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The analysis of major and trace elements in geological materials by x-ray fluorescence is made possible by the behavior of atoms when they
interact with radiation. When materials are excited with high-energy, short wavelength radiation (e.g., X-rays), they can become ionized. If
the energy of the radiation is sufficient to dislodge a tightly-held inner electron, the atom becomes unstable and an outer electron replaces the
missing inner electron. When this happens, energy is released due to the decreased binding energy of the inner electron orbital compared with
an outer one. The emitted radiation is of lower energy than the primary incident X-rays and is termed fluorescent radiation. Because the
energy of the emitted photon is characteristic of a transition between specific electron orbitals in a particular element, the resulting
fluorescent X-rays can be used to detect the abundances of elements that are present in the sample.
Applications
X-Ray fluorescence is used in a wide range of applications, including
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X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) http://serc.carleton.edu/research_education/geochemsheets/techniques...
bulk chemical analyses of major elements (Si, Ti, Al, Fe, Mn, Mg, Ca, Na, K, P) in rock and sediment
bulk chemical analyses of trace elements (in abundances >1 ppm; Ba, Ce, Co, Cr, Cu, Ga, La, Nb, Ni, Rb, Sc, Sr, Rh, U, V, Y, Zr, Zn)
in rock and sediment - detection limits for trace elements are typically on the order of a few parts per million
In most cases for rocks, ores, sediments and minerals, the sample is ground to a fine powder. At this point it may be analyzed directly,
especially in the case of trace element analyses. However, the very wide range in abundances of different elements, especially iron, and the
wide range of sizes of grains in a powdered sample, makes the proportionality comparison to the standards particularly troublesome. For this
reason, it is common practice to mix the powdered sample with a chemical flux and use a furnace or gas burner to melt the powdered sample.
Melting creates a homogenous glass that can be analyzed and the abundances of the (now somewhat diluted) elements calculated.
bulk chemical analyses of major elements (Si, Ti, Al, Fe, Mn, Mg, Ca, Na, K, P) in rock and sediment
bulk chemical analyses of trace elements (>1 ppm; Ba, Ce, Co, Cr, Cu, Ga, La, Nb, Ni, Rb, Sc, Sr, Rh, U, V, Y, Zr, Zn) in rock and
sediment
Limitations
In theory the XRF has the ability to detect X-ray emission from virtually all elements, depending on the wavelength and intensity of incident
x-rays. However...
In practice, most commercially available instruments are very limited in their ability to precisely and accurately measure the
abundances of elements with Z<11 in most natural earth materials.
XRF analyses cannot distinguish variations among isotopes of an element, so these analyses are routinely done with other
instruments (see TIMS and SIMS).
XRF analyses cannot distinguish ions of the same element in different valence states, so these analyses of rocks and minerals are
done with techniques such as wet chemical analysis or Mossbauer spectroscopy.
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X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) http://serc.carleton.edu/research_education/geochemsheets/techniques...
X-Ray spectrum
Data table
Detection limits
Precision
Accuracy
Database and Plotting
Evaluation of Data Quality (flyers, trends, discriminant fields)
Geochemical Plots
Literature
The following literature can be used to further explore X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF)
The following literature can be used to further explore the XRF technique and uses of XRF data.
Fitton, G., 1997, X-Ray fluorescence spectrometry, in Gill, R. (ed.), Modern Analytical Geochemistry: An Introduction to
Quantitative Chemical Analysis for Earth, Environmental and Material Scientists: Addison Wesley Longman, UK.
Potts, P.J., 1987, A Handbook of Silicate Rock Analysis: Chapman and Hall.
Rollinson, H., 1993, Using Geochemical Data: Evaluation, Presentation, Interpretation: John Wiley, NY.
Related Links
For more information about X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) follow the links below.
LearnXRF.com very useful information on principles, instruments and applications (and worthwhile to log-in as an instructor)
Introduction to XRF from Bruker AXS
Analysis of Rocks Using X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy a short paper by Timothy LaTour, Georgia State University that
presents the basics
Tutorial on XRF a very useful guide to XRF from HORIBA Jobin Yvon, including links to related resources, application notes, and
with information on micro-XRF
For more information about XRF laboratories follow the links below:
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X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) http://serc.carleton.edu/research_education/geochemsheets/techniques...
For examples of the use of XRF data in teaching activities, check out:
Geoscience Education in the New Cyberinfrastructure by Kent Ratajeski, Montana State University. These modules provide tutorials
and examples covering a range of applications of geologic interest using the EarthChem Geochemical Database. Modules include:
Physical and Chemical Variations Along the Central American Volcanic Arc by Kent Ratajeski, University of West Georgia
Global Geochemistry of Mid-Ocean Ridge Basalts by Kent Ratajeski, University of West Georgia
Volcanic Fields of North America by Kent Ratajeski and Brian Stogner, University of West Georgia
Volcanic Landforms and Magma Composition by Kent Ratajeski, University of West Georgia
Cenozoic Volcanic History of the Western United States by Kent Ratajeski, University of West Georgia
Sr Isotopic Compositions of Mafic Volcanic Rocks, Western United States by Kent Ratajeski, University of West Georgia
Igneous Rock Compositions and Plate Tectonics by Allen Glazner, University of North Carolina
Crystallization-Differentiation of Basaltic Magma (Kilauea Iki) by Kent Ratajeski, Montana State University
Compositional Diversity in Volcanic Suites a comparison of rocks of the Mt. Mazama and Yellowstone calderas, by Kent
Ratajeski, Montana State University
Iceland a problem set using Excel spreadsheets on Variation Diagrams and the Evolution of Thingmuli Lavas, Iceland by Jeff
Tepper University of Puget Sound
Palisades Sill a problem set combining petrography and whole-rock geochemistry on Chemical Differentiation in the Palisades Sill
by Matthew Gorring Montclair State University, Dept. of Earth & Env. Studies
Sierra Nevada Batholith an integrated exercise using hand samples, petrography, maps, and whole-rock geochemistry on Magma
Modification in the central Sierra Nevada Batholith by Jennifer Wenner University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
Other Resources for Teaching Whole Rock Geochemistry (major and trace elements)
Trace Elements in Igneous Processes PDF with references and problem sets file from Cornell University
Analysis of Trace Elements in Waterfrom the USGS
Geochemical applications of Commonly Analyzed ElementsUSGS index of elements from hydrogen through uranium with
explanations of their uses in geochemistry
Understanding Our Planet Through Chemistry This U.S.Geological Survey site shows how chemists and geologists use analytical
chemistry to: determine the age of the Earth; show an extraterrestrial body collided with the Earth; predict volcanic eruptions;
observe atmospheric change over millions of years; and document damage by acid rain and pollution of the Earth's surface.
Calculation of CIPW Norm from a Bulk Chemical Analsyis excel spreadsheet program, used to calculate norm from a bulk
chemical analysis, with explanation of "norm" and calculation process
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