Mineralogical Services
Mineralogical Services
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Qualitative phase analysis
XRD analysis of geological, chemical or industrial samples with identification
of phases and semi-quantitative estimates of their abundance based on
the relative height of peaks in the diffraction pattern. Estimates of
abundance are given by the following classes; dominant: >60%, co-dominant:
two or more predominant components of approximately equal amounts, sub-dominant:
20 to 60%, minor: 5 to 20% and trace: <5%.
Quantitative phase analysis
Accurate quantitative XRD analysis of materials using crystallographic
techniques. The technique used depends on the type of material submitted
for analysis. In-house developed software is used on samples requiring
modification of the crystal structure (ie synthetically prepared samples
with differing elemental compositions). Commercial quantitative analysis
software (SIROQUANT) is used on samples containing "standard"
chemical compositions and clay minerals. Samples need to be ground to
<10µm in a McCrone micronising mill to maintain accuracy.
Clay mineralogy of whole soil
Includes extraction of <2µm fraction, XRD analysis of powdered
and orientated <2µm fractions, determination of cation exchange
capacity and selected major elements using XRF and quantitative clay mineralogy.
Clay mineralogy of <2µm fraction
Provides the same information as Clay mineralogy of whole soil but for
<2µm fraction only (ie clay separation is performed by the customer).
Includes XRD analysis of powdered and orientated <2µm fractions,
determination of cation exchange capacity and selected major elements
using XRF and quantitative clay mineralogy.
Detailed clay characterisation
Separation of the fine clay fraction by dispersion with either NaCl or
LiCl, and removal of the <0.5µm or <0.2µm fraction.
The fine clay fraction is then Ca saturated, washed and oven dried. Powdered
and orientated samples are prepared for XRD analysis, followed by glycerol
or ethylene glycol solvation, K saturation and heating to 300 and 500°C.
Major element XRF analysis is then used to determine the structural formula.
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