The intracrystalline microstructure of Monte Fico lizardite, by optics, μ-Raman spectroscopy and TEM

The Monte Fico lizardite crystals have an internal skeletal spongy microstructure, formed by two micrometric domains having different optical reliefs. This intracrystalline microstructure parallels the previously reported intercrystalline arrangement, consisting of lizardite prisms within a chrysotile plus polygonal serpentine matrix. In the high-wavenumber region, the larger and more abundant domains (that represent approximately 87% of the total field view) produce mu-Raman spectra characterized by two major peaks at 3686 and 3705 cm(-1). The smaller, less abundant domains present a wide band confined between these wavenumbers. These features are interpreted as lizardite and chrysotile, respectively. Raman results are confirmed by TEM, which emphasizes the presence of well-recognizable polygonal serpentine too. Tight crystallographic control exists between lizardite and this first serpentine generation. A second serpentine generation occurs perpendicularly to the first one. The lizardite crystals grew up with a skeletal habit, whereas chrysotile fibres and polygonal serpentine filled the voids, growing epitactically on the lizardite crystals, with fast crystal growth in a fluid-rich environment.

Automated summary

The Monte Fico lizardite crystals exhibit a complex internal skeletal spongy microstructure, with different micrometric domains showing distinct optical reliefs. These features, interpreted as lizardite and chrysotile, are confirmed by TEM analysis, demonstrating tight crystallographic control between the crystals.