A study of the serpentinisation in the Vempalle dolomitic limestones near Pulivendala,Cuddapah District

The calcite-dolomite ratio of the Vempalle dolomitic limestones, serpentinised dolomitic limestones, and serpentines from the mineralised zone of the asbestos is determined by infrared spectroscopy. The ratio varies between 2 and 5·4 in the dolomitic limestones, between 1 and 1·5 in the serpentinised dolomitic limestones and it is taken as zero in the serpentines as both calcite and dolomite bands are absent in their infrared absorption spectra. The release of calcite during the serpentinisation is identified, which confirms the formation of serpentine.