Cathodoluminescence Microscopy and Spectroscopy of Planar Deformation Features of Shocked Zircon from the Vredefort Impact Structure, South Africa

Gucsik, Arnold (2009) Cathodoluminescence Microscopy and Spectroscopy of Planar Deformation Features of Shocked Zircon from the Vredefort Impact Structure, South Africa. In: Micro-Raman Spectroscopy and Luminescence Studies in the Earth and Planetary Sciences. Proceedings of the International Conference Spectroscopy 2009 (1163). American Institute of Physics, New York, pp. 96-108. ISBN 978-0-7354-0700-8

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Abstract

Thorough understanding of the shock metamorphic signatures of zircon will provide a basis for the application of this mineral as a powerful tool for the study of terrestrial impact structures and formations. This paper of the cathodoluminescence (CL) spectroscopic signatures of naturally shocked zircon crystals from the Vredefort Dome, South Africa contributes to the understanding of the formation of microdeformation in zircon under very high pressures. All investigated shocked samples shows an inverse relationship between the brightness of the backscattered electron (BSE) signal and the corresponding cathodoluminescence intensity of the zonation patterns. The CL spectra of samples are characterised by narrow emission lines and broad bands in the region of visible light and in the near-ultraviolet range. The emission lines result from rare earth element activators and the broad bands are associated with lattice defects. The results show a clear relationship between the CL properties of zircon and shock pressure, which confirm the possible use of these methods as shock indicators.

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