SEM–EDX, Raman and infrared spectroscopic characterization of the phosphate mineral frondelite (Mn2+)(Fe3+)4(PO4)3(OH)5

We have analyzed a frondelite mineral sample from the Cigana mine, located in the municipality of Conselheiro Pena, a well-known pegmatite in Brazil. In the Cigana pegmatite, secondary phosphates, namely eosphorite, fairfieldite, fluorapatite, frondelite, gormanite, hureaulite, lithiophilite, reddingite and vivianite are common minerals in miarolitic cavities and in massive blocks after triphylite. The chemical formula was determined as (Mn0.68, Fe0.32)(Fe3+)3,72(PO4)3.17(OH)4.99.The structure of the mineral was assessed using vibrational spectroscopy. Bands attributed to the stretching and bending modes of PO43- and HOPO33- units were identified. The observation of multiple bands supports the concept of symmetry reduction of the phosphate anion in the frondelite structure. Sharp Raman and infrared bands at 3581 cm−1 is assigned to the OH stretching vibration. Broad Raman bands at 3063, 3529 and 3365 cm−1 are attributed to water stretching vibrational modes.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► We have analyzed a frondelite mineral sample from the Cigana mine, located in the municipality of Conselheiro Pena. ► The chemical formula was determined as (Mn0.68, Fe0.32)(Fe3+)3,72(PO4)3.72(OH)4.99. ► The structure of the mineral was assessed using vibrational spectroscopy. ► Bands attributed to the stretching and bending modes of PO43- and HOPO33- units were identified.