Microstructure and mineral composition of Holocene stromatolites from Lagoa Vermelha, a hypersaline lagoon in Brazil: Insights into laminae genesis

2020 ◽  
Vol 90 (8) ◽  
pp. 887-905
Author(s):  
Carolina N. Keim ◽  
Hélisson Nascimento dos Santos ◽  
Carolina Souza Santiago ◽  
Simone Pennafirme ◽  
Reiner Neumann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Microbial Mats ◽  
X Ray Diffraction ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Fine Grained ◽  
Left Behind ◽  
Microbial Ecosystems ◽  
Mineral Deposition ◽  
Magnesium Calcite ◽  
Hypersaline Lagoon ◽  
Janeiro State

ABSTRACT Stromatolites are domes, columns, or nearly flat crusts of laminated sedimentary rocks, usually consisting of Ca-Mg carbonates. Stromatolites result from lithification of microbial mats, which are benthic microbial ecosystems where microorganisms arrange themselves in layers according to their physiology. Despite a century of research, the hypothesis of stromatolite genesis by lithification of microbial mats remains controversial, and a convincing explanation for how stromatolites arise from microbial mats is still lacking. In this work, we analyze in detail a stromatolite from Lagoa Vermelha, a coastal hypersaline lagoon in Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. The stromatolite presents a laminated core and thrombolitic regions at the periphery. Both thrombolitic and laminated facies consist of fine-grained authigenic minerals with minor contributions of bioclasts and quartz grains. X-ray diffraction shows aragonite, high-magnesium calcite (HMC) containing about 17% MgCO3, a very-high-Mg calcite (VHMC) containing 29–46% MgCO3, and small amounts of quartz and pyrite. Scanning electron microscopy of polished samples coupled to energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDS) showed that each lamina was composed of 1–4 distinct mineral phases embedded within each other, indicating sequential steps of precipitation of Ca-Mg carbonates under distinct biogeochemical conditions. The coexistence of different phases in a single lamina suggests that several processes contribute to mineral deposition as the incipient stromatolite laminae are left behind by microorganisms from the lower layers of the microbial mat when they grow and/or move upwards.

scholarly journals A prototype handheld X-ray diffraction instrument

2018 ◽  
Vol 51 (6) ◽  
pp. 1571-1585 ◽  
Author(s):  
Graeme Hansford
Keyword(s):  
Sample Preparation ◽  
Mineralogical Composition ◽  
General Purpose ◽  
Performance Criteria ◽  
X Ray Diffraction ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Fine Grained ◽  
Back Reflection ◽  
Promising Area ◽  
Sample Position

A conceptual design for a handheld X-ray diffraction (HHXRD) instrument is proposed. Central to the design is the application of energy-dispersive XRD (EDXRD) in a back-reflection geometry. This technique brings unique advantages which enable a handheld instrument format, most notably, insensitivity to sample morphology and to the precise sample position relative to the instrument. For fine-grained samples, including many geological specimens and the majority of common alloys, these characteristics negate sample preparation requirements. A prototype HHXRD device has been developed by minor modification of a handheld X-ray fluorescence instrument, and the performance of the prototype has been tested with samples relevant to mining/quarrying and with an extensive range of metal samples. It is shown, for example, that the mineralogical composition of iron-ore samples can be approximately quantified. In metals analysis, identification and quantification of the major phases have been demonstrated, along with extraction of lattice parameters. Texture analysis is also possible and a simple example for a phosphor bronze sample is presented. Instrument formats other than handheld are possible and online process control in metals production is a promising area. The prototype instrument requires extended measurement times but it is argued that a purpose-designed instrument can achieve data-acquisition times below one minute. HHXRD based on back-reflection EDXRD is limited by the low resolution of diffraction peaks and interference by overlapping fluorescence peaks and, for these reasons, cannot serve as a general-purpose XRD tool. However, the advantages ofin situ, nondestructive and rapid measurement, tolerance of irregular surfaces, and no sample preparation requirement in many cases are potentially transformative. For targeted applications in which the analysis meets commercially relevant performance criteria, HHXRD could become the method of choice through sheer speed and convenience.

A Study on Nanocrystalline Nickel Parts Prepared by Jet Electrodeposition

2010 ◽  
Vol 37-38 ◽  
pp. 64-67
Author(s):  
Jin Song Chen ◽  
Yin Hui Huang ◽  
Bin Qiao ◽  
Jian Ming Yang ◽  
Yi Qiang He
Keyword(s):  
Dimensional Accuracy ◽  
Processing Parameters ◽  
X Ray Diffraction ◽  
Scanning Microscope ◽  
Nanocrystalline Nickel ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Fine Grained ◽  
Average Grain Size ◽  
Jet Electrodeposition ◽  
Fine Grained Structure

The principles of jet electrodeposition orientated by rapid prototyping were introduced. The nanocrystalline nickel parts with simple shape were fabricated using jet electrodeposition. The microstructure and phase transformation of nanocrystalline nickel were observed under the scanning microscope and X-ray diffraction instrument. The results show that the jet electrodeposition can greatly enhance the limited current density, fine crystalline particles and improve deposition quality. The nickel parts prepared by jet electrodeposition own a fine-grained structure (average grain size 25.6nm) with a smooth surface and high dimensional accuracy under the optimum processing parameters.

Residual stresses in a SiC whisker-reinforced alumina composite by high-temperature X-ray diffraction

1994 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 50-53 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin L. Ballard ◽  
Paul K. Predecki ◽  
Camden R. Hubbard
Keyword(s):  
Residual Stress ◽  
Single Crystal Silicon ◽  
Linear Extrapolation ◽  
X Ray Diffraction ◽  
Crystal Silicon ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Fine Grained ◽  
Silicon Carbide Whiskers ◽  
Alumina Composite ◽  
Residual Strains

Residual strains and microstresses are evaluated for both phase of a hot-pressed, fine-grained α-alumina reinforced with 25 wt% (29 vol%) single-crystal silicon carbide whiskers at temperatures from 25 to 1000 °C. The sample was maintained in a nonoxidizing environment while measurements of the interplaner spacing of alumina (146) and SiC (511 + 333) were made using X-ray diffraction methods. The residual strains were profiled at temperature increments of 250 °C from which the corresponding microstresses were calculated. Linear extrapolation of the SiC ε33 profile indicates that the strains are completely relaxed at a temperature of approximately 1470 °C. These residual stress relaxation results suggest that elevated temperature toughness and fracture strength of this composite may result from cooperative mechanisms.

scholarly journals Effect of Radial Forging on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Ti-Based Alloys

Metals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 1488
Author(s):  
Lev B. Zuev ◽  
Galina V. Shlyakhova ◽  
Svetlana A. Barannikova
Keyword(s):  
Phase State ◽  
Metal Flow ◽  
Mechanical Processing ◽  
Radial Forging ◽  
X Ray Diffraction ◽  
Two Phase ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Fine Grained ◽  
Fine Grained Structure

Radial forging is a reliable way to produce Ti alloy rods without preliminary mechanical processing of their surface, which is in turn a mandatory procedure during almost each stage of the existing technology. In the present research, hot pressing and radial forging (RF) of the titanium-based Ti-3.3Al-5Mo-5V alloy were carried out to study the specifics of plasticized metal flow and microstructural evolution in different sections of the rods. The structural analysis of these rods was performed using metallography and X-ray diffraction techniques. The X-ray diffraction reveals the two-phase state of the alloy. The phase content in the alloy was shown to vary upon radial forging. Finally, radial forging was found to be a reliable method to achieve the uniform fine-grained structure and high quality of the rod surface.

X-Ray Diffraction Studies of Grain Growth in an Ultra-fine Grained 6060 Aluminium Alloy

2007 ◽  
Vol 558-559 ◽  
pp. 1299-1304 ◽  
Author(s):  
Børge Forbord ◽  
Ragnvald H. Mathiesen ◽  
Hans Jørgen Roven
Keyword(s):  
Aluminium Alloy ◽  
Grain Growth ◽  
Effective Strain ◽  
Growth Curves ◽  
Grain Structure ◽  
Growth Exponent ◽  
X Ray Diffraction ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Fine Grained ◽  
Angular Pressing

In-situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction has been applied in order to study grain growth in an ultra-fine grained (D~400 nm) 6060 aluminium alloy at 270°C. The submicron grain structure was produced by Equal Channel Angular Pressing (ECAP) to an effective strain of ~6 without rotation of the billet. As the material was textured after ECAP, the initial stages of grain growth were seldom detected, but in the grain size interval available for studies a grain growth exponent of 3.6±0.3 was obtained. By interpolation of the grain growth curves to D=D0 (determined by EBSD) the effect of growth on the softening of the alloy was estimated. The interpolated average curve indicates that the initial stages of softening are not due to uniform grain growth, but rather reconfiguration and annihilation of dislocations as well as overaging of hardening precipitates.

Wood Petrifaction: and aspect of biomineralogy

1979 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 377 ◽  
Author(s):  
G Scurfield
Keyword(s):  
Cell Wall ◽  
Cell Walls ◽  
X Ray Diffraction ◽  
Intercellular Substance ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Colloidal Form ◽  
Cell Lumina ◽  
Mineral Deposition ◽  
Wall Components ◽  
Scanning Electron

Light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and differential thermal analysis have been used to examine the structure and mineralogical make-up of 79 Australian petrified woods. Initiation of petrifaction appears to rely on the provision of a substrate with inherent porosity, with the substrate components chemically rather inert and only slowly degraded at normal temperatures and pressures under conditions probably most often acid and tending to anaerobic, and the pores sufficiently large to allow access of an appropriate mineral in ionic or colloidal form in water. Stages in the process include entry of mineral solution into the wood via splits or checks, cell lumina, and other voids; permeation of cell walls; progressive dissolution of cell wall components beginning largely with lignin and accompanied by a build-up of a mineral framework adequate for maintaining the dimensional stability of the wood; mineral deposition in cell lumina after cell wall replacement as a continuous, intermittent, perhaps separate, but not obligatory event; mineral deposition in voids present or formed by dissolution of intercellular substance as a separate, but not obligatory event; and final lithification involving loss of water and perhaps replacement of one mineral by another.

scholarly journals THE HIGH-MAGNESIUM CALCITE ORIGIN OF NUMMULITID FORAMINIFERA AND IMPLICATIONS FOR THE IDENTIFICATION OF CALCITE DIAGENESIS

Palaios ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (10) ◽  
pp. 421-431
Author(s):  
LAURA J. COTTON ◽  
DAVID EVANS ◽  
SIMON J. BEAVINGTON-PENNEY
Keyword(s):  
Magnesium Content ◽  
Carbonate Diagenesis ◽  
X Ray Diffraction ◽  
Larger Benthic Foraminifera ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Low Magnesium ◽  
Fossil Material ◽  
Magnesium Calcite ◽  
High Magnesium Calcite ◽  
Geochemical Studies

ABSTRACT Nummulites were one of the most abundant and widespread larger benthic foraminifera of the Paleogene, however, confusion remains within the literature as to whether their original test mineralogy was high or low magnesium calcite. As the number of studies using proxies based on Nummulites and related nummulitid geochemistry increase, it is essential to have a firm understanding of test composition to assess preservation within potential samples, and to interpret results. Here we employ a combination of X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy, and laser ablation ICPMS to determine magnesium content across exceptionally preserved and poorly preserved fossil material as well as modern examples of nummulitids—showing conclusively a primary intermediate to high magnesium calcite composition. This composition appears to be closely related to fluctuating ocean chemistry through the Paleogene. Using these results as an indicator of preservation we examine variation in trace element data across a suite of samples, and introduce the concept of the preservagram, a method of quickly visualizing different styles of carbonate diagenesis. Understanding the original mineralogy of nummulitids and, therefore, the extent to which specimens have been diagenetically altered, is essential as larger foraminifera are increasingly used in geochemical studies.

scholarly journals Occurrence of Sesquioxide in a Mid-Low Grade Collophane-Sedimentary Apatite Ore from Guizhou, China

Minerals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 1038
Author(s):  
Jie Deng ◽  
Kecheng Zhang ◽  
Dongsheng He ◽  
Hengqin Zhao ◽  
Rachid Hakkou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscope ◽  
Scanning Electron Microscope ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
Carbonate Apatite ◽  
X Ray Diffraction ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Fine Grained ◽  
Mineral Liberation ◽  
Fine Grain ◽  
Scanning Electron

Checking the presence of sesquioxide (Fe2O3, Al2O3) is helpful for its removal in advance. Therefore, the occurrence of sesquioxide in a mid-low grade calcareous-siliceous collophane ore (massive carbonate-apatite, also known as francolite) from Guizhou, China was determined by X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (FESEM-EDX) and Mineral Liberation Analyzer (MLA). The results show that iron mainly occurs as pyrite FeS2, goethite FeO(OH) and as substitution within dolomite Ca(Mg,Fe)(CO3)2, while aluminum is enriched in muscovite KAl2(AlSi3O10)(OH)2 and also found in apatite (F,CO3)CaPO4 and calcite CaCO3 due to isomorphism or adsorption. All these minerals are fine-grained, among which pyrite and goethite tend to be enriched in larger particles. Intergrowth is predominant in the six minerals’ locking. Pyrite is mainly intergrown with calcite, biotite and also included in apatite and muscovite, while the monomer pyrite appears as semi-automorphic fine grain with the liberation of 56.1%. Apatite particles are mainly intergrown with quartz and calcite. Most of goethite, dolomite, muscovite and calcite form intergrowth with apatite, with contents of 21.7%, 11.1%, 19.5% and 41%, respectively. The removal of pyrite, goethite, dolomite, muscovite and calcite in the ore is the key to reduce the contents of Fe2O3 and Al2O3. In the subsequent beneficiation, the ore must be fully ground. In addition to flotation, magnetic separation can also be considered to remove part of iron in ore. For the removal of aluminum from apatite, leaching method can be considered.

A precise and accurate method for the quantitative determination of carbonate minerals by X-Ray diffraction using a spiking technique

1971 ◽  
Vol 38 (296) ◽  
pp. 481-487 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. A. Gunatilaka ◽  
Roger Till
Keyword(s):  
Diffraction Method ◽  
Accurate Method ◽  
X Ray Diffraction ◽  
Carbonate Minerals ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Low Magnesium ◽  
Coefficients Of Variation ◽  
Magnesium Calcite ◽  
Peak Areas ◽  
High Magnesium Calcite

SummaryA precise and accurate X-ray diffraction method has been developed whereby the weight percentages of aragonite and low- and high-magnesium calcite are determined from the integrated peak areas of spiked and unspiked samples. The spike mixture was prepared from organisms extracted from the samples to be analysed. Use of a spiking method also avoided the preparation of working curves from artificial mixtures of carbonate minerals, which may not have the same diffraction behaviour as the unknowns. A test of the precision of the method indicates the following coefficients of variation: aragonite, 1·4 %; low-magnesium calcite, 1·5 %; high-magnesium calcite, 7·8 %. A test of the accuracy of the method indicates no significant bias in any of the carbonate results, except in samples where high-magnesium calcite values are below 10 %. Quartz may also be determined by this method (coefficient of variation 23·9 %; positive bias in values greater than 10 %).

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