Research Mineralogy - X-ray Diffraction Lab Active
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
- Overview
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
- Data
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)
Electron microprobe analyses of sphalerite (ZnS) were collected on samples from current or past mining operations in the USA with a specific focus on germanium (Ge), a byproduct critical mineral recovered from sphalerite. Data and methods reported are part of a research study published in the 'Related External Resources' section below.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)
Oxidation state and bonding environment of Ge and Cu in ZnS and Zn mineral concentrates from a variety of sources [Central Tennessee mining district (TN), Metaline mining district, (WA), and Red Dog mine (AK)] were determined by linear combination fits from x-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) analysis. Sphalerites from the East Tennessee mining district contained Ge in concentrations that were tooEnvironmental (hydrogen, oxygen, and sulfur) stable isotope data from the Elizabeth copper mine Superfund site, Vermont, USA
Stable hydrogen (H), oxygen (O), and sulfur (S) isotope data were collected from the Elizabeth copper mine Superfund site, South Strafford, Vermont. Sample media include surface water (H and O), groundwater (H and O), dissolved sulfate (O and S), and sulfide minerals in bulk mill tailings samples. Where available, supporting data for water samples include discharge, pH, specific conductance, and d - Publications
Below are publications associated with this project.
Powder X-ray diffraction laboratory, Reston, Virginia
The powder x-ray diffraction (XRD) laboratory is managed jointly by the Eastern Mineral and Environmental Resources and Eastern Energy Resources Science Centers. Laboratory scientists collaborate on a wide variety of research problems involving other U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) science centers and government agencies, universities, and industry. Capabilities include identification and quantificaAuthorsNadine M. Piatak, Frank T. Dulong, John C. Jackson, Helen W. FolgerEvaluating the utility of principal component analysis on EDS x-ray maps to determine bulk mineralogy
Due to advances in EDS technology, electron microscopy techniques have become an important tool to determine the relative abundance of mineral phases. However, few studies have directly compared EDS X‐ray mineralogy with traditional techniques for assessing bulk mineralogy and elemental composition. We show that analysing a limited area (~ 0.5–3.2 mm2) of fine‐grained metal extraction samples usinAuthorsKaren Spaleta, Sarah M. Hayes, Rainer Newberry, Nadine M. Piatak