Hostname: page-component-586b7cd67f-dsjbd Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-23T11:48:17.728Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

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

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 March 2019

Harry J. Rose Jr.
Affiliation:
U.S. Geological Survey Washington, D.C.
Frank Cuttitta
Affiliation:
U.S. Geological Survey Washington, D.C.
Get access

Abstract

X-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.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © International Centre for Diffraction Data 1967

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

Footnotes

*

Publication authorized by the Director, U.S. Geological Survey.

References

1. Claisse, F., “Accurate X-Ray Analysis Without Internal Standard,” Quebec Dept. Mines, Prog. Rept. 327 (16 pp.), 1956.Google Scholar
2. Andermann, G., “Improvements in the X-Ray Analysis of Cement Raw Mix,” Anal. Chem. 33: 1689, 1961.Google Scholar
3. Rose, H. J. Jr., Adler, I., and Flanagan, F. J., “X-Ray Fluorescence Analysis of the Light Elements in Rocks and Minerals,” Appl. Spectry. 17: 81, 1963.Google Scholar
4. Rose, H. J. Jr., Cuttitta, F., and Larson, R. R., “Use of X-Ray Fluorescence in Determination of Selected Major Constituents in Silicates,” U.S. Geol. Surv. Profess. Papers 525-B, p. B155, 1965.Google Scholar
5. Cuttitta, F. and Rose, H. J. Jr., “The Slope-Ratio Technique for the Determination of Trace Elements by X-Ray Spectroscopy: A New Approach to Matrix Problems,” Appl. Spectry., in press.Google Scholar
6. Spano, E. F., Green, T. E., and Campbell, W. J., “Determination of Cobalt and Nickel in Tungsten by a Combined Iort-Exchange X-Ray Spectrographs Method,” U.S. Bur. Mines Rept. Invest. 6308 (20 pp.), 1963.Google Scholar
7. Spano, E. F., Green, T. E., and Campbell, W. J., “Evaluation of a Combined Ion-Exchange XRay Spectrographic Method for Determining Trace Metals in Tungsten,” U.S. Bur. Mines Rept. Invest. 6565 (16 pp.), 1964.Google Scholar
8. Luke, C. L., “Ultratrace Analysis of Metals with a Curved-Crystal X-Ray Milliprobe,” Anal. Chem. 36: 318, 1964.Google Scholar
9. Campbell, W. J., Spano, E. F., and Green, T. E., “Micro and Trace Analysis by a Combination of Ion-Exchange Resin-Loaded Papers and X-Ray Spectrography,” Anal. Chem. 38: 987, 1966.Google Scholar
10. Hubbard, G. L. and Green, T. E., “Dithiaone Extraction and X-Ray Spectrographic Determination of Trace Metals in High-Purity Tungsten or Tungsten Oxide,” Anal. Chem. 38: 428, 1966.Google Scholar
11. Spano, E. F. and Green, T. E., “Determination of Metallic Impurities in Molybdenum by a Combined lon-Exchange-X-Ray Spectrographic Method,” Anal Chem. 38: 1341, 1966.Google Scholar
12. Mitchell, I. W., Saum, N. M., and Hiltrop, C. L., “Combined Electrolytic and X-Ray Spectrochemical Method for the Analysis of Gold,” Norelco Rept. 11 : 39, 1964.Google Scholar
13. Natelson, S. and De, P. K., “Application of X-Ray Emission Spectrometry to the Estimation of the Heavy Metals (At. No. 79-83),” Microckem. J. 7: 448, 1963.Google Scholar
14. Vassos, B. H., Berlandi, F. J., Neal, T. E., and Mark, H. B. Jr., “Electrochemical Preparation of Thin Metal Films as Standards on Pyrolytic Graphite,” Anal. Chem. 37: 1653, 1965.Google Scholar