Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) is a ubiquitous mineral that can exhibit a large degree of variation in its three-dimensional, atomic-level periodic order. We demonstrate that Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) spectroscopy is an effective tool for assessing crystallinity differences among biogenic, geogenic, and anthropogenic calcitic materials, and that these differences in local atomic order provide valuable insights into material formation pathways.  Furthermore, since both modern and ancient carbon can be introduced during recrystallization events, we explore a link between crystallinity and carbon isotopic composition in both geogenic calcitic chalks and ancient anthropogenic calcite plasters. Our investigations correlate spectroscopic and microscopic data with 14C and d13C analyses.

Distinguishing between calcites with different origins: Tracking crystallinity changes with infrared spectroscopy and carbon isotope analyses

242nd National Meeting (2011)

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