Page 178 - Introduction to Mineral Exploration

8: EXPLORATION GEOCHEMISTRY 161

H He

Li Be B C N O F Ne

Na Mg Al Si P S Cl Ar

K Ca Sc Ti V Cr Mn Fe Co Ni Cu Zn Ga Ge As Se Br Kr
Co
Rh
Rb Sr Y Zr Nb Mo Tc Ru Rh Pd Ag Cd In Sn Sb Te I Xe
Cs Ba La Hf Ta W Re Os Ir Ir Pt Au Hg Tl Pb Bi Po At Rn

Fr Ra Ac

Ce Pr Nd Pm Sm Eu Gd Tb Dy Ho Er Tm Yb Lu

Th Pa U

Neutron activation analysis Inductively coupled mass spectrometry
X-ray fluorescence Fire assay preconcentration various finishes

Atomic absorption spectrophotometry Other methods
Inductively coupled emission spectrometry

FIG. 8.3 Summary periodic table showing cost-effective methods of elemental analysis at levels encountered
in background exploration samples.

TABLE 8.3 Summary of the main methods used in exploration geochemistry.
Method Capital cost $ Multielement Precision Sample type Cost per comments sample
(approx.) ($US)
Colorimetry 8000 No Poor Solution 2–10 Good for field use
and W, Mo
Atomic absorption 60,000 No Good Solution 1–5 Cheap and precise
spectrophotometry
X-ray fluorescence 200,000 Yes Good Solid 20 Good for
refractory
elements
ICP–ES 150,000 Yes Good Solution 10 Good for
transition metals
ICP–MS 150,000– Yes Good Solution 10 Good for heavy
1000,000 metals. High
resolution
instruments very
low detection
limits