Selective visualization techniques for elemental mapping analysis of granite stones by field emission scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy (FESEM-EDXS)

Abstract

Image analysis using an advanced technology of a field-emission scanning electron microscope intrinsically equipped with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (FESEM-EDXS) used to observe the microstructure of black galaxy, emerald pearl, and baltic brown granites. Current study includes characterization of grain patterns, and chemical composition of the granites stones. FESEM – EDXS analysis performs a vital position in the great analysis of objects and is one of the satisfactory techniques that fall beneath non-destructive testing (NDT). The present work aimed to discuss the optical characteristics of minerals, distribution surface patterns and its chemical composition of the granite stone types. The surface pattern of the grains and their chemical composition were found to indicate differences in the three mineral images. It shows that Baltic brown granite contain high concentration of Si (29.3 wt%) compared to Black galaxy granite (24.7%) and Emerald pearl (18.6 wt%). It is suggested that these three (3) types of granite samples represent high concentration of O and it can be classified that SiO2 (silica) is the main compound. Oher elements found such as Al and Fe also has their own role in granite stone physical characteristics. Therefore, the study has provided insight view on granite image and elemental mapping analysis as well as its colours and texture properties. A better understanding on the physicochemical of the granite has been achieved.