Raman Spectroscopy and Confocal Raman Imaging in Mineralogy and Petrography

Confocal Raman Spectroscopy and Microscopy have attained a significant increase in recognition over the past two decades and the method is now well established as another instrument in the geoscientists' toolbox. Here we present and discuss the use and benefit of the method, considering aspects related to sample preparation, effects of the interaction of lasers on specific sample surfaces, as well as instrumental consideration to address these aspects. Further we present examples how confocal Raman microscopy can be applied in mineral phase and phase composition imaging as well as crystallographic orientation imaging in a variety of geological materials, including shocked minerals, carbonaceous materials and fluid inclusions.