Phase Identification Using Electron Backscatter Diffraction in the Scanning Electron Microscope

Abstract

Backscatter Kikuchi Diffraction patterns were obtained in a scanning electron microscope from a small rock fragment which had been identified using x-ray fluorescence analysis as a lead oxychloride. The angular range of reciprocal space captured in the patterns was 130-degrees and within this range only 1 symmtry axis was observed. It was identified as 2mm which permitted the crystal to be identified as orthorhombic. Analysis showed that the a:b ratio was close to 1 and the a:c ratio close to 4. The analysis confirmed earlier x-ray powder diffraction studies that the fragment was very similar to Blixite.