Abstract
In diopside two different EPR spectra of Mn2+ were observed. Each spectrum has been fully interpreted and all fine structure spin-Hamiltonian constants are given. Mn2+ was seen in both possible substitutional sites M1 and M2. The pseudo-symmetry of the fourth-order term of the spin Hamiltonian has been studied and has been compared to the crystal field calculated on the basis of a point-charge model. From this comparison it was possible to distinguish the spectrum due to the Mn2+ in M1 from that produced by Mn2+ in M2. It is seen that the environment of Mn2+ in M1 has a good pseudo-cubic symmetry, while the M2 site, when occupied by Mn2+, is highly distorted.

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