X-Ray Fluorescence Analyses of JCSS Samples

Abstract

Quantitative analysis of major elements by a glass beads and X-ray fluorescence method was made on five JCSS samples-sericite, pyrophyllite, dickite and two smectite minerals-offered from the JCSS committee.
The analytical results of sericite and pyrophyllite were comparatively well in agreement with expected values based on the table of the data of chemical analyses of the JCSS samples. In the case of dickite the value of Al₂O₃ was a little larger than the expected value. It is considered that the high Al₂O₃ content in dickite, about 15% more than the upper limit of the calibration line, made this disagreement. The total values of major elements of two smectite minerals were about 2.5% lower than their expected total values. It seems that the nature of the minerals which reabsorb water easily causes such lower values.