A study of the natural α-recoil damage in zircon by infrared spectra

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Abstract
Natural α-recoil damage of 30 natural zircon specimens from Ceylon have been examined by studying the infrared absorption spectra from 1 to 15 μm. Two synthetic zircon specimens were also studied as undamaged reference specimens. The ir absorption coefficient at 6 μm (1666 cm−1) was found to be a function of radiation damage. The ir data can be explained by a dual damage mechanism. The initial damage process produces degradation of the v 3 vibrational mode in the ir spectra which can be explained by deformation of SiO4 tetrahedra, whereas the predominant effect of the advanced stage of radiation damage is the breakdown of the zircon lattice into SiO2 and ZrO2 which causes a skewing of the v 3 absorption band. These data substantiate the model of Pellas and clarify the dualistic nature of the radiation damage mechanism.

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