SPI Supplies Individual Microanalysis Standard Item, Minerals Group, Kaersutite

This is a reflected light micrograph of polished, carbon coated kaersutite crystals. The identifying etched label, which is a feature of our standards, is invaluable for navigating in an electron beam instrument. Kaersutite is an amphibole, which allows a wide range of chemical elements to enter its structure. It therefore has many possibilities as a standard. The moderate amounts of potassium, titanium and sodium, for instance, as well as the more abundant silicon, aluminium and calcium. It is named after the type locality, Kaersut, in Greenland. This sample comes from Kangerdlugssuaq in East Greenland.