| Element | % | | Oxide | % |
| C | 12.02 | | CO2 | 44.04 |
| O | 47.98 | | | |
| Mg | 0.01 | | MgO | 0.02 |
| Ca | 39.98 | | CaO | 55.94 |
| Mn | 0.01 | | MnO | 0.01 |
|
|
|
| Sum | 100.0 | | Sum | 100.0 |
|
|  | |
| 200 µ m
| |
|
This is a reflected light micrograph of polished, carbon coated calcite crystals.
The identifying etched label, which is a feature
of our standards, is invaluable for navigating in an electron beam instrument.
The rhombohedral cleavage of
calcite is visible in these crystals. Iceland spar is the purest
form of calcite and is a excellent standard for calcium in carbonates, providing
care is taken to avoid excessive beam loading which might cause
thermal damage and loss of CO2.
|