Quantitative determination of calcite and dolomite in soils by X‐ray diffraction

Abstract

SUMMARYAn X‐ray diffraction method using CaF2 as internal standard was applied to the carbonate‐rich soils of the ukurova and Göksu plains in Southern Turkey. Soil samples, freed from carbonates, were used as matrices and a separate calibration curve was prepared by known carbonate additions for each soil series. Statistical tests showed that one calibration curve was sufficient to determine calcite and dolomite contents of seven soil series. Particle orientation was an important factor for accurate analyses and a test, using the known addition method, should be carried out before using a matrix material other than carbonate‐free soils.