Lithological discrimination of altered volcanic rocks based on systematic portable X-ray fluorescence analysis of drill core at the Myra Falls VHMS deposit, Canada

2018 ◽  
Vol 193 ◽  
pp. 1-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian A. McNulty ◽  
Nathan Fox ◽  
Ron F. Berry ◽  
J. Bruce Gemmell
2021 ◽  
Vol 72 (2) ◽  
pp. 106-112
Author(s):  
Katarína Sedlačková ◽  
Jozef Sitek ◽  
Patrik Novák ◽  
Július Dekan

Abstract In this work we have analysed the basalt rocks from the area of Mount Etna using 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy (MS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF). Mössbauer spectroscopy was used to identify and to quantify the content and the magnetic nature of the iron-bearing minerals in the lava samples. Magnetite, olivine, pyroxene, hornblende, hematite and goethite of different relative abundances were found in the investigated samples. X-ray diffraction supported the structural analysis and determined the phases not visible by MS, like albite and calcite. X-ray fluorescence was employed to provide compositional analysis of the studied samples. The used methods showed qualitatively similar composition of the investigated rock samples, even though they also disclosed the quantitative differences in phase proportions agreeing with observed sample coloration. Identified compositional variations may result from the different processes during basalt formation and/or unequal weathering history.


2020 ◽  
Vol 115 (2) ◽  
pp. 443-453
Author(s):  
Brian A. McNulty ◽  
Nathan Fox ◽  
J. Bruce Gemmell

Abstract Current portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) technology can rapidly and inexpensively yield concentrations of geologically significant elements, typically with instrument detection limits below several tens of parts per million. Based on conventional XRF whole-rock geochemical data, both the Ishikawa alteration index and the chlorite-carbonate-pyrite index increase with proximity to sulfide mineralization at Myra Falls. However, available pXRF technology is typically unable to detect all the elements required to calculate these alteration indices. As a result, there is a need to utilize the elements that are readily detectable using pXRF and apply these to hydrothermal alteration assessment. We propose that Rb/Sr ratios provide a robust proxy for the Ishikawa alteration index and demonstrate that conventional whole-rock XRF analytical results for Rb and Sr can be reproduced using pXRF analysis from drill core surfaces. At Myra Falls, the Rb/Sr ratios vary from <0.1 for least altered rocks, 0.1 to 0.5 for weakly altered rocks, 0.5 to 1.0 for moderately altered rocks, 1.0 to 2.0 for strongly altered rocks, and >2.0 for intensely altered rocks. Downhole profiles of alteration intensity generated from systematic pXRF analysis of drill core surfaces can be used to inform drilling and targeting decisions. The application of the Rb/Sr ratio as a proxy for alteration intensity extends beyond this case study and can be applied to other hydrothermal systems that produce phyllosilicate minerals as alteration products of feldspar.


Author(s):  
D. A. Carpenter ◽  
M. A. Taylor

The development of intense sources of x rays has led to renewed interest in the use of microbeams of x rays in x-ray fluorescence analysis. Sparks pointed out that the use of x rays as a probe offered the advantages of high sensitivity, low detection limits, low beam damage, and large penetration depths with minimal specimen preparation or perturbation. In addition, the option of air operation provided special advantages for examination of hydrated systems or for nondestructive microanalysis of large specimens.The disadvantages of synchrotron sources prompted the development of laboratory-based instrumentation with various schemes to maximize the beam flux while maintaining small point-to-point resolution. Nichols and Ryon developed a microprobe using a rotating anode source and a modified microdiffractometer. Cross and Wherry showed that by close-coupling the x-ray source, specimen, and detector, good intensities could be obtained for beam sizes between 30 and 100μm. More importantly, both groups combined specimen scanning with modern imaging techniques for rapid element mapping.


Author(s):  
D. A. Carpenter ◽  
Ning Gao ◽  
G. J. Havrilla

A monolithic, polycapillary, x-ray optic was adapted to a laboratory-based x-ray microprobe to evaluate the potential of the optic for x-ray micro fluorescence analysis. The polycapillary was capable of collecting x-rays over a 6 degree angle from a point source and focusing them to a spot approximately 40 µm diameter. The high intensities expected from this capillary should be useful for determining and mapping minor to trace elements in materials. Fig. 1 shows a sketch of the capillary with important dimensions.The microprobe had previously been used with straight and with tapered monocapillaries. Alignment of the monocapillaries with the focal spot was accomplished by electromagnetically scanning the focal spot over the beveled anode. With the polycapillary it was also necessary to manually adjust the distance between the focal spot and the polycapillary.The focal distance and focal spot diameter of the polycapillary were determined from a series of edge scans.


2020 ◽  
Vol 86 (10) ◽  
pp. 5-9
Author(s):  
D. G. Filatova ◽  
A. A. Arkhipenko ◽  
M. A. Statkus ◽  
V. V. Es’kina ◽  
V. B. Baranovskaya ◽  
...  

An approach to sorptive separation of Se (IV) from solutions on a novel S,N-containing sorbent with subsequent determination of the analyte in the sorbent phase by micro-x-ray fluorescence method is presented. The sorbent copolymethylenesulfide-N-alkyl-methylenamine (CMA) was synthesized using «snake in the cage» procedure and proven to be stable in acid solutions. Conditions for quantitative extraction of Se (IV) were determined: sorption in 5 M HCl or 0.05 M HNO3 solutions when heated to 60°C, phase contact time being 1 h. The residual selenium content in the solution was determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) using 82Se isotope. The absence of selenium losses is proved and the mechanism of sorption interaction under specified conditions is proposed. The method of micro-x-ray fluorescence analysis (micro-RFA) with mapping revealed a uniform distribution of selenium on the sorbent surface. The possibility of determining selenium in the sorbent phase by micro-RFA is shown. When comparing the obtained results with the results of calculations by the method of fundamental parameters, it is shown the necessity of using standard samples of sorbates to obtain correct results of RFA determination of selenium in the sorbent phase.


1983 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 201-211 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. B. Cormie ◽  
D. E. Nelson

AbstractThe use of energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence analysis (XES) for the routine identification of three tephras (Mazama, Bridge River, Mount St. Helens Yn) commonly found in archeological sites in British Columbia has been investigated. Researchers have often assumed that chemical analysis of bulk samples of glass separates would be hampered by contamination and weathering effects. Our results indicate that XES of bulk glass separates provides a very reliable method for rapidly identifying the three tephras in question, even with a very simple sample preparation. This should enable persons not skilled in geology or in tephrochronology to collect and to identify samples of these tephras. Finally, as a part of the study, similar measurements were made on the separated glass portions of these three tephras and of three others (Glacier Peak B and G, White River) from northwest North America. The results suggest that this method may provide tephrochronologists with a useful additional tool for studying tephras in other regions.


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