Infrared and infrared emission spectroscopy of nesquehonite Mg(OH)(HCO3)·2H2O-implications for the formula of nesquehonite.

The mineral nesquehonite Mg(OH)(HCO(3))·2H(2)O has been analysed by a combination of infrared (IR) and infrared emission spectroscopy (IES). Both techniques show OH vibrations, both stretching and deformation modes. IES proves the OH units are stable up to 450°C. The strong IR band at 934 cm(-1) is evidence for MgOH deformation modes supporting the concept of HCO(3)(-) units in the molecular structure. Infrared bands at 1027, 1052 and 1098 cm(-1) are attributed to the symmetric stretching modes of HCO(3)(-) and CO(3)(2-) units. Infrared bands at 1419, 1439, 1511, and 1528 cm(-1) are assigned to the antisymmetric stretching modes of CO(3)(2-) and HCO(3)(-) units. IES supported by thermoanalytical results defines the thermal stability of nesquehonite. IES defines the changes in the molecular structure of nesquehonite with temperature. The results of IR and IES supports the concept that the formula of nesquehonite is better defined as Mg(OH)(HCO(3))·2H(2)O.