Thermoluminescent characteristics of seven varieties of quartz

The phenomenon of thermoluminescence occurs in semiconductor or insulating materials and is manifested when they are thermally stimulated. Some natural materials, such as calcite, dolomite, aragonite, magnesite, quartz, among others, have thermoluminescent properties. Quartz is an efficient natural dosimeter that has been used to date archaeological artifacts. In this work the thermoluminescent response of seven varieties of quartz (Amethyst, Rock Crystal, Milky, Chalcedony, Pink, Flint and Jasper), when exposed to the gamma rays of 137Cs, was studied. The samples were collected within the state of Zacatecas, Mexico; these were used in the form of a thin sheet, bringing it closer to the dimensions of a commercial thermoluminescent dosimeter, this in order to have a better comparison. Among the results, the response of the seven quartz compared with two TLD-100 is presented. The glow curves features were obtained with the GlowFit program. Some of the varieties of quartz have characteristics to be used as a dosimeter. •The quartz mineral is very abundant in the earth's crust.•The thermoluminescent properties of 7 types of quartz were determined.•The trap parameters were obtained for each variety.•Amethyst quartz has the best thermoluminescent features.