ABSTRACT

The relative concentration of oxygen vacancies in granitic quartz was estimated using the ESR signal intensity of E′ centers (an electron at an oxygen vacancy) after γ ray irradiation and subsequent heating at 300°C. The E′ intensity indicative of total oxygen vacancies in granitic quartz is correlated with total absorbed dose from β and γ rays for the geological ages ranging from 12 to 1700 Ma. The amount of oxygen vacancies in natural quartz created by β and γ rays may be comparable in the absorbed dose range of 10⁴ to 10⁷ Gy to the amount by α-recoil effect.