A manual of modified analytical procedures for conventional rock analysis

This manual was written to establish the most accurate analytical methodology for determining the major constituents in silicate rocks. This report describes modified classical procedures for determining the amount of SiO₂, Al₂O₃, Fe₂O₃, FeO, CaO, MgO, H₂O^-, H₂O⁺, TiO₂, P₂O₅, MnO, CO₂, and S in silicate rocks. In the determination of Na₂O and K₂O, the flame photometer is used. The flame photometer procedure presented in this manual is as accurate and precise as the classical, yet time-consuming, J. Lawrence Smith procedure for the alkalis. Explanations are presented directly under various steps of the procedures explaining the importance of that particular technique and how it affects the accuracy of the analysis.