X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) analysis provides a firm foundation for geochemical research at the Open University.
Our laboratory is equipped with an Applied Research Laboratories 8420 + dual goniometer Wavelength-Dispersive X-Ray spectrometer, which is used mainly to produce research-quality analyses of silicate rocks. We have also analysed a range of non-silicate materials including limestones, horse stomach concretions and mammoth teeth. Major element analysis is carried out on fused glass discs for Na, Mg, Al, Si, P, K, Ca, Ti, Mn and Fe. Loss on ignition (LOI) is used as an approximate measure of volatiles such as H2O and CO2. For trace elements, pressed powder pellets are analysed routinely for Rb, Sr, Y, Zr, Nb, Ba, Pb, Th, U, Sc, V, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, Mo and As. The XRF facility caters primarily for academic staff and research students in the Department of Earth Sciences, though a limited amount of external work for other establishments, including the universities of Oxford and Cambridge, is undertaken.
Contact Information
Mr John Watson
Tel: +44 (0)1908 655157 (office)