Mineralogical applications of luminescence techniques.

Abstract

Why does luminescence vary in colour and intensity, and what actually causes it? What information can the study and measurement of luminescence yield? The aim of this chapter is to indicate the present state of knowledge in this respect, to outline the background to the modern theory of luminescence as applied to minerals, and to briefly describe the experimental techniques which have proved useful (cathodoluminescence, spectral measurements). Luminescence centres are described in olivine, pyroxene and pyroxenoids, feldspars, carbonates and quartz. -J.M.H.