Chemical Analysis

qualitative, semi-quantitative, quantitative analyses of minerals and rocks

in situ analysis

wet chemistry (colorimetry, volumetric, gravimetric)

atomic absorption spectroscopy (AA), x-ray fluorescence (XRF)

electron microprobe (EM), EDS, WDS, optical spectroscopy

isotope dilution mass spectrometry (IDMS)

ion microprobe

interference, primary x-rays, secondary x-rays

electromagnetic spectrum

What is the fundamental idea (i.e., how does it work?) behind each of the chemical analysis techniques discussed in class? What information does one obtain from each?

Explain the advantages and disadvantages of the following, and what they are used for: ICP, neutron activation, IDMS, ion microprobe.

What is XRD, and what kind of information does it produce?