Near‐infrared detection of ammonium minerals

Abstract

Diagnostic near‐infrared spectral features have been identified for minerals with ammonium [Formula: see text] bound in the crystal structure. Spectral bands near 2.12, 2.02, and 1.56 μm are characteristic of synthetic and natural [Formula: see text] minerals. Laboratory spectra of [Formula: see text] minerals are distinct from spectra of OH‐bearing minerals and have diagnostic shifts in band position among different mineral types. [Formula: see text] minerals were detected at several mineralized hot‐spring deposits in the western U.S. by means of hand‐held and airborne instruments. Near‐infrared detection of [Formula: see text] minerals may provide useful information for prospecting for certain ore deposits and may provide a better understanding of the nitrogen cycle within geologic environments.