SEM and EDX analyses for mineral inclusions in the leaves Amaranthus L

Calcium (Ca) oxalate crystals occur in many plant species and in most organs and tissues. They generally form within cells. A number of techniques exist for the identification of crystals: X-ray diffraction, Raman microprobe analysis and infrared spectroscopy are the most accurate. The isolation and crystallochemical characterization of calcium oxalate crystals in the leaves of Amaranthus tricolor scion Valentina was studied. Anatomical features and chemical composition of the inclusions was studied by EDS, combined with an analytical scanning electron microscope. On the transverse sections of the amaranth leaves and in the veins of the leaf, multiple crystals of circular shape were found. EDX analysis revealed 4 elements in the crystal - Mg, P, K and Ca. The characteristic energy spectra of X-ray radiation emitted by the element K, P and Ca were studied. The combination of SEM and EDX was a convenient method for determining the mineral inclusions of the cross-section leaves of Amaranthus L.