Rocks, Minerals, & Gems

Cathodoluminescence (CL) microscopy reveals the real structure of solids based on a crystal's intrinsic properties and trace-element chemistry. Although CL is useful for identifying minerals (and their distribution), researchers more frequently employ this technique to reveal the typomorphic properties and features of minerals that characterize the conditions of formation and alteration to reconstruct geological processes.

The table below shows various minerals that may be examined using CL. Note that iron minerals and iron-rich phases are generally non-luminescent.

Class	Examples
Elements	Diamond
Sulfides	Sphalerite
Oxides	Corundum, cassiterite, periclase
Halides	Fluorite, halite
Sulfates	Anhydrite, alunite
Phosphates	Apatite
Carbonates	Calcite, aragonite, dolomite, magnesite
Silicates	Feldspar, quartz, zircon, kaolinite

Experimental briefs and application notes


Major, minor, and trace element distributions in a meteorite revealed by energy dispersive spectroscopy and cathodoluminescence spectroscopy	Streamlined microanalysis in the SEM	High-speed, hyperspectral (spectrum) imaging for all with the Monarc detector

Observation of crystal structure orientation by cathodoluminescence (CL) polarization-filtered spectrum imaging	Cathodoluminescence techniques for the geosciences