The structure of copper minerals is explained on the basis of EPR and optical absorption spectral studies. The minerals contain not only copper but also manganese and iron as impurities. The environments of these ions in the crystal were explained based on crystal field theory. The ground state is confirmed with EPR studies. Optical absorption spectral results show that Cu(II) is present in tetragonal elongation in minerals and whereas in synthetic compound in compression. The mineral studied are beaverite, chalcocite, voglite and atacamite.

View full abstract