Mineral identification of rocks from Pohon Batu hot springs in West Seram using FTIR spectroscopy

Abstract

This study demonstrates the Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy which has been applied to identification of mineral rocks from Pohon Batu hot springs, West Seram regency, Province of Maluku. FTIR spectroscopic interpretation are absorbance or transmittance spectra as a function of wavelength that shows the content of organic compounds found in rocks. From the conditions of mineral formation and presence of various impurity ions and elements also influence the intensity and position of the IR absorption peaks. This study identified the strong peaks of minerals like kaolinite at 3618 cm−1, montmorillonite at 1612 cm−1, organic carbon at 2924 cm−1, quartz at 1874 cm−1, calcite at 1797 cm−1, albite at 1026 cm−1, illite at 756 cm−1 and hematite at 532 cm−1. From the result of FTIR analysis indicates that this area has undergone hydrotermal alteration thus becoming a secondary minerals. Rock-forming minerals in the hydrothermal alteration process are influenced by the presence of temperature, pressure in geothermal fluids and the decomposition of plants and animals.