Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

X-ray Diffractometry in Forensic Science

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Mineralogical Analysis Applied to Forensics

Part of the book series: Soil Forensics ((SOFO))

  • 408 Accesses

Abstract

X-ray Diffractometry is a very useful analytical technique to achieve detailed information about the crystal structure and mineralogical composition, qualitative and quantitative, of matter. It is a technique that exploits the interaction between solid matter and X-rays that, converged on a substance, are diffracted. The outgoing X-rays, on the basis of the wavelength of the incident beam and according to the path within the analyzed sample provide information on fundamental parameters of the crystalline state as the distance of the lattice planes and the parameters of the elementary cell. The analytical result is called diffraction pattern containing a series of peaks that show the intensity and angular position of the diffracted X-rays. Typically, a diffraction pattern represents, for individual minerals, a kind of distinct fingerprint and can be used to easily identify the material or distinguish it from others, especially with the use of modern databases. X-Ray Diffractometry can be successfully used in a variety of fields: building materials, geological samples, environmental pollutants and increasingly by forensic sciences as a scientific aid for the analysis of evidence from crime scenes.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
eBook
USD 16.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 139.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 139.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Abraham JT, Shukla SK, Singh AK (2007) Application of X-ray diffraction techniques. Forensic Sci Commun 9(2):1–6

    Google Scholar 

  • Banchelli A, Fratini F, Germani M, Malesani P, Manganelli del Fà C (1997) The sandstone of Florentine historic buildings: individuation of the marker and determination of the supply quarries of the rocks used in some Florentine monuments. Sci Technol Cult Herit 6(1):13–22

    Google Scholar 

  • Bish DL, Chipera SJ (1991) Detection of trace amounts of erionite using X-ray powder diffraction: erionite in tuffs of Yucca Mountain, Nevada, and Central Turkey. Clay Clay Miner 4:437–445

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bish DL, Howard SA (1986) Quantitative analysis via the Rietveld method. Workshop on quantitative X-ray diffraction analysis. Nat’l Bur Stds 6:23–24

    Google Scholar 

  • Bish DL, Post JE (1993) Quantitative mineralogical analysis using the Rietveld full-pattern fitting method. Am Mineral 78:932–940

    Google Scholar 

  • Bish DL, Reynolds RC Jr (1989) Sample preparation for X-ray diffraction. Rev Mineral 20:73–99

    Google Scholar 

  • Bradley WF (1945) Molecular association between montmorillonite and some polyfunctional organic liquids. J Am Chem Soc 67:975–981

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Calcaterra D, Langella A, Morra V, Cappelletti P, Colella A, de Gennaro R, de Gennaro M (2013) Il Piperno. In: de Gennaro M, Calcaterra D, Langella A (eds) Le Pietre storiche della Campania: dall’oblio alla riscoperta. Luciano Editore, Napoli, pp 179–198

    Google Scholar 

  • Chipera SJ, Bish DL (2002) FULLPAT: a full-pattern quantitative analysis program for X-ray powder diffraction using measured and calculated patterns. J Appl Crystallogr 35:744–749

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chung FH (1974a) Quantitative interpretation of X-ray diffraction patterns I. Matrix flushing method of quantitative multicomponent analysis. J Appl Crystallogr 7:519–525

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chung FH (1974b) Quantitative interpretation of X-ray diffraction patterns II. Adiabatic principle of X-ray diffraction of mixtures. J Appl Crystallogr 7:526–531

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cullity BD (1978) Elements of X-ray diffraction, 2nd edn. Addison-Wesley Publishing Company Inc, p 555

    Google Scholar 

  • Cullity BD, Stock SR (2001) Elements of X-ray diffraction, 3rd edn. Prentice Hall, Upper Saddler River

    Google Scholar 

  • Curry CJ, Rendle DF, Rogers A (1982) Pigment analysis in the Forensics examination of paints I. Pigment analysis by X-ray diffraction. J Forensic Sci Soc 22(2):173–177

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • D.M. September 6, 1994, Ministry of Health (G.U. n.288, ordinary supplement of December 10, 1994) Regulations and technical methodologies for the risk assessment, remediation, control and maintenance of materials containing asbestos in buildings

    Google Scholar 

  • de Gennaro M, Langella A, Cappelletti P, Colella A, Buccheri G, D’Amore M (2008) I geomateriali dell’Insula 14. In: Edizioni Scientifiche Italiane, a cura di Aveta A. Diagnostica e conservazione l’insula 14 del Rione Terra, vol 4, pp 183–205

    Google Scholar 

  • De Stefano L, Palumbo M, Cioffi R (2004) L’amianto campionamento ed analisi, Franco Angeli ed, 160 pp

    Google Scholar 

  • DeWitt KM (2015) X-ray powder diffraction method development and validation for the identification of counterfeit pharmaceuticals. Mater Sci:1–28

    Google Scholar 

  • Dollase WA (1986) Correction of intensities for preferred orientation in powder diffractometry: application of March model. J Appl Crystallogr 19:267–272

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fitzpatrick RW, Raven M (2012) How pedology and mineralogy helped solve a double murder case: using forensics to inspire future generations of soil scientists. Soil Horizons 53:14–29. https://doi.org/10.2136/sh12-05-0016

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Foner HA, Adan N (1983) The characterization of papers by X-ray diffraction (XRD): measurements of cellulose crystallinity and determination of mineral composition. J Forensic Sci Soc 23(4):313–321

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gualtieri AF (1999) The aid of X-ray powder diffraction to the characterisation and treatment of asbestos containing materials. Period Mineral 68(1):1–11

    Google Scholar 

  • Gualtieri AF (2007) Un nuovo futuro per l’amianto. HI-Tech Ambiente 9:66–67

    Google Scholar 

  • Gualtieri A, Artioli G (1995) Quantitative determination of chrysotile asbestos in bulk materials by combined Rietveld and RIR methods. Powder Diffract 10(4):269–277

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hill RJ, Howard CJ (1987) Quantitative phase analysis from neutron powder diffraction data using the Rietveld method. J Appl Crystallogr 20:467–474

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jackson ML (1969) Soil chemical analysis-advanced course. Published by the author, Madison, 895 pp

    Google Scholar 

  • Klug HP, Alexander LE (1974) X-ray diffraction procedures for polycristalline and amorphous materials. Oxford University Press, Oxford, p 332

    Google Scholar 

  • Kotrlý M (2006) Application of X-ray diffraction in forensics science. Z Kristallogr Suppl 23:35–40

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kugler W (2003) X-ray diffraction analysis in the forensics science: the last resort in many criminal cases. Adv X-ray Anal 46:1–16

    Google Scholar 

  • Lombardi G (1999) The contribution of forensic geology and other trace evidence analysis to the investigation of the killing of Italian Prime Minister Aldo Moro. J Forensic Sci 44(3):634–642

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Moore DM, Reynolds RC Jr (1997) X-ray diffraction and identification and analysis of clay minerals, 2nd edn. Oxford University Press, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Nakamura T, Sameshima K, Okunaga K, Sugiura Y, Sato J (1989) Determination of amorphous phase in quartz powder by x-ray powder diffractometry. Powder Diffract 4:9–13

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • O’Connor BH, Raven MD (1988) Application of the Rietveld method refinement procedure in assaying powdered mixtures. Powder Diffract 3:2–6

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Parrish W, Mack M, Taylor J (1966) Determination of apertures in the focusing plane of X-ray powder diffractometers. J Sci Instrum 43:623–628

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Piga G, Thompson TJU, Malgosa A, Enzo S (2009) The potential of X-ray diffraction in the analysis of burned remains from forensic contexts. J Forensic Sci 54(3):534–539. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1556-4029.2009.01037.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pitts KM, Clarke RM (2020) The forensic discrimination of quartz sands from the Swan Coastal Plain, Western Australia. Forensic Sci Int Rep 2:Art. no. 100130. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fsir.2020.100130

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rendle DF (2003) X-ray diffraction in forensics science. Rigaku J 19(2):11–22

    Google Scholar 

  • Rietveld HM (1969) A profile refinement method for nuclear and magnetic structures. J Appl Crystallogr 2:65–71

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ruffell A, Wiltshire P (2004) Conjunctive use of quantitative and qualitative X-ray diffraction analysis of soil and rocks for forensics analysis. Forensic Sci Int 145:13–23

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Smith DK, Barret CS (1979) Special handling problems in X-ray diffractometry. Adv X-ray Anal 22:1–12

    Google Scholar 

  • Snyder RL, Bish DL (1989) Quantitative analysis. Rev Mineral 20:101–142

    Google Scholar 

  • Vaniman DT, Bish DL (1990) Yoshiokaite, a new Ca, Al-silicate mineral from the Moon. Am Mineral 75:676–686

    Google Scholar 

  • Verkouteren J, Windsor E, Conny J, Perkins R, Ennis (2002) Analysis of kaolinite/chrysotile mixtures by ashing and x-ray diffraction. Powder Diffract 17(3):196–201

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Visser JW, De Wolff PM (1964) Absolute intensities. Report 641.109. Technisch Physische Dienst, Delft

    Google Scholar 

  • Wiles DB, Young RA (1981) A new computer program for Rietveld analysis of X-ray powder diffraction patterns. J Appl Crystallogr 14:149–151

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • www.geoportale.lazio.it

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, dell’Ambiente e delle Risorse (DiSTAR), Università Federico II di Napoli, Napoli, Italy

    Piergiulio Cappelletti

  2. Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università Federico II di Napoli, Napoli, Italy

    Sossio Fabio Graziano

  3. Molecular Structure Center, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA

    David L. Bish

Authors
  1. Piergiulio Cappelletti
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Sossio Fabio Graziano
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. David L. Bish
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Piergiulio Cappelletti .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Science & Technology, Sannio University, Benevento, Italy

    Mariano Mercurio

  2. Department of Earth, Environmental and Resources Sciences (DiSTAR), Federico II University, Napoli, Italy

    Alessio Langella

  3. Forensic Geoscience Italy, Geoscienze Forensi Italia®, Roma, Italy

    Rosa Maria Di Maggio

  4. Department of Earth, Environmental and Resources Sciences (DiSTAR), Federico II University, Napoli, Italy

    Piergiulio Cappelletti

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2023 The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Cappelletti, P., Graziano, S.F., Bish, D.L. (2023). X-ray Diffractometry in Forensic Science. In: Mercurio, M., Langella, A., Di Maggio, R.M., Cappelletti, P. (eds) Mineralogical Analysis Applied to Forensics. Soil Forensics. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-08834-6_2

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation