Application of cathodoluminescence microscopy and spectroscopy in geosciences

Cathodoluminescence (CL) microscopy and spectroscopy are luminescence techniques with widespread applications in geosciences. Many rock-forming and accessory minerals show CL characteristics, which can be successfully used in geoscientific research. One of the most spectacular applications is the visualization of growth textures and other internal structures that are not discernable with other analytical techniques. In addition, information from CL imaging and spectroscopy can be used for the reconstruction of processes of mineral formation and alteration to provide information about the real structure of minerals and materials, and to prove the presence and type of lattice incorporation of several trace elements. In the present article, an overview about CL properties of selected minerals is given, and several examples of applications discussed. The presented data illustrate that best results are achieved when luminescence studies are performed under standardized conditions and combined with other analytical techniques with high sensitivity and high spatial resolution.