Raman-XPS spectroscopic investigation of heavy mineral sands along Indian coast

The beach sands of the Indian coast are bestowed with strategic minerals like ilmenite, monazite, rutile, sillimanite, garnet, and zircon. In order to bring out the importance of these heavy minerals, we present detailed studies on structure, surface chemistry, and absorption spectroscopy using advanced characterization techniques such as Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and UV–Visible-NIR spectroscopy. The study reveals the degree of metamictization in zircon and monazite and differentiates the isomorphous series in garnet, discrimination of opaque and non-opaque minerals, polymorphs, and the anisotropic changes in crystal symmetry due to their physical and chemical process. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy illustrates the chemical composition, precise oxidation state, and chemical bonding of surface elements. UV–Visible-NIR spectroscopy reveals the electronic transition of elements and charge transfer spectra. This expansive dataset provides valuable information to the scientific community and mining industries to assist with determining the grade and potential uses of beach sands.