PRESSED PELLET XRF
Trace elements are analyzed on a pressed powder pellet with analysis by XRF
The trace elements analyses are done on pressed powder pellets made from 6.5 g of sample. Spectral interferences are corrected from pre-calculated interfering factors. Because of the trace level (< 1000 ppm) of the analytes, only the mass absorptions are corrected for matrix effects. The mass absorption coefficients are derived from measuring the Compton scatter of the Rh-tube (e.g., Nisbet et al., 1979. Fortschr. Miner., volume 57, pp. 264-279). The background and mass absorption corrected intensities are then calculated against the calibrations constructed from 24 international geological reference materials. In general, the limits of detection are between 1 to 5 ppm. Samples are measured on a Panalytical Axios Advanced using the Protrace program.
Elements and Detection Limits (ppm)
| Element | Detection Limit | Upper Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Ba | 5 | 10,000 |
| Co | 5 | 1,000 |
| Cr | 5 | 10,000 |
| Cu | 5 | 2,500 |
| Ga | 5 | 10,000 |
| Element | Detection Limit | Upper Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Nb | 1 | 10,000 |
| Ni | 4 | 4,000 |
| Pb | 5 | 1,000 |
| Rb | 2 | 10,000 |
| Sn | 5 | 10,000 |
| Element | Detection Limit | Upper Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Sr | 2 | 10,000 |
| V | 5 | 10,000 |
| Y | 2 | 10,000 |
| Zn | 5 | 1,000 |
| Zr | 5 | 10,000 |
Note: Assays are recommended for values which exceed the upper limits.
