Regolith ASD and XRD data - Capricorn case study project (RP04-063-M436)

Regolith ASD and XRD data for the Capricorn case study project (RP04-063-M436)\nLineage: X-ray diffraction analyses (XRD)\nDiffraction patterns from 27 regolith samples with associated geochemistry data, which are representative of estimated differing mineral assemblages observed from the reflectance spectra, were collected using a Bruker Endeavor D4 diffractometer using CoKα radiation, scanning from 2° to 35° 2θ in 0.02° 2θ steps and counting for 2 s/step for a total scan time of ≈ 6 min. Interpretation of the XRD spectra was completed using DIFFRAC.EVA. For samples, where SWIR hyperspectral data or initial XRD analysis indicated the presence of smectite, clay phase separation was undertaken. Clay phase separation involved the placement of approximately 5 g of sample in a plastic, settling vial and ≈80 ml of 1.2 wt % Calgon (sodium hexametaphosphate) solution added to produce a dispersed clay suspension. To further aid dispersion, each suspension was placed in an ultrasonic bath and sonified for 15 min. Following sonification, each sample was allowed to stand for 1 to 2 h so coarser sized material separated from the clay (