Contribution

Mineralogical observations of weddellite from South Georgia, Subantarctica

Van de Vijver, B.; Vochten, R.; Geys, J.; Verbruggen, C.; Beyens, L.

Abstract

Weddellite crystals (CaC2O4 · 2H2O) were found in peat samples from Husvik on the subantarctic island of South Georgia. Compared to literature data, the crystals are rather small. They are prismatically shaped with tetragonal bipyramidal terminations. Interpenetration twins are frequently observed. The X-ray diffraction data show a slight difference with the ICDD-values. The possible source of these crystals is briefly discussed, favouring the in situ formation of weddellite, rather than the formation after storage and preparation of the material.

Mots-clefs

Weddellite • X-ray diffraction • peat samples • South Georgia • subantarctic region.