Laser-induced time-resolved luminescence of orange kyanite Al2SiO5

Manganese is a very important microelement performing a large number of biological functions in human body. We have detected by spectroscopic measurements manganese in mineral kyanite. In this paper we present laser-induced time-resolved luminescence and optical absorbance spectra of orange, Mn containing kyanite. It was proven the orange color is caused by Mn^(3+). Several luminescence lines and bands were found and ascribed to Mn^(4+) and Mn^(3+), emission centers. The spectroscopic technique can be utilized for detection of small amounts of manganese in minerals.