This is a preprint, the final version is subject to change, of the American Mineralogist (MSA) Cite as Authors (Year) Title. American Mineralogist, in press. (DOI will not work until issue is live.) DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2138/am.2013.4486 6/5 1 REVISION 1 2 3 The crystal structure and vibrational spectroscopy of jarosite and alunite minerals: A 4 review 5 6 Henry J. Spratt,1 Llew Rintoul,1 Maxim Avdeev2 and Wayde N. Martens1,* 7 8 1Chemistry, Physics and Mechanical Engineering, Science and Engineering Faculty, 9 Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland 4001, Australia 10 2Bragg Institute, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Lucas Heights, 11 New South Wales 2234, Australia 12 13 *Corresponding author, email:
[email protected] 14 15 Abstract 16 The alunite supergroup of minerals are a large hydroxy-sulfate mineral group which has seen 17 renewed interest following their discovery on Mars. Numerous reviews exist which are 18 concerned with the nomenclature, formation and natural occurrence of this mineral group. 19 Sulfate minerals in general are widely studied and their vibrational spectra are well 20 characterized. However, no specific review concerning alunite and jarosite spectroscopy and 21 crystal structure has been forthcoming. This review focuses on the controversial aspects of 22 the crystal structure and vibrational spectroscopy of jarosite and alunite minerals. 23 Inconsistencies regarding band assignments especially in the 1000-400 cm-1 region plague 24 these two mineral groups and result in different band assignments amongst the various 25 spectroscopic studies. There are significant crystallographic and magnetic structure 1 Always consult and cite the final, published document.