title: A SEM, EDS and vibrational spectroscopic study of the clay mineral fraipontite.
abstract: The mineral fraipontite has been studied by using a combination of scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive analysis and vibrational spectroscopy (infrared and Raman). Fraipontite is a member of the 1:1 clay minerals of the kaolinite-serpentine group. The mineral contains Zn and Cu and is of formula (Cu,Zn,Al)₃(Si,Al)₂O₅(OH)₄. Qualitative chemical analysis of fraipontite shows an aluminium silicate mineral with amounts of Cu and Zn. This kaolinite type mineral has been characterised by Raman and infrared spectroscopy; in this way aspects about the molecular structure of fraipontite clay are elucidated.
authors.affiliation: School of Chemistry, Physics and Mechanical Engineering, Science and Engineering Faculty, Queensland University of Technology, GPO Box 2434, Brisbane, Queensland 4001, Australia.
authors.forename: Frederick L
authors.initials: FL
authors.lastname: Theiss
authors.affiliation: School of Chemistry, Physics and Mechanical Engineering, Science and Engineering Faculty, Queensland University of Technology, GPO Box 2434, Brisbane, Queensland 4001, Australia.
authors.forename: Andrés
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: López
authors.affiliation: Geology Department, School of Mines, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Campus Morro do Cruzeiro, Ouro Preto, MG 35400-00, Brazil.
authors.forename: Ricardo
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Scholz
authors.affiliation: School of Chemistry, Physics and Mechanical Engineering, Science and Engineering Faculty, Queensland University of Technology, GPO Box 2434, Brisbane, Queensland 4001, Australia. Electronic address: r.frost@qut.edu.au.
authors.forename: Ray L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Frost
keywords: Fraipontite; Infrared spectroscopy; Kaolinite; Phyllosilicate; Raman spectroscopy