A NEW TECHNOLOGY FOR ROCK AND MINERAL IDENTIFICATION IN THE EARTH SCIENCES: THE ROCKHOUND™ RAMAN SPECTROMETER

Rocks and minerals exhibit a limited array of diagnostic properties that can be applied in field for identification and interpretation (these include hardness, streak, crystal habit, color, acid response, association, etc.). A broader array of characteristics (spectral, optical, and chemical) can be effectively examined in the laboratory. But most technologically advanced methods require complex equipment, special materials and controlled laboratory environments. Such methods are time consuming and expensive. The best techniques are those that are simple and equally effective in both laboratory and field situations.

We are introducing a new mineral identification technique, Raman spectroscopy, that is technologically advanced, but is readily applied in both the field and laboratory. The equipment is extremely portable and relatively easy to use. This makes the application fun and exciting for the students. Raman spectroscopy is a method for rapid and non-destructive mineral identification. The recently developed RockHound™ spectrometer allows instructors and students to use Raman spectral signatures for characterizing minerals in classroom and field exercises. A digital library of Raman curves assists in identifying minerals in outcrops or hand specimens. New mineral curves may be appended to the library to further expand the capability of the Raman system. For laboratory applications, a digital microscope (NuScope™) is attached for fine laser positioning and focusing to identify discrete minerals within a heterogeneous rock sample. An image of the specimen may also be captured on the screen for future identification.