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Spectroscopic and Elemental Analyses of Purplish Red to Pink Spinels from Myanmar, India, Mahenge, and Tunduru (Tanzania)
Abstract
Purplish red to pink spinel samples from Myanmar, India, and Tanzania (Mahenge and Tunduru mines) were analyzed using gemological tools, attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, synchrotron X-ray absorption spectroscopy, and electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA). While gemological properties did not significantly differ across samples, chemical composition analysis by EPMA revealed distinct characteristics for source determination. Indian pink spinels contained relatively high manganese concentrations, and specific Cr2O3/Fe2O3 and ZnO/V2O5 ratios were characteristic of different sources. The ATR-FTIR spectra were consistent across sources, whereas the Raman spectra revealed variations in the Mg–O and Al–O bond peak ratios. X-ray absorption spectroscopy analysis confirmed the presence of Cr3⁺ in all the samples, with varying Fe2⁺ and Fe3⁺ states. By comparing spinels from Myanmar, India, and Tanzania, this comprehensive study enhances the understanding of regional variations in spinel characteristics, contributing to more accurate origin determination and market classification.
Keywords
spinel,
India,
Tanzania,
attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared,
electron probe microanalyzer,
X-ray absorption near-edge structure
Supporting agencies: The authors extend their sincere appreciation for the assistance provided by the Synchrotron Light Research Institute (SLRI) in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand; the Sensor Research Unit (SRU) at the Department of Chemistry; and the Department of Geology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, for their instrumental support. This research was funded by the Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI) via Basic Research Fund 2021 from Burapha University, under grant number 18/2564, and the Science Innovation Facility, Faculty of Science, Burapha University (SIF-IN-49300011).
About the Authors
P. Thongnopkun
Faculty of Science, Burapha University
Thailand
Thailand
Chonburi
A. Phlayrahan
Faculty of Gems, Burapha University
Thailand
Thailand
Chanthaburi Campus, Chanthaburi
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Review
For citations:
Thongnopkun P., Phlayrahan A. Spectroscopic and Elemental Analyses of Purplish Red to Pink Spinels from Myanmar, India, Mahenge, and Tunduru (Tanzania). Zhurnal Prikladnoii Spektroskopii. 2025;92(5):695.
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