Determination of thallium in sulphide geological samples by x-ray fluorescence spectrometry

Abstract

A method for determination of thallium in sulphide geological samples by x-ray —uorescence spectrometry is presented. The samples were prepared in form of glass discs by fusion with lithium tetraborate and with potassium nitrate as an oxidizing agent. The limit of determination was 0.016% (w/w) Tl, with the possibility of decreasing it to 0.006% (w/w) Tl by using the method of addition. Elements such as Zn, Cd, Cu, Fe and Pb, present as major matrix constituents, did not in—uence the intensity of background radiation on the position of the Tl line. In Lb 1 this way it was possible to determine small quantities of thallium in ore samples simultaneously with other elements. The standard deviation of the determination of small contents of thallium [in the range 0.020n0.10% (w/w) was 0.0016%. The sensitivity of method was 600 counts so1 per 1% (w/w) Tl. 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.