Local Structure Analysis around Mn in elbaite

Abstract

Tourmaline is unique among gem minerals in occurring in shades of all colors. In this study, local structure around Mn in rubellite from Mogok Myanmar and cuprian elbaite from Dos Quintos Brazil is analyzed by XAFS (X-ray Absorption Fine Structure) measurements. The energy of the K-absorption edge for present elbaite samples is similar to that of MnO, by suggesting the overall preference of Mn²⁺. The first nearest neighbor distance of Mn-O pair is about 0.22nm, which also suggests the local structure around Mn²⁺.