X-ray fluorescence method for the determination of rare earths, uranium and thorium in allanites

Abstract

An X-ray fluorescence (XRF) method for the determination of La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd, Th and U in allanites is described. The estimation limits for different impurity elements are La 0.5–10%, Ce 2–20%, Pr 0.1–2.0%, Nd 0.5–10%, Sm 0.1–2%, Gd 0.1–2.0%, Th 0.2–4% and U 0.2–4%. The sample is diluted in the ratio of 1∶9 by boric acid and double layer pellets are prepared. The precision of the method which varies from 0.2–15% has been determined for every element in each standard. Accuracy of the method is assessed by comparison of the values for rare earth, thorium and uranium content with those obtained by optical emission spectroscopic method and the values for uranium and thorium with those obtained by neutron activation analysis.