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)

ElementDetection LimitUpper Limit
Ba510,000
Co51,000
Cr510,000
Cu52,500
Ga510,000
ElementDetection LimitUpper Limit
Nb110,000
Ni44,000
Pb51,000
Rb210,000
Sn510,000
ElementDetection LimitUpper Limit
Sr210,000
V510,000
Y210,000
Zn51,000
Zr510,000

Note: Assays are recommended for values which exceed the upper limits.