Xray Analyses

General sample requirements

Xray analyses are made on dried and crushed sample material (typically <50micron crush size. *Hint: final powder should feel smooth like talcum powder when rubbed between fingers (no gritty feel).

Xray Fluorescence

• Major element analysis:

  • Requires a fused bead be made

  • Ideal homogenized sample weight = 5g

  • Minimum sample weight = 2g

• Trace element, fluorine/chlorine and semi-quantitative analyses

  • Requires a pressed powder pellet be made

  • Ideal homogenized sample weight = 6.5g

  • Minimum sample weight = 2g

Xray Diffraction

• Ideal sample prepared as a pressed powder mount

  • Requires at least 1g of dried sample powder

• Small sample volumes prepared as a “smear”

  • Typically requires ca. 0.25g