Environmental structural study of chrysocolla by anomalous X-ray scattering (AXS)

Abstract

The structure of a chrysocolla sample from Cupiapo, Chile has been studied by the conventional X-ray diffraction and the anomalous X-ray scattering (AXS). The X-ray scattering profiles were measured at the Cu K-absorption edge and the obtained energy dependence in scattering intensities allowed us to obtain the environmental radial distribution function around Cu. The fundamental structural image with local SiO4 and CuO4 coordinations was confirmed by the present analysis. The medium range structure is discussed by using the reverse Monte Carlo (RMC) simulation method.