Abstract
In many geological studies detection of the principal and minor elements in rocks is of interest. Neutron activation techniques are described for the rapid, quantitative determination of silicon, aluminium and magnesium, three of the most common elements in the rocks of the earth's crust. The accuracy and reproducibility of the analyses and interferences from the other elements in sedimentary rocks are given. Neutrons for activation were produced with Van de Graaff positive-ion accelerators using the reaction deuterium-tritium to give 14-MeV neutrons and the reaction deuterium-beryllium (plus a water moderator) to give slow neutrons. The activation techniques were checked against standard samples previously analyzed by other methods and against known mixtures of pure elements. Typical results obtained in the activation analysis of approximately four hundred core samples are given. The core analyses are described in connection with correlation studies in a limestone formation, identification of dolomite in carbonate rocks, measurement of the shale content of carbonate rocks and aluminum and silicon content of siliceous rocks.
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