Evaluation of energy-dispersive x-ray fluorescence spectrometry in the rapid analysis of silicate rocks using pressed powder pellets

Energy-dispersive x-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrometry was used for the analysis of silicate rocks using pressed powder pellets. It is observed tha t with this low-cost, simple and fast technique, trace elements such as V, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, Pb, Th, Rb, Sr, U, Y, Zr and Nh can be determined a long with 10 major oxides of Na, Mg, Al, Si, P, K, Ca, Ti, Mn and Fe with r easonably good accuracy and precision, depending upon the elemental abundan ce, analyte matrix and analytical conditions. Performance parameters such a s minimum detection limit, accuracy and precision were estimated for these elements in silicate rocks under optimized analytical conditions. The techn ique is useful when a large number of samples are to be routinely analysed with sufficient accuracy and precision. Selection of operating parameters i s discussed for the simultaneous analysis of several elements in a group. C opyright (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.