LA-ICP-MS Chemical Analysis Profiles of Paraiba Tourmaline, Batalha Mine Sample No. GRS-Ref2965
Fig. Par58 Photograph of a multi-colored tourmaline from Brazil from another source (Paraiba, Batalha mine, source: Wagoner)
Note: Intense purple-, blue- and green color zoning is visible from core to the rim. The trail of craters is from LA-ICP-MS analysis. Chemical analysis profiles see Fig. Par59a-d and Fig. Par60a-d.
Fig. Par59a-d Chemical analysis profile by LA-ICP-MS. Chemical variations are correlated with color zoning. The “neon”-blue color zone is characterized by a decrease in Mn- and an increase in Cu- and Bi-concentrations (Fig. Par59a). The inner core of the crystal is characterized by high concentrations of Mn, followed by a sudden decrease in Mn-concentrations in the “neon”-blue growth zone. The Mn-concentrations resume their concentration level during crystal growth towards the rim. A very similar profile has been published in the literature from the same type locality (Lit. Par16) with almost identical results regarding the Mn- and Cu-trends. Other trace element concentrations can be correlated with these changes in the minor elements. Be is enriched in the “neon”-blue zone (Fig. Par59d) and Zn and Mg in the green rim (Fig. Par59b-c).
LA-ICP-MS Chemical Analysis Profiles of Paraiba Tourmaline, Batalha Mine
