X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy in the Analysis of Ores, Minerals, and Waters*

Abstract

AbstractX-ray fluorescence spectroscopy has been used in solving a wide variety of geologic problems involving mineral, ore, and water analysis. The technique has been a powerful analytical tool in the survey of mineral deposits, as a control to monitor ore flotation processes, for the semimicroanalysis of mineral separates and of rare new mineral species, and for the determination of trace elements in lake and saline waters. Many preparation techniques have been developed for the analysis of complex mineral systems, some combining X-Ray fluorescence with other analytical techniques to provide a complete analysis. These, coupled with improvements in instrumentation, have given the X-ray analyst a means of extending analytical ranges to the microgram level and to include elements that were previously not detectable. Significant advances in sample preparation and methods development have been made in the analysis of milligram quantities of complex geologic materials. The fusion and the solution of specimens appear to be the preferred methods of sample preparation. For samples that vary markedly in composition, the slope-ratio technique offers a new approach to solving matrix problems.