Abstract

PI, Teresa et al. Discovery and characterization of a struvite layer in the Chalco paleolake, Mexico. Rev. mex. cienc. geol [online]. 2010, vol.27, n.3, pp.573-580. ISSN 2007-2902.

Centimeter-sized crystals of struvite (MgNH₄PO₄6H₂O) were found during the drilling of a core from Chalco paleolake, Mexico for paleoecological and paleoclimatical research. Struvite is a biogenic mineral, unstable in most geological environments. The unusual size and preservation of these struvite crystals allowed us to perform a chemical and mineralogical characterization. This is the first record of struvite from a geological locality in Mexico, and one of the most remarkable in the world.

Keywords : phosphate; X-ray diffraction; infrared spectra; thermogravimetric analysis; Rietveld refinement.