Advancements in Micro-XRF technology supporting Automated Mineralogy

摘要

Micro-XRF technology in automated mineralogy has created new opportunities to analyse large samples of rock and drill core with minimal sample preparation, as well as gaining insights from traditional polished sections or briquettes. The strength of micro-XRF above other techniques is in identifying trace elements. However, micro-XRF has had shortcomings, for example detecting light elements (SLE) with low atomic values below sodium (Z < Na). Consequently, certain minerals have been difficult to distinguish, such as calcite and fluorite that can only be differentiated by the fluorine (F) and oxygen (O) content. . The new M4 TORANDO~(PLUS) uses SLE (super light element) windows and light element optimised x-ray tube, providing the capability to detect light elements and therefore the ability to distinguish carbonates from fluorites. This presentation will demonstrate these technological advancements and new capabilities using real-world applications in mineralogy in combination with the automated mineralogy software AMICS.