Powder diffraction by minerals

Selected examples of the main applications of powder diffraction in the study of the crystal structure, stability and evolution of minerals and their synthetic analogues are reviewed and discussed. Given that X-rays are by far the main radiation source used, the reported examples refer primarily to X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD). The examples span from the characterization of new mineral species to mineral physics investigations. A section is dedicated to a short overview of the application of XRPD to the study of minerals related to human health, the biosphere and planetary exploration