<b>Determination of the minor and trace elements in Biriniwa's tin pyrite and ornamental lead/zinc ore using neutron activation analysis</b>

Abstract

Preliminary results of analysis of two common decorative/ornamental minerals analysed for minor and trace elements with the neutron activation analysis technique are discussed. The samples of interest were the Biriniwa tin pyrite, which the local indigenous used to paint their huts and the ornamental lead which women use to adorn their eyelashes nation-wide. These samples were irradiated along the certified reference sample, CANMET-BLI, with thermal neutron at the Julich Reactor Centre, Julich, Germany. The prominent elements determined in the ornamental lead included zinc (35.8%), iron (6.15%), Na, Sb, Cd, Hg, Ag and Co at trace level (μg g-1). Tin pyrite sample was found to contain traces of Na, K, As, Br, Sb, Fe, La, Nd, Sm and Ce as the prominent impurities. Lead and tin, the major elements, respectively, of the lead/zinc ore and tin pyrite samples were determined by classical methods.