FT-Raman spectroscopic study of calcium-rich and magnesium-rich carbonate minerals.
Calcium and magnesium carbonates are important minerals found in sedimentary environments. Although sandstones are the most common rock colonized by endolith organisms, the production of calcium and magnesium carbonates is important in survival strategies of organisms and as a source for the removal of oxalate ions. Extremophile organisms in some situations may convert or destroy carbonates of calcium and magnesium, which gives important information about the conditions under which these organisms can survive. The identification on the surface of Mars of 'White Rock' formations, in Juventae Chasma or Sabaea Terra, as possibly carbonate rocks makes the study of these minerals a prerequisite of remote Martian exploration. Here, we show the protocol for the identification by Raman spectroscopy of different calcium and magnesium carbonates and we present a database of relevance in the search for life, extinct or extant, on Mars; this will be useful for the assessment of data obtained from remote, miniaturized Raman spectrometers now proposed for Mars exploration.
Edwards
Howell G M
HG
Department of Chemical and Forensic Sciences, University of Bradford, Bradford BD7 1DP, UK. h.g.m.edwards@bradford.ac.uk
Villar
Susana E Jorge
SE
Jehlicka
Jan
J
Munshi
Tasnim
T
D002119:Calcium Carbonate / Q000737:chemistry*; D008274:Magnesium / Q000737:chemistry*; D018535:Mars; D013059:Spectrum Analysis, Raman / Q000379:methods
C005479:magnesium carbonate; D002119:Calcium Carbonate; D008274:Magnesium