Application of Raman spectroscopy in the identification of olivines in meteorites

Abstract

Raman spectroscopy technique has been increasingly used to characterize terrestrial rocks and meteorites in general. However, the literature in Portuguese with information on how to distinguish the minerals that make up rocks, whether terrestrial or extraterrestrial, is scarce and almost nonexistent. Thus, the objective of this work is to present how it is possible to determine the presence of olivines and to identify which type of mineral in the group is specifically found in the sample in a quick, succinct and accessible way. It is worth noting that the olivine group is characterized by its final members, phialite (Fe2SiO4) and forsterite (Mg2SiO4). The identification of the spectra was carried out from spectra of pure minerals allocated in the RRUFF database and compared with spectra obtained from the carbonaceous meteorites (Allende and Murchison) and the Martian meteorite NWA 7397. Finally, this work does not have the purpose of having a detailed deepening of analyzes and the greater specificities, which can be acquired by readers through complementary materials and with the assistance of more specialized technicians in Raman's equipment and technique.