High-resolution infrared spectra, physical properties, and micromorphology of serpentines

Abstract Separate serpentine minerals may be identified by near infrared (NIR) spectra using remote sensing or portable field devices, and identified in the laboratory by NIR and mid-infrared spectra, but X-ray diffraction (XRD) procedures are necessary for rapid identification of serpentine mineral mixtures. Compacted serpentine aggregate material is very stable with a density of about 2400 kg/m 3 having an internal friction angle of about 32° with weak cementation. Non-fibrous clinochrysotile, the most common serpentine mineral in California deposits, consists of densely packed tubules from 600 to 700 A diameter, which are too short to be considered asbestiform. The Picrolite fibers are brittle and too large to be asbestiform.