New Mexico Mineral Symposium — Abstracts

The New Mexico Bureau of Mines and Mineral Resources X-ray Facility operates a wavelength-dispersive, sequential x-ray fluorescence spectrometer and three powder x-ray diffractometers. Both qualitative and quantitative analyses are performed.

X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) is a rapid, nonde-structive, comparative method of geochemical analysis requiring well-characterized standards. Samples are commonly prepared as briquetted powders, fused-glass disks, or loose powders. XRF is a useful and versatile analytical method.

Crystalline phases are identified by x-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Loose powders, briquetted powders, solid pieces of metal and ceramic, and rock slabs are routinely analyzed.

The X-ray Facility supports basic research at New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology. The facility also accepts outside contract work and samples from the general public.