New Hematite Synthesis, Rare Lawsonite Site, and Carbonate Analysis Reported

A new study describes the hydrothermal synthesis of nano‑porous ellipsoidal hematite. Iron oxyhydroxides agglomerate at about 30 min, followed by needle‑shaped FeOOH formation around 45 min. As the reaction proceeds, FeOOH dehydrates and transforms into ellipsoidal hematite after roughly 120 min, producing particles ~27 nm that exhibit a highly porous structure. The work provides insight into crystal growth mechanisms.¹

Another article documents a well‑preserved lawsonite eclogite from Elekdağ in Central Pontides, Turkey – the tenth known locality of this type. Bulk-rock compositions indicate pressure–temperature conditions of approximately 500 °C and 2.3 GPa, higher than previously determined for the area but comparable to other lawsonite eclogites.¹

The third paper applies attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to quantify aragonite‑group carbonate mixtures. The technique requires no sample preparation and offers a rapid alternative to X‑ray diffraction. Calibration curves were developed for strontianite and witherite quantification using absorbance ratios between peaks, reducing variability caused by measurement conditions.¹