Reply to the comments on “A study of the phosphate mineral kapundaite NaCa(Fe3+)4(PO4)4(OH)3·5(H2O) using SEM/EDX and vibrational spectroscopic methods” by Frost et al. (2014)

"The authors agree with the statements made by Mills and Christy on the study of kapundaite [1]. These authors are correct and have removed any confusion about the origin of the sample kapundaite. The authors (Frost et al.) confirm the sample of kapundaite studied in this work is from the Tom‘s quarry, Australia and can be considered a type material. The authors do not accept the statements by Mills and Christy on “type minerals”. The sample of kapundaite from the Australian source is from the collection of the Geology Department of the Federal University of Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil with sample code SAC-111. At least if our mineral sample is not a co-type mineral, our sample is from the same origin as the type mineral. Samples..."--publisher website.

The molecular structure of the vanadate mineral mottramite [PbCu(VO4)(OH)] from Tsumeb, Namibia – a vibrational spectroscopic study

We have studied a mineral sample of mottramite PbCu(VO4)(OH) from Tsumeb, Namibia using a combination of scanning electron microscopy with EDX, Raman and infrared spectroscopy. Chemical analysis shows principally the elements V, Pb and Cu. Ca occurs as partial substitution of Pb as well as P and As in substitution to V. Minor amounts of Si and Cr were also observed. The Raman band of mottramite at 829 cm-1, is assigned to the ν1 symmetric (VO-4) ) stretching mode. The complexity of the spectra is attributed to the chemical composition of the Tsumeb mottramite. The ν3 antisymmetric vibrational mode of mottramite is observed as very low intensity bands at 716 and 747 cm-1. The series of Raman bands at 411, 439, 451 cm-1 and probably also the band at 500 cm-1 are assigned to the (VO-4) ν2 bending mode. The series of Raman bands at 293, 333 and 366 cm-1 are attributed to the (VO-4) ) ν4 bending modes. The ν3, ν3 and ν4 regions are complex for both minerals and this is attributed to symmetry reduction of the vanadate unit from Td to Cs.

Raman spectroscopy of the arsenate minerals maxwellite and in comparison with tilasite

Maxwellite NaFe3+(AsO4)F is an arsenate mineral containing fluoride and forms a continuous series with tilasite CaMg(AsO4)F. Both maxwellite and tilasite form a continuous series with durangite NaAl3+(AsO4)-F. We have used the combination of scanning electron microscopy with EDS and vibrational spectroscopy to chemically analyse the mineral maxwellite and make an assessment of the molecular structure. Chemical analysis shows that maxwellite is composed of Fe, Na and Ca with minor amounts of Mn and Al. Raman bands for tilasite at 851 and 831 cm�1 are assigned to the Raman active m1 symmetric stretching vibration (A1) and the Raman active triply degenerate m3 antisymmetric stretching vibration (F2). The Raman band of maxwellite at 871 cm�1 is assigned to the m1 symmetric stretching vibration and the Raman band at 812 cm�1 is assigned to the m3 antisymmetric stretching vibration. The intense Raman band of tilasite at 467 cm�1 is assigned to the Raman active triply degenerate m4 bending vibration (F2). Raman band at 331 cm�1 for tilasite is assigned to the Raman active doubly degenerate m2 symmetric bending vibration (E). Both Raman and infrared spectroscopy do not identify any bands in the hydroxyl stretching region as is expected.

A vibrational spectroscopic study of a hydrated hydroxy-phosphate mineral fluellite, Al2(PO4)F2(OH)·7H2O

Raman and infrared spectra of two well-defined fluellite samples, Al2(PO4)F2(OH)�7H2O, from the Krásno near Horní Slavkov (Czech Republic) and Kapunda, South Australia (Australia) were studied and tentatively interpreted. Observed bands were assigned to the stretching and bending vibrations of phosphate tetrahedra, aluminum oxide/hydroxide/fluoride octahedra, water molecules and hydroxyl ions. Approximate O–H���O hydrogen bond lengths were inferred from the Raman and infrared spectra.

A vibrational spectroscopic study of the phosphate mineral lulzacite Sr2Fe2+(Fe2+,Mg)2Al4(PO4)4(OH)10

The mineral lulzacite from Saint-Aubin des Chateaux mine, France, with theoretical formula Sr2Fe2+(Fe2+,Mg)2Al4(PO4)4(OH)10 has been studied using a combination of electron microscopy with EDX and vibrational spectroscopic techniques. Chemical analysis shows a Sr, Fe, Al phosphate with minor amounts of Ga, Ba and Mg. Raman spectroscopy identifies an intense band at 990 cm�1 with an additional band at 1011 cm�1. These bands are attributed to the PO3� 4 m1 symmetric stretching mode. The m3 antisymmetric stretching modes are observed by a large number of Raman bands. The Raman bands at 1034, 1051, 1058, 1069 and 1084 together with the Raman bands at 1098, 1116, 1133, 1155 and 1174 cm�1 are assigned to the m3 antisymmetric stretching vibrations of PO3� 4 and the HOPO2� 3 units. The observation of these multiple Raman bands in the symmetric and antisymmetric stretching region gives credence to the concept that both phosphate and hydrogen phosphate units exist in the structure of lulzacite. The series of Raman bands at 567, 582, 601, 644, 661, 673 and 687 cm�1 are assigned to the PO3� 4 m2 bending modes. The series of Raman bands at 437, 468, 478, 491, 503 cm�1 are attributed to the PO3� 4 and HOPO2� 3 m4 bending modes. No Raman bands of lulzacite which could be attributed to the hydroxyl stretching unit were observed. Infrared bands at 3511 and 3359 cm�1 are ascribed to the OH stretching vibration of the OH units. Very broad bands at 3022 and 3299 cm�1 are attributed to the OH stretching vibrations of water. Vibrational spectroscopy offers insights into the molecular structure of the phosphate mineral lulzacite.

Vibrational spectroscopic study of the sulphate mineral glaucocerinite (Zn,Cu)10Al6(SO4)3(OH)32⋅18H2O – a natural layered double hydroxide

We have studied the molecular structure of the mineral glaucocerinite (Zn,Cu)5Al3(SO4)1.5(OH)16�9(H2O) using a combination of Raman and infrared spectroscopy. The mineral is one of the hydrotalcite supergroup of natural layered double hydroxides. The Raman spectrum is characterised by an intense Raman band at 982 cm�1 with a low intensity band at 1083 cm�1. These bands are attributed to the sulphate symmetric and antisymmetric stretching mode. The infrared spectrum is quite broad with a peak at 1020 cm�1. A series of Raman bands at 546, 584, 602, 625 and 651 cm�1 are assigned to the m4 (SO4)2� bending modes. The observation of multiple bands provides evidence for the reduction in symmetry of the sulphate anion from Td to C2v or even lower symmetry. The Raman band at 762 cm�1 is attributed to a hydroxyl deformation mode associated with AlOH units. Vibrational spectroscopy enables aspects of the molecular structure of glaucocerinite to be determined.

A vibrational spectroscopic study of the phosphate mineral churchite (REE)(PO4)⋅2H2O

Vibrational spectroscopy has been used to study the rare earth mineral churchite of formula (REE)(PO4)-⋅2H2O. The mineral contains a range of rare earth metals including yttrium depending on the locality. The Raman spectra of churchite-(REE) are characterized by an intense sharp band at 984 cm-1 assigned to the v1 (PO¾-) symmetric stretching mode. A lower intensity band observed at around 1067 cm-1 is attributed to the v3 (PO¾-) antisymmetric stretching mode. The (PO¾-) bending modes are observed at 497 cm-1 (v2) and 565 cm-1(v4). Raman bands at 649 and 681 cm-1 are assigned to water librational modes. Vibrational spectroscopy enables aspects of the structure of churchite to be ascertained.

A vibrational spectroscopic study of the silicate mineral inesite Ca2(Mn,Fe)₇Si10O28(OH)⋅5H2O

We have studied the hydrated hydroxyl silicate mineral inesite of formula Ca2(Mn,Fe)7Si10O28(OH)⋅5H2O using a combination of scanning electron microscopy with EDX and Raman and infrared spectroscopy. SEM analysis shows the mineral to be a pure monomineral with no impurities. Semiquantitative analysis shows a homogeneous phase, composed by Ca, Mn2+, Si and P, with minor amounts of Mg and Fe. Raman spectrum shows well resolved component bands at 997, 1031, 1051, and 1067 cm-1 attributed to a range of SiO symmetric stretching vibrations of [Si10O28] units. Infrared bands found at 896, 928, 959 and 985 cm-1 are attributed to the OSiO antisymmetric stretching vibrations. An intense broad band at 653 cm-1 with shoulder bands at 608, 631 and 684 cm-1 are associated with the bending modes of the OSiO units of the 6- and 8-membered rings of the [Si10O28] units. The sharp band at 3642 cm-1 with shoulder bands at 3612 and 3662 cm-1 are assigned to the OH stretching vibrations of the hydroxyl units. The broad Raman band at 3420 cm-1 with shoulder bands at 3362 and 3496 cm-1 are assigned to the water stretching vibrations. The application of vibrational spectroscopy has enabled an assessment of the molecular structure of inesite to be undertaken.

The molecular structure of the borate mineral rhodizite (K, Cs)Al4Be4(B, Be)12O28 – A vibrational spectroscopic study

We have studied the borate mineral rhodizite (K, Cs)Al4Be4(B, Be)12O28 using a combination of DEM with EDX and vibrational spectroscopic techniques. The mineral occurs as colorless, gray, yellow to white crystals in the triclinic crystal system. The studied sample is from the Antandrokomby Mine, Sahatany valley, Madagascar. The mineral is prized as a semi-precious jewel. Semi-quantitative chemical composition shows a Al, Ca, borate with minor amounts of K, Mg and Cs. The mineral has a characteristic borate Raman spectrum and bands are assigned to the stretching and bending modes of B, Be and Al. No Raman bands in the OH stretching region were observed.

The molecular structure of the phosphate mineral beraunite Fe2+Fe⅗+(PO4)4(OH)5⋅4H2O– A vibrational spectroscopic study

The mineral beraunite from Boca Rica pegmatite in Minas Gerais with theoretical formula Fe2+Fe5 3+(PO4)4(OH)5⋅4H2O has been studied using a combination of electron microscopy with EDX and vibrational spectroscopic techniques. Raman spectroscopy identifies an intense band at 990 cm-1 and 1011 cm-1. These bands are attributed to the PO4 3- v, symmetric stretching mode. The m3 antisymmetric stretching modes are observed by a large number of Raman bands. The Raman bands at 1034, 1051, 1058, 1069 and 1084 together with the Raman bands at 1098, 1116, 1133, 1155 and 1174 cm-1 are assigned to the m3 antisymmetric stretching vibrations of PO4 3- and the HOPO3 2- units. The observation of these multiple Raman bands in the symmetric and antisymmetric stretching region gives credence to the concept that both phosphate and hydrogen phosphate units exist in the structure of beraunite. The series of Raman bands at 567, 582,601, 644, 661, 673, and 687 cm-1 are assigned to the PO4 3- v2 bending modes. The series of Raman bands at 437, 468, 478, 491, 503 cm-1 are attributed to the PO4 3- and OPO3 2- v4 bending modes. No Raman bands of beraunite which could be attributed to the hydroxyl stretching unit were observed. Infrared bands at 3511 and 3359 cm-1 are ascribed to the OH stretching vibration of the OH units. Very broad bands at 3022 and 3299 cm-1 are attributed to the OH stretching vibrations of water. Vibrational spectroscopy offers insights into the molecular structure of the phosphate mineral beraunite.

Vibrational spectroscopic characterization of the sulphate mineral leightonite K2Ca2Cu(SO4)4⋅2H2O – Implications for the molecular structure

The mineral leightonite, a rare sulphate mineral of formula K2Ca2Cu(SO4)4.2H2O, has been studied using a combination of electron probe and vibrational spectroscopy. The mineral is characterized by an intense Raman band at 991 cm-1 attributed to the SO2- 4 m1 symmetric stretching mode. A series of Raman bands at 1047, 1120, 1137, 1163 and 1177 cm-1 assigned to the SO2- 4 m3 antisymmetric stretching modes. The observation of multiple bands shows that the symmetry of the sulphate anion is reduced. Multiple Raman and infrared bands in the OH stretching region shows that water in the structure of leightonite is in a range of molecular environments.

Infrared and Raman spectroscopic characterization of the Borate mineral Vonsenite

There are a large number of boron-containing minerals, of which vonsenite is one. Some discussion about the molecular structure of vonsenite exists in the literature. Whether water is involved in the structure is ill-determined. The molecular structure of vonsenite has been assessed by the combination of Raman and infrared spectroscopy. The Raman spectrum is characterized by two intense broad bands at 997 and 1059 cm−1 assigned to the BO stretching vibrational mode. A series of Raman bands in the 1200–1500 cm−1 spectral range are attributed to BO antisymmetric stretching modes and in-plane bending modes. The infrared spectrum shows complexity in this spectral range. No Raman spectrum of water in the OH stretching region could be obtained. The infrared spectrum shows a series of overlapping bands with bands identified at 3037, 3245, 3443, 3556, and 3614 cm−1. It is important to understand the structure of vonsenite in order to form nanomaterials based on its structure. Vibrational spectroscopy enables a better understanding of the structure of vonsenite.

Raman and infrared spectroscopic characterization of the phosphate mineral Lithiophilite—LiMnPO4

The metal lithium is very important in industry, including lithium batteries. An important source of lithium besides continental brines is granitic pegmatites as in Australia. Lithiophilite is a lithium and manganese phosphate with chemical formula LiMnPO4 and forms a solid solution with triphylite, its Fe analog, and belongs to the triphylite group that includes karenwebberite, natrophilite, and sicklerite. The mineral lithiophilite was characterized by chemical analysis and spectroscopic techniques. The chemical is: Li1.01(Mn0.60, Fe0.41, Mg0.01, Ca0.01)(PO4)0.99 and corresponds to an intermediate member of the triphylite-lithiophilite series, with predominance of the lithiophilite member. The mineral lithiophilite is readily characterized by Raman and infrared spectroscopy.

Vibrational spectroscopy of the sulphate mineral sturmanite from Kuruman manganese deposits, South Africa

The mineral sturmanite is a hydrated calcium iron aluminium manganese sulphate tetrahydroxoborate hydroxide of formula Ca6(Fe, Al, Mn)2(SO4)2(B(OH)4)(OH)12•26H2O. We have studied the mineral sturmanite using a number of techniques, including SEM with EPMA and vibrational spectroscopy. Chemical analysis shows a homogeneous phase, composed by Ca, Fe, Mn, S, Al and Si. B is not determined in this EPMA technique. An intense Raman band at 990 cm−1 is assigned to the SO42− symmetric stretching mode. Raman spectroscopy identifies multiple sulphate symmetric stretching modes in line with the three sulphate crystallographically different sites. Raman spectroscopy also identifies a band at 1069 cm−1 which may be attributed to a carbonate symmetric stretching mode, indicating the presence of thaumasite. Infrared spectra display two bands at 1080 and 1107 cm−1 assigned to the SO42− antisymmetric stretching modes. The observation of multiple bands in this ν4 spectral region offers evidence for the reduction in symmetry of the sulphate anion from Td to C2v or even lower symmetry. The Raman band at 3622 cm−1 is assigned to the OH unit stretching vibration and the broad feature at around 3479 cm−1 to water stretching bands. Infrared spectroscopy shows a set of broad overlapping bands in the OH stretching region. Vibrational spectroscopy enables an assessment of the molecular structure of sturmanite to be made.