Research Mineralogy - X-ray Diffraction Lab
The primary goal of this project is to ensure the availability of state-of-the-art mineralogical analyses and, when needed, development of new analytical methods that can be applied to topical studies in Energy and Minerals Mission Area, as well as the other mission areas.
The project includes mineralogy by X-ray diffraction (XRD), qualitative and semi-quantitative x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, and other related analytical techniques for mineralogical studies. For many USGS projects, there are no commercial laboratories that can provide the unique types of mineralogical characterization or the high quality data required to carry out the project objectives.
Methodology
Our project will focus on the following areas of investigation:
- X-ray powder diffraction (XRD): Maintain the XRD laboratory for Mineral Resources Program and Energy Resources Program projects, provide training and assistance as needed, and develop new methods and applications.
- Development of methods for qualitative and semi-quantitative X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy for rapid screening of sample composition.
- Develop supplementary mineralogical techniques (mineral separation, selective dissolutions, environmental chamber for XRD in controlled atmosphere) to facilitate mineral identification.
- Quantitative mineralogy using Rietveld refinement.
Return to Mineral Resources Program
Below are data or web applications associated with this project.
Electron microprobe analyses of sphalerite from Central and East Tennessee mining districts, the Red Dog mining district (AK), and the Metaline mining district (WA)
Molecular-scale speciation of germanium and copper within sphalerite from Central Tennessee mining district (TN), Red Dog mining district (AK), and Metaline mining district (WA)
Environmental (hydrogen, oxygen, and sulfur) stable isotope data from the Elizabeth copper mine Superfund site, Vermont, USA
Below are publications associated with this project.
Powder X-ray diffraction laboratory, Reston, Virginia
Evaluating the utility of principal component analysis on EDS x-ray maps to determine bulk mineralogy
The primary goal of this project is to ensure the availability of state-of-the-art mineralogical analyses and, when needed, development of new analytical methods that can be applied to topical studies in Energy and Minerals Mission Area, as well as the other mission areas.
The project includes mineralogy by X-ray diffraction (XRD), qualitative and semi-quantitative x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, and other related analytical techniques for mineralogical studies. For many USGS projects, there are no commercial laboratories that can provide the unique types of mineralogical characterization or the high quality data required to carry out the project objectives.
Methodology
Our project will focus on the following areas of investigation:
- X-ray powder diffraction (XRD): Maintain the XRD laboratory for Mineral Resources Program and Energy Resources Program projects, provide training and assistance as needed, and develop new methods and applications.
- Development of methods for qualitative and semi-quantitative X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy for rapid screening of sample composition.
- Develop supplementary mineralogical techniques (mineral separation, selective dissolutions, environmental chamber for XRD in controlled atmosphere) to facilitate mineral identification.
- Quantitative mineralogy using Rietveld refinement.
Return to Mineral Resources Program
Below are data or web applications associated with this project.
Electron microprobe analyses of sphalerite from Central and East Tennessee mining districts, the Red Dog mining district (AK), and the Metaline mining district (WA)
Molecular-scale speciation of germanium and copper within sphalerite from Central Tennessee mining district (TN), Red Dog mining district (AK), and Metaline mining district (WA)
Environmental (hydrogen, oxygen, and sulfur) stable isotope data from the Elizabeth copper mine Superfund site, Vermont, USA
Below are publications associated with this project.