X-Ray Fluorescence Analysis
 
 
 
The purpose of this analysis
 
Analysis XRF is used for a quick check of element concentrations in materials, particularly for initial screening And and comparing multiple samples when time and budget are limited.
 
XRF provides Preliminary indications, not precise results for ore processing decisions.
 
 
 
What XRF answers
 
 
 
XRF helps answer questions such as:
 
 
 
 
What elements are whether or not a substance is present
 
 
 
 
Which sample is higher or lower than other samples
 
 
 
 
Is this material worth further testing using more accurate methods
 
 
 
 
 
Elements that can be analyzed with XRF
 
 
 
Base Metals (most reliable)
Ni, Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn, Cr
 
 
 
Precious metal & Precious Metals & PGMs (limited, indicative)
Au, Ag
Pd, Pt, Rh, Ru, Ir, Os
 
 
 
The higher the concentration of an element, the more accurate the XRF results.
XRF works best on materials with high concentrations or higher purity, such as concentrates or alloys.
 
 
 
Important Limitations of XRF (in Ore Samples)
 
 
 
In ore samples, XRF:
 
 
 
 
Is not accurate for determining the concentrations of gold, silver, and PGMs
 
 
 
 
Is easily distorted by other elements (e.g., As, Pb, Fe)
 
 
 
 
Generally only provides "exist or not", rather than “what the content is”
 
 
 
 
 
For gold, silver, and PGMs in ore grades, Fire Assay + ICP remains the recommended method.
 
 
 
How the analysis is carried out
 
 
 
 
Samples are analyzed XRF
 
 
 
 
No chemical digestion
 
 
 
 
Results are obtained quickly
 
 
 
 
 
Operational information
 
 
 
 
Minimum sample size: ± 20–50 grams
 
 
 
 
Duration of work: 1–2 business days
 
 
 
 
Terms and conditions apply (sample condition and homogeneity affect results)
 
 
 
 
 
Cost & sample delivery
 
 
 
 
The analysis fee does not include the cost of sending the sample to us.
 
 
 
 
All costs and risks during shipping are borne by sender's responsibility
 
 
 
 
 
Value added services
 
XRF is useful as a low-cost initial step for:
 
 
 
 
Screening a large number of samples quickly
 
 
 
 
Comparing trends across samples
 
 
 
 
Determining which samples are suitable for testing with ICP or fire assay
 
 
 
 
 
When to Choose XRF
 
 
 
 
If you need Quick Check
 
 
 
 
If your budget is very limited
 
 
 
 
If your goal is screening and comparison, rather than concentration determination
 
 
 
 
 
XRF is not used to
 
 
 
 
determine the feasibility of processing gold, silver, or PGMs in ore
 
 
 
 
Determining economic grades
 
 
 
 
Replacing ICP-MS, ICP-OES, or fire assay
 
 
 
 
 
Summary 
 
XRF can detect Au, Ag, and PGM indicatively, and is more accurate at higher concentrations, but is not suitable for ore grade determination.