Determination of 18 Minor Elements in the Structural Superimposed Halo Samples from Gold Deposits by Wavelength Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry with Pressed-powder Pellets

Abstract

BACKGROUND Elements As, Sb, Bi, Ag, Sn, W, Mo, Cu, Pb, Zn, Co, Cr, Ni, Ti, V, Mn, Sr and Ba in structural superimposed halo samples of gold deposits were of significance to the multi-phases and multi-stage mineralization of the gold deposits. This kind of sample is collected in the gold mine. The content of each element is very different and the distribution is uneven, from the ppm level to a few percent. OBJECTIVES To overcome the problems of conventional detection methods, such as difficult to eliminate inter-element interference and serious memory effects. METHODS The contents of 18 elements in structural superimposed haloes of gold ore were studied by pressed-powder pellets Wavelength Dispersive XRF. RESULTS By studying the angle scanning chart, the analysis line with least interference and high intensity is selected, and the segregation effect is eliminated by fully mixing the sample. The detection limits of this method are 0.14-2.23 μg/g, and the precision (RSD, n=12) is less than 4%. CONCLUSIONS The method can rapidly and accurately determine the contents of all elements in structural superimposed halo samples of gold deposits.

Keywords

• gold deposit
• the structural superimposed halo samples
• pressed-powder pellets
• wavelength dispersive x-ray fluorescence spectrometry