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Abstract

Previous micro-Raman investigations on a wide range of types of microcrystalline silica samples have evidenced the presence of a new silica polymorph, i.e. moganite, in virtually every sample. In order to test the ubiquity of moganite in such geological materials in Romania, micro-Raman measurements were performed on gem-quality microcrystalline quartz (chalcedony, including agate and jasper) and additionally on quasi-amorphous silica (opal, silicified wood) samples from different occurrences. All the studied materials, including the quasi-amorphous varieties contain moganite in variable amounts (from traces up to local concentrations of 75 wt. %). Establishing correlations between colour and texture of the chemically-“pure” micro-crystalline silica samples and their mineralogical composition - as traced by micro-Raman measurements, requires further research.

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