Assaying, Microscopy, Mineralogy & XRF/XRD

Assaying, Microscopy, Mineralogy & XRF/XRD

  • To participate in the 911Metallurgist Forums, be sure to JOIN & LOGIN
  • Use Add New Topic to ask a New Question/Discussion about Assaying, Microscopy, Mineralogy & XRF/XRD.
  • OR Select a Topic that Interests you.
  • Use Add Reply = to Reply/Participate in a Topic/Discussion (most frequent).
    Using Add Reply allows you to Attach Images or PDF files and provide a more complete input.
  • Use Add Comment = to comment on someone else’s Reply in an already active Topic/Discussion.

Uraninite Uranium by XRF (4 replies)

(unknown)
8 years ago
(unknown) 8 years ago

I have a suspicious sample that might be Uraninite a radioactive, uranium-rich mineral and ore with a chemical composition that is largely UO2

With handheld XRF I found out that the machine is showing 95% Bal. But I am pretty sure that the black mineral just covered near half of the analysed surface and other parts are covered with Quartz and Feldspar and logically I am expecting a notable amount of Si, Al. I guess that the unusual result is because of the interference of U radiation. Do you have any idea?

(unknown)
8 years ago
(unknown) 8 years ago
Like

Just check if your analyzer actually has Uranium calibrated in the Mode you are using - some portable XRF's do not, as it needs to be requested in the element suite. Also, newer analyzers with a Silicon Drift Detector will be able to detect Mg, Al & Si also, so you should be able to determine the matrix as well, unless it is a Na or C matrix. To do this, you will need to use Mining Mode, as opposed to Soil Mode. I hope this info is helpful.

(unknown)
8 years ago
(unknown) 8 years ago
Like

First, I'd check it with an alpha probe for the rad, dps/dpm. Second, if it shows a significant reading, I'd confer with the RCT for safe, proper protocol.

JohnnyD
8 years ago
JohnnyD 8 years ago
Like

If u r using a niton xl3t. To test the uranium content u must analyse ur sample in soil mode. Uranium content can only be analysed in mining mode on niton xl2t.

(unknown)
8 years ago
(unknown) 8 years ago
Like

You need to have balance mode option in Software, it is with Helmut-Fischer Handheld XRF XAN500, it is having Silicon Drift Detector (SDD). Please check lhttp://www.helmut-fischer.com/en/in/coating-thickness/xrf/mobile-xray-xan-500/ Fischer launch new Handheld EDXRF for Material Analysis as well Coating Thickness Measurement. 

Please join and login to participate and leave a comment.