SEM, EDX and vibrational spectroscopic study of the mineral tunisite NaCa2Al4(CO3)4Cl(OH)8

• We have undertaken a study of the mineral tunisite.
• Chemical analysis shows the presence of Na, Ca, Al and Cl.
• Raman and infrared bands characteristic of carbonate are identified.
• Raman bands attributable to AlO stretching and bending vibrations are observed.

The mineral tunisite has been studied by using a combination of scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence and vibrational spectroscopy. Chemical analysis shows the presence of Na, Ca, Al and Cl. SEM shows a pure single phase. An intense Raman band at 1127 cm−1 is assigned to the carbonate ν1 symmetric stretching vibration and the Raman band at 1522 cm−1 is assigned to the ν3 carbonate antisymmetric stretching vibration. Infrared bands are observed in similar positions. Multiple carbonate bending modes are found. Raman bands attributable to AlO stretching and bending vibrations are observed. Two Raman bands at 3419 and 3482 cm−1 are assigned to the OH stretching vibrations of the OH units. Vibrational spectroscopy enables aspects of the molecular structure of the carbonate mineral tunisite to be assessed.

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