X-ray Fluorescence Analysis
The Institute for Geochemistry and Petrology operates a latest generation, wave-length dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (WD-XRF, PANalytical AXIOS), equipped with 5 diffraction crystals.
We routinely analyse rock samples that are prepared from fired, finely-ground rock powders. Standard analyses are performed on fused glass-beads prepared from rock powder mixed with Lithium-Tetraborate (1:5 mixture) using a Claisse M4® fluxer. A minimum of one gram of fired rock powder is required.
The current setup includes 10 major (SiO2, TiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, MnO, MgO, CaO, Na2O, K2O, P2O5) and 21 trace elements (S, Sc, V, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, Rb, Sr, Y, Zr, Nb, Ba, La, Ce, Nd, Pb, Th, U). Fisher-Tropsch and coulometric titrations are available for the quantitative determination of H2O and CO2.
The calibration is based on ca. 30 certified international standards with emphasis on igneous and metamorphic rock compositions. Upon request, we can also provide calibrations for sedimentary (mainly carbonate) rocks and solid residues of soils.
Lab impressions
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Panalytical XRF. -
Automatic sample loading/changing. -
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XRF control software and results.
Services
We offer the following services:
ETH-internal service
We offer access to our laboratory facilities and help for rock crushing, grinding and glass-bead preparation of silicate and carbonate rocks for X-Ray fluorescence analysis. Analytical services are provided for ETH member institutions in preparative self-operation after individual instruction. The XRF-spectrometer is operated by the responsible persons only.
Commercial service
We offer complete analyses of major and trace elements of solid samples (preparation and analysis) to external customers at competitive rates and with short turnover time.
Contact
For further information and/or quotes, please contact the responsible person.