretching vibration of OH units brings into question the actual formula of phosphophyllite. Vibrational spectroscopy enables an assessment of the molecular structure of phosphophyllite to be assessed.

Vibrational spectroscopic characterization of the phosphate mineral hureaulite – (Mn, Fe)5(PO4)2(HPO4)2·4(H2O)

This research was done on hureaulite samples from the Cigana claim, a lithium bearing pegmatite with triphylite and spodumene. The mine is located in Conselheiro Pena, east of Minas Gerais. Chemical analysis was carried out by Electron Microprobe analysis and indicated a manganese rich phase with partial substitution of iron. The calculated chemical formula of the studied sample is: (Mn3.23, Fe1.04, Ca0.19, Mg0.13)(PO4)2.7(HPO4)2.6(OH)4.78. The Raman spectrum of hureaulite is dominated by an intense sharp band at 959 cm−1 assigned to PO stretching vibrations of HPO42− units. The Raman band at 989 cm−1 is assigned to the PO43− stretching vibration. Raman bands at 1007, 1024, 1047, and 1083 cm−1 are attributed to both the HOP and PO antisymmetric stretching vibrations of HPO42− and PO43− units. A set of Raman bands at 531, 543, 564 and 582 cm−1 are assigned to the ν4 bending modes of the HPO42− and PO43− units. Raman bands observed at 414, and 455 cm−1 are attributed to the ν2 HPO42− and PO43− units. The intense A series of Raman and infrared bands in the OH stretching region are assigned to water stretching vibrations. Based upon the position of these bands hydrogen bond distances are calculated. Hydrogen bond distances are short indicating very strong hydrogen bonding in the hureaulite structure. A combination of Raman and infrared spectroscopy enabled aspects of the molecular structure of the mineral hureaulite to be understood.

Thermogravimetric analysis of the copper silicate mineral dioptase Cu6[Si6O18]·6H2O

There have been a few studies on the thermal decomposition of dioptase Cu6[Si6O18]·6H2O. The results of these analyses are somewhat conflicting and the conclusions vary among these thermo-analytical studies. The objective of this research is to report the thermal analysis of dioptase from different origins and to show the mechanism of decomposition. Thermal decomposition occurs over a very wide temperature range from around 400 to 730 °C with the loss of water. Two additional mass loss steps are observed at around 793 and 835 °C with loss of oxygen. The infrared spectra of dioptase in the hydroxyl stretching region enables the hydrogen bond distances of water molecules in the dioptase structure to be calculated. The large variation in the hydrogen bond distances offers an explanation as to why the decomposition of dioptase with loss of water occurs over such a wide temperature range.

Vibrational spectroscopy of the phosphate mineral lazulite – (Mg, Fe)Al2(PO4)2·(OH)2 found in the Minas Gerais, Brazil

This research was done on lazulite samples from the Gentil mine, a lithium bearing pegmatite located in the municipality of Mendes Pimentel, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Chemical analysis was carried out by electron microprobe analysis and indicated a magnesium rich phase with partial substitution of iron. Traces of Ca and Mn, (which partially replaced Mg) were found. The calculated chemical formula of the studied sample is: (Mg0.88, Fe0.11)Al1.87(PO4)2.08(OH)2.02. The Raman spectrum of lazulite is dominated by an intense sharp band at 1060 cm-1 assigned to PO stretching vibrations of of tetrahedral [PO4] clusters presents into the HPO2/4- units. Two Raman bands at 1102 and 1137 cm-1 are attributed to both the HOP and PO antisymmetric stretching vibrations. The two infrared bands at 997 and 1007 cm-1 are attributed to the m1 PO3/4- symmetric stretching modes. The intense bands at 1035, 1054, 1081, 1118 and 1154 cm-1 are assigned to the v3PO3/4- antisymmetric stretching modes from both the HOP and tetrahedral [PO4] clusters. A set of Raman bands at 605, 613, 633 and 648 cm-1 are assigned to the m4 out of plane bending modes of the PO4, HPO4 and H2PO4 units. Raman bands observed at 414, 425, 460, and 479 cm-1 are attributed to the m2 tetrahedral PO4 clusters, HPO4 and H2PO4 bending modes. The intense Raman band at 3402 and the infrared band at 3403 cm-1 are assigned to the stretching vibration of the OH units. A combination of Raman and infrared spectroscopy enabled aspects of the molecular structure of the mineral lazulite to be understood.

Toxic state–corporate crimes, Neo-liberalism and green criminology : the hazards and legacies of the oil, chemical and mineral industries

This paper uses examples from the history and practices of multi-national and large companies in the oil, chemical and asbestos industries to examine their legal and illegal despoiling and destruction of the environment and impact on human and non-human life. The discussion draws on the literature on green criminology and state-corporate crime and considers measures and arrangements that might mitigate or prevent such damaging acts. This paper is part of ongoing work on green criminology and crimes of the economy. It places these actions and crimes in the context of a global neo-liberal economic system and considers and critiques the distorting impact of the GDP model of ‘economic health’ and its consequences for the environment.

Molecular structural studies of the amorphous mineral pitticite Fe, AsO4, SO4, H2O

Some minerals are colloidal and show no X-ray diffraction patterns. Vibrational spectroscopy offers one of the few methods for the assessment of the structure of these types of mineral. Among this group of minerals is pitticite simply described as Fe, AsO4, SO4, H2O. The objective of this research is to determine the molecular structure of the mineral pitticite using vibrational spectroscopy. Raman microscopy offers a useful method for the analysis of such colloidal minerals. Raman and infrared bands are attributed to the , and water stretching vibrations. The Raman spectrum is dominated by a very intense sharp band at 983 cm−1 assigned to the symmetric stretching mode. A strong Raman band at 1041 cm−1 is observed and is assigned to the antisymmetric stretching mode. Low intensity Raman bands at 757 and 808 cm−1 may be assigned to the antisymmetric and symmetric stretching modes. Raman bands observed at 432 and 465 cm−1 are attributable to the doubly degenerate ν2(SO4)2- bending mode.