Unravelling Phase Transitions in Minerals at Extreme Temperatures: Using Terahertz and Infrared Spectroscopy

This paper presents the findings derived from Terahertz (THz) and infrared (IR) spectroscopic analyses conducted on naturally occurring minerals, specifically Prehnite (Ca
2
Al(AlSi
3
O
10
)(OH)
2
) and Rhodochrosite (MnCO
3
). These minerals hold significance as premium gemstones and have historical relevance in various archaeological contexts. The study systematically investigates these minerals across a range of temperatures (T) from 25°C to 800°C. The research sheds light on the intricate interplay between molecular orientations and lattice modes, elucidating their profound impact on bonding and structural properties. The study underscores the pivotal role of alterations in lattice modes and molecular orientations, which are precisely examined through vibrational spectroscopic techniques. These findings illuminate the mechanisms behind structural phase transitions, a phenomenon of paramount importance within the mineral industry and the broader field of materials science.