Derived from igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary sources and physically and chemically resilient, quartz is the dominant mineral in sandstone. Yet, Augustsson and Reker argue, it has been underutilized as a provenance tool. In this paper, they illustrate a methodology for utilizing quartz wavelength spectra and cathodoluminescence character of individual grains of different crystalline sources as an objective means for evaluating their provenance. The results highlight the utility of reflectance spectra (as opposed to more subjective descriptions of “color”) to provide unique insights into the source of quartz in sedimentary rocks.
Cathodolumenescence spectra of quartz as provenance indicators revisited by Carita Augustsson and Annalena Reker