Raman spectroscopy as a tool to characterize heterogenite (CoO·OH) (Katanga Province, Democratic Republic of Congo)

Natural heterogenite (CoO·OH) samples were studied by Raman microspectroscopy, electronic microprobe and Electronic BackScattered Diffraction (EBSD). Raw samples and polished sections were made from 10 mines covering the Katanga copperbelt (Katanga Province, Democratic Republic of Congo). Four typical Raman responses have been obtained leading to investigate the laser-induced dehydroxylation of heterogenite into a Co-spinel structure. The results are also compared with EBSD patterns from oven heated heterogenite samples. A close relationship was established between the chemical substitutions of Co by mainly Cu, Ni, Mn and Al and their impact on the mineral Raman response.

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► Natural heterogenite (CoO·OH) by Raman spectroscopy, microprobe and EBSD analysed heterogenite samples cover the Katanga copperbelt (RDC).
► Raman Laser can induce the dehydroxylation of heterogenite into a Co-spinel.
► Heterogenite Raman responses are linked to chemical substitutions in the mineral.