A SEM cathodoluminescence study on weathering of quartz grains in faults, central Japan

Abstract

Summary Cathodoluminescence (CL) of quartz grains or particles was observed using a scanning electron microscope. The quartz grains were collected from fault gouge and fault breccia within the Atotsugawa fault, central Japan, and the quartz particles were obtained by crushing parent rocks of the fault, such as granite and gneiss, in an iron bowl. In comparison with particles from the parent rocks, those from the fault showed the following differences: CL inherited from the parent rock, CL caused by faulting, and CL modified by weathering or alterations of the fault. These differences are attributed to the faulting and subsequent weathering. The CL observations were in general agreement with secondary electron observations; and it is recommended that both methods should be used in parallel.