Katarzyna J. Stanienda-Pilecki

This article theorizes about the importance and usability of Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy in the identification of carbonate phases varying in magnesium content. Results of studies of Triassic limestone samples taken from the area of the Polish part of the Germanic Basin using this method are presented. The following phases were analyzed: a low-magnesium (Mg) calcite, a high-Mg calcite, a dolomite, and a huntite. These carbonate phases were identified on the basis of the peak wavenumbers that are present in the infrared absorption spectra. Low-Mg calcite dominates in the limestones, with some samples having a lower amount of high-Mg calcite. Moreover, dolomite and huntite were identified. The results of research show that substitution of Ca

 in the carbonate phase lattices leads to a continuous wavenumber increase in the band locations. Therefore, FT-IR spectroscopy was used for identification of carbonate minerals with variable contents of magnesium.

	Inorganic and biogenic rhombohedral carbonate minerals can be characterized by variable content of calcium carbonate (CaCO

) identified in Triassic limestones of the Polish part of the Germanic Basin (southwestern part of Poland, in the Opole region of Upper Silesia) (1,2). The limestones of Muschelkalk (Middle Triassic) sediments, especially formations of the Lower Muschelkalk in the Gogolin Beds (the bottom of profile), the GóraÅ¼dÅ¼e Beds, Dziewkowice Beds, and Karchowice Beds (the upper formation of profile) are built of carbonate phases differing in calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) content. These deposit formation names are regional, and derive from the names of nearby towns. Variability of calcium and magnesium in carbonate rocks is associated with the presence of various magnesium-containing carbonate phases. Results of the studies show that limestones of the Polish part of the Germanic Basin are mainly built of low-magnesium calcite, high-high magnesium calcite, and dolomite. Moreover, it is possible to observe lesser amounts of huntite, ankerite, and siderite (1–8).

	The aim of this article is to show the importance and usability of Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy for research of carbonate phases, which present different content of MgCO

 in middle Triassic sediments. The limestones were first investigated as part of previous research work. FT-IR was one of the analytical methods used during this previous work (3–8). However, in past studies, the accuracy of FT-IR was not evaluated for identification of carbonate phases with different amounts of magnesium, especially phases with magnesium substitution. Therefore, it was decided to evaluate this question in the present study.

	FT-IR spectroscopy allows one to identify carbonates characterized by variable content of calcium and magnesium: low-Mg calcite CaCO

 (space group R3-withbar c), high-Mg calcite CaMgCO

 (space group R3-withbar c), proto-dolomite Ca

 (space group R3-withbar c), ordered dolomite Ca

 (space group R3-withbar c) (9–18). Carbonate minerals are characterized by highly anisodesmic bonds, comprised of anions as CO

 in the minerals, in which atoms have covalent bonds that behave like vibrators, somewhat independent of their molecular surroundings. Their vibrations influence the absorption spectra of carbonates. The absorption bands, corresponding to the intramolecular vibrations of CO

 anions, correspond to the basic range of the infrared spectrum, and the lattice vibrations yield absorption bands in the far infrared (19–21). The free CO

 symmetry. It causes four intramolecular vibrations: v

 (bending in the plane). In the crystalline lattice of trigonal anhydrous carbonates (a group of calcite), which crystallize according to point group D

 anions located in places with local symmetry D

. Under these conditions, vibrations of the CO

 anion produce absorption bands only slightly shifted in relation to the frequency of the free ion vibrations. The band v

 is particularly useful for identification of carbonate minerals. This band clearly changes its position with the change of cation type, and takes the following peak locations for calcite: CaCO

) absorption spectrum, where the structure of the flat CO

. This band is located approximately halfway between the appropriate band of calcite and magnesite. Isomorphic substitutions cause only a slight shift of the carbonate absorption bands. The v

 absorption band, prohibited in principle for carbonates of the calcite group, is sometimes observed in the spectra of weakly crystallized samples or those specimens whose structure has been disturbed by grinding.

	Magnesium usually comes from sea waters, and less often from fresh waters. High-Mg calcite is an unstable carbonate phase with respect to low-Mg calcite. It may lose its magnesium over time, and become low-Mg calcite. If it is exposed to magnesium-rich pore waters, high-Mg calcite can gain additional magnesium and be replaced by dolomite (22). Dolomite and huntite are stable carbonate phases, because in these phases, magnesium does not substitute for calcium. Typical dolomite, stoichiometric in its chemical composition, contains 46.13% of MgCO

. It is formed during advanced stages of diagenesis, in a water environment rich in magnesium. Protodolomite is usually formed during sediment compaction and early stages of diagenesis. This is a non-stoichiometric, poorly ordered carbonate phase, often characterized by lower than stoichiometric content of MgCO

 (23–25). Huntite has increased content of magnesium, anywhere from 20–21% of Mg (from 69–71% MgCO

) (26–29). It is usually formed as an effect of hydrothermal processes, weathering of dolomite, or as a result of the transformation of high-Mg calcite under high temperature conditions. In sedimentary rocks, it occurs in the sediments of the vadose zone (27).

	FT-IR analysis was applied to investigate a total of 30 samples:

		4 samples from Gogolin Beds (G1 and G6, collected in Gogolin Quarry, LD9 and LD11, collected in GóraÅ¼dÅ¼e Quarry)

		5 samples from GóraÅ¼dÅ¼e Beds LD2, SA5, W1, W5, and W7, (LD2 collected in Ligota Dolna Quarry)

		6 samples of Dziewkowice (Terebratula) Beds SO1, SO28, S2, S8, SA10, and SA12 (SO1 and SO28 from Strzelce Opolskie Quarry; S2 and S8 from Szymiszów Quarry; SA10 and SA12 from the Saint Anne Mountain area)

		15 samples from Karchowice Beds SO7, SO14, SO20, SA2, SA13, T1, T7, T15, T22, T30, T41, T62, T65, T66, and T77 (SO7, SO14, SO20 from Strzelce Opolskie Quarry; SA2 and SA13 from the Saint Anne Mountain area; T1, T7, T15, T22, T30, T41, T62, T65, T66, and T77 from Tarnów Opolski Quarry)

	The samples were collected during previous projects connected with the study of limestone mineral composition, especially carbonate phases with different magnesium content related to diagenetic processes (4–8).

	The studies were carried out at the Institute of Geological Sciences of Jagiellonian University in Cracow (Poland), using a FTS 135 BioRad Fourier transform spectrometer. The spectra were evaluated using the software provided by the manufacturer (Bio-Rad Sadtler Division). Pellets were made from samples and analyzed. The pellets were made by mixing 0.8 mg dried sample with 300 mg spectrally pure potassium bromide (KBr). Then, the mixture was compressed into a pellet using several tons of pressure while under vacuum.

	The absorption spectra obtained provided information to identify minerals that form within the selected limestone specimens. With the increase of magnesium content, the values of peak wavenumber locations increased from those typical for "pure" calcite to the peak values characteristic for dolomite. Peak wavenumber values typical for huntite and magnesite are higher in comparison to those of dolomite (Table I) (12,16, 22,24,27).


	Figure 1: Infrared absorption spectrum of limestone sample G6 in the range from 4000 to 400 cm

	FT-IR was applied to investigate four samples in total: G1, G6, LD9, and LD11. The results of sample G6 were presented in the study (Figure 1, Table II) (5,6). The results of the study show that low-Mg calcite dominates in these samples. In three samples (G6, LD9 and LD11), high-Mg calcite was identified (Figure 1, Table II). In the G6 sample, this carbonate phase was determined on the basis of peak wavenumber v

 and in samples LD9 and LD11, on the basis of peak wavenumber v

. Absorption bands of dolomite were observed only in the infrared absorption spectrum of sample G6 (Figure 1, Table II). The dolomite phase was identified on the basis of three band wavenumbers toward the far infrared.

	Huntite (a carbonate phase with the highest Mg content) was determined in the absorption spectra of samples G6 and LD11. This carbonate phase was identified on the basis of single infrared absorption bands (Figure 1, Table II) (5). Because they are single bands, it was concluded that this carbonate phase probably occurs in these samples.


	Figure 2: Infrared absorption spectrum of limestone sample W5 in the range from 4000 to 400 cm

Mineral Phases in GóraÅ¼dÅ¼e Limestones 

	The FT-IR analysis was applied to investigate five samples in total: LD2, SA5, W1, W5, and W7. The results of sample W5 are presented in the study (Figure 2, Table III) (5). The results of the study show that in GóraÅ¼dÅ¼e limestones the low-Mg calcite dominates. Only in one sample, W5, was high-Mg calcite identified (Figure 4, Table III). This carbonate phase was identified on the basis of two peak wavenumbers, with values of 1519 cm

. The other carbonate phase, as dolomite, was observed in absorption spectra of samples W1, LD2, and SA5 (Figure 2, and Table III). Huntite was not found in the samples of GóraÅ¼dÅ¼e limestone (5).

Mineral Phases in Dziewkowice (Terebratula) Limestones

	FT-IR was then used to investigate six additional samples: SO1, SO28, S2, S8, SA10 and SA12. The results of three of these samples, SO1, S2, and SA12, are presented in the study (Figures 3, 4 and 5, and Table IV) (5, 6). Results of the spectral analysis show that low-Mg calcite dominates in these limestones. This phase, like in the previous samples, was identified on the basis of the following infrared bands: v

. Other identified bands for these samples in wavenumbers are given in (Figures 3, 4 and 5, and Table IV) (5,6).


	Figure 3: Infrared absorption spectrum of limestone sample SO1 in the range from 4000 to 400 cm

	High-Mg calcite was identified only in sample SA12, on the basis of wavenumbers: v

. Dolomite was determined in four samples: SA10, SO1, S2, and in S8 (Table IV). Huntite was observed in the absorption spectra of three samples: SO1, S2, and SA12 (Table IV) (5,6).


	Figure 4: Infrared absorption spectrum of limestone sample S2 in the range from 4000 to 400 cm

	FT-IR was applied to investigate 15 samples of this type: SO7, SO14, SO20, SA2, SA13, T1, T7, T15, T22, T30, T41, T62, T65, T66, and T77 (Table V). The results of two samples, T41 and T62, were presented in the study (Figures 6 and 7, and Table V) (5,6,35). Results of the spectral analysis show that in these limestones, the presence of low-Mg calcite dominates. This phase, like in the previous samples, was identified on the basis of the following infrared bands: v

 in samples SO20, SA2, SA13, T15, T65, T66, and T77 (Figures 6 and 7, and Table V). Sometimes other bands were observed in the infrared spectra with peak wavenumbers given in (Table V) (5,6,35).


	Figure 5: Infrared absorption spectrum of limestone sample SA12 in the range from 4000 to 400 cm

	High-Mg calcite was identified in samples SO14, SO20, T1, T7, T22, T30, T41, and T62 (Table V). It was identified on the basis of the following bands in wavenumbers: v


	Figure 6: Infrared absorption spectrum of limestone sample T41 in the range from 400 to 3500 cm

	Dolomite was determined in eleven samples: in SO7, SO14, T7, T15, T22, T30, T41, T62, T65, and T66 (Table V) (5,6,35).

	Huntite was observed in the absorption spectra of three samples: SO1, S2, and SA12 (Table V) (5,6).


	Figure 7: Infrared absorption spectrum of limestone sample T62 in the range from 400 to 3500 cm

	Moreover, non-carbonate phases were also identified in the absorption spectra of several analyzed samples: quartz (in Gogolin, GóraÅ¼dÅ¼e, and Karchowice limestones), feldspars, kaolinite (in Gogolin, GóraÅ¼dÅ¼e, Dziewkowice and Karchowice limestones), and montmorillonite (in Karchowice limestones) (5,6,35).

	The results of FT-IR analysis indicate that the greatest variation of carbonate phases is present in limestones of the Gogolin Beds, Dziewkowice Beds and Karchowice Beds, and the lowest in the GóraÅ¼dÅ¼e Beds. However "pure" calcite (low magnesium calcite as CaCO

) dominates in limestones of all formations. This phase was determined on the basis of typical bands: v

]) was identified in limestone samples of all formations, but not in every investigated sample. Chemical formula of high-Mg calcite of Gogolin limestones can be demonstrated as follows: Ca

, whereas that of GóraÅ¼dÅ¼e limestones is (Ca

, that of Dziewkowice limestones can be demonstrated as follows: (Ca

, and that of Karchowice limestones is (Ca

. Differentiation of magnesium content in crystals results in a varied value of high-Mg calcite bands observed in absorption spectra of limestones from each formation. The infrared absorption bands of this phase were observed in spectra of three Gogolin Limestones (in sample G6 [v

) (5,6). In GóraÅ¼dÅ¼e limestones, high Mg calcite was determined in one sample, W5, on the basis of two wavenumbers, with values of 1519 cm

. In Dziewkowice limestones, this phase was identified in two samples: S2 (on the basis of bands found at 1519 cm

) (5,6). In Karchowice limestones, absorption bands of high-Mg calcite were observed in spectra of eight samples: SO14 (wavenumbers: v

	The corresponding band in wavenumbers is independent of the local formation conditions, and may be used for the estimation of the composition of homogeneous high-Mg calcites. Note that in the absorption spectra of all investigated samples, the v

 wavenumber was not observed, therefore, no conclusions can be drawn about high-Mg calcite composition. The lack of this band could be connected with the small amount of high-Mg calcite within the limestone samples studied. The symmetric stretching mode v

, a typical absorption band of dolomite and huntite, sometimes is observed as a weak absorption band of high-magnesium calcite (16). However, this band was not observed in the absorption spectra of the investigated samples. There were bands observed having wavenumber positions in the far infrared.

) was determined in limestone samples of all formations but not in every investigated sample. It was determined to be only in one Gogolin limestone sample, G6, on the basis of bands at 2605 cm

. In infrared absorption spectra of three investigated samples of GóraÅ¼dÅ¼e limestone, absorption bands were observed. In one sample, W1, this phase was identified on the basis of two bands: 1702 cm

, and in two samples, LD2 and SA5, on the basis of only one band, 2605 cm

. Therefore, dolomite probably occurred in these samples (5,6). In the Dziewkowice limestone, dolomite was determined in four samples: SO1 (on the basis of bands at 1385 cm

 band), and SA10 (on the basis of the 2360 cm

 bands. In absorption spectra of samples S2 and S8, only single dolomite bands were observed. Therefore, it should be assumed that the dolomite is probably present in these samples. In Karchowice limestone, dolomite was identified in 13 of the samples: SO7, SO14, SA2, T7, T15, T22, T30, T41, T62, T65, and T66. In the absorption spectra of four samples (T15, T30, T65, and T66), only a single band of dolomite, v

, was observed. In the absorption spectra of other samples, more than one band of dolomite was observed: in SO7 (v

). (5,6,35). Hence, the probability of dolomite presence in these samples is higher than in previous samples. When

the presence of two typical and intense infrared absorption bands are observed (v

, it can be clearly stated that dolomite is present in the sample. The bands of v

) was identified in five investigated samples: two of Gogolin limestone (G6 and LD11), and three of Dziewkowice limestone (SO1, S2, and SA12). The huntite infrared bands were not observed in samples of the GóraÅ¼dÅ¼e limestone nor Karchowice limestone. There were no bands typical for huntite: v

 for investigated samples. The carbonate phase was identified owing to the following bands: 1555 cm

 in sample LD11 (5,6). Huntite was only identified on the basis of single bands and only in the samples of Gogolin and Dziewkowice limestone. Therefore, it was concluded that huntite is most likely present in the samples. Moreover, some of the huntite band wavenumber values are slightly differentiated. It is most probably related to the varied content of magnesium and calcium in the huntite crystal lattice. Previous studies have shown that the magnesium content in huntite (14.01–16.18%) is lower corresponding to a stoichiometric value as 20–21% Mg, 33–34% MgO, 69–71% MgCO

, which exceeds the stoichiometric value for dolomite as 13.12% Mg, and 21.86% MgO (5,6). The reduction of magnesium ions could be caused by diagenetic process, or dehuntization. This type of huntite is probably present in the limestones we investigated. To summarize, because the huntite associated bands have higher wavenumber values than the corresponding bands of dolomite, it should be assumed that they are the huntite associated bands, and probably huntite characterized by reduced magnesium content.

	Results of this research show that FT-IR spectroscopy is an appropriate method useful for identification of carbonate phases differing in magnesium content. On the basis of the infrared spectra obtained from FT-IR, the minerals as constituent parts of the investigated limestones were identified, in particular carbonate phases (low magnesium calcite, high-Mg calcite, dolomite, and huntite).

	According to the results, the presence of low-Mg calcite dominates in the investigated limestone samples. This is confirmed by the occurrence of a significant number of absorption bands of this carbonate phase, as v

, and bands observed in the far infrared. High-Mg calcite was identified in limestone samples of all formations; however, not in every sample measured. Usually the bands: v

 and some far infrared bands occurred in the samples investigated. The wavenumber values of high Mg-calcite observed in spectra of limestones from different formations are often connected with the Mg content if the crystal lattice.

	Dolomite, just like high-Mg calcite, was also determined to be present in the limestone samples of all formations but not in every investigated sample. The bands for dolomite are usually found at higher wavenumbers than those of high-Mg calcite. Usually single or two dolomite bands, seldom three, occurred in the spectra of the measured samples. Because of those findings,we cannot draw definitive conclusions about dolomite type. On the basis of the results, we can only confirm the presence of dolomite in the test samples; however, we cannot say whether it is proto-dolomite or ordered dolomite.

	Huntite was identified only in five samples, two of Gogolin limestone and three of Dziewkowice limestone, and only on the basis of a single band. However, because its wavenumber band position is higher than the corresponding values for dolomite, it should be assumed that they are the huntite associated bands. Some of the huntite bands are slightly differentiated; probably related to the different concentrations of magnesium in the huntite crystal lattice.

	FT-IR spectroscopy could be used as the one of the most appropriate methods for the identification of carbonate phases differentiated by magnesium content, including phases with magnesium substitution. It is highly usable and demonstrates high accuracy.

	(1) J. Szulc, International Workshop- Field Seminar The Muschelkalk- Sedimentary Environments, Facies and Diagenesis, Excursion Guidebook and Abstracts. Kracow-Opole (1990) s. 1–32.

Effects of Dolomitization Processes in the Triassic Limestone of Tarnów Opolski Deposit

 (Silesian University of Technology Press, Gliwice,Poland, 2011).

Diagenesis of the Triassic Limestone from the Opole Silesia in the Aspect of Magnesian Calcite Presence

 (Silesian University of Technology Press, Gliwice, Poland, 2013).

	(10) M.E. Böttcher, P.L. Gehlken, and E. Usdowski, 

	(12) M.E. Böttcher, P.L. Gehlken and C. Reutel, 

	(13) M.E. Böttcher, P.L. Gehlken, Á. Fernández-González and M. Prieto, 

	(14) M.E. Böttcher, P.L. Gehlken, and F.D. Steele, 

	(15) D. Kralj, J. Kontrec, L. BrecevC, G. Falini and V. Nöthig-Laslo, 

	(17) J.O. Titiloye, N.H. De Leeuw and S.C. Parker, 

	(19) D.J. Ahn, A. Berman and D. Charych, 

	(20) O.S. Pokrovsky, J.A. Mielczarski, O. Barrea and J. Schott, 

	(21) K. Ramseyer, T.M. Miano, V. D'Orazio, A. Wildberger, T. Wagner and J. Geister, 

 (Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, United Kingdom, 2nd Ed., 2010), pp. 313-457.

	(23) F.T. Mackenzie and A.J. Andersson, 

	(24) J.W. Morse, A.J. Andersson and F.T. Mackenzie, 

 (Blackwell Scientific Publications, Oxford London, United Kingdom, 1990), pp. 366–372.

Articles

In this study, FT-IR spectroscopy was used for identification of carbonate minerals in limestone with variable contents of magnesium. Associated spectral bands were identified and assigned. Results of studies of Triassic limestone samples taken from the area of the Polish part of the Germanic Basin using FT-IR are presented. The results of research show that substitution of Ca2+ by Mg2+ in the carbonate phase lattices leads to a continuous wavenumber increase in the assigned band locations.

Katarzyna J. Stanienda-Pilecki

Articles

The Importance of Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy in the Identification of Carbonate Phases Differentiated in Magnesium Content