PIXE Analysis of Indian Natural Lead–Zinc Ores and Rocks

Abstract

A number of Indian natural Pb–Zn ores and rocks have been studied by using complementary and non-destructive proton-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) technique. Sixteen elements including Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, As, Fe, Mn, and Pb were established in these ores and rocks, which may be useful to interpret the various geochemical conditions and the probable cause of their inceptions in rock matrix. PIXE technique is a powerful method for fast determination of variable multi-elemental analyses. The advantage of this technique is that one can obtain all major and minor elements present at once in pure concentration. The chemical constituents of Pb–Zn ores and ultrabasic rocks of Zawar, Udaipur district of Rajasthan State, India, were analyzed by using PIXE technique. The present work, thus, establishes the usefulness and versatility of the PIXE technique for research in geo-scientific methodology, particularly in ore matrix and rock mechanics.