WATER-RELATED IR CHARACTERISTICS IN NATURAL FIBROUS DIAMONDS

Abstract

Water-related features were studied using infrared absorption spectroscopy in fibrous diamonds with micro-inclusions. Both OH-stretching and HOH-bending vibrations were observed. The lack of correlation between the intensities of HOH and OH bands in different samples and the complexity of the OH-stretching band indicate that a large fraction of water is present as hydroxyl groups in minerals. Heat ing and cooling experiments were performed to elucidate the properties of fluids in micro-inclusions in diamonds. The results of experiments at various temperatures support the presence of several water-related components in individual diamonds. These spectroscopic investigations of fibrous diamonds revealed two or more interrelated water-related components preserved in micro-inclusions. The existence of several water phases or water solutions with different salinity and solutes within one diamond crystal is possible. © 2006 The Mineralogical Society.