Mineralogical Analysis

X-ray Diffraction (XRD)

Used for phase identification of crystalline materials, x-ray diffraction (XRD) is a rapid analytical technique which provides information on unit cell dimensions and can also be used for quantitative determination of the minerals present. X-ray Mineral Services are specialists in quantification of whole rock and clay fraction samples using industry standard methods, modern XRD machines and over 50 years combined experience in analysing the data produced. XRD quality control is maintained using internal calibrations against known mineral standards and external checks using regular international round robin proficiency testing which includes the Reynolds Cup competition.

Raman Spectroscopy

Raman spectroscopy is an automated mineral identification technique. It is a rapid, non-destructive analytical technique based on the scattering of monochromatic light from a laser which interacts with a molecule, causing various types of scattering of photons. Our Raman service is used to identify accessory mineral phases in sand provenance studies. The main advantage of Raman mineralogy analysis is that it increases the grain size range of analysis for more comprehensive characterisation. It counts a greater population of grains (c.2000 per slide) and removes operator bias associated with typical optical heavy mineral analysis. We have developed our own extensive spectral library of more exotic minerals to help in the characterisation of battery minerals in mining samples.

Traditionally heavy mineral provenance services are restricted to sand fractions, however, we have established a Raman spectroscopy workflow for the analysis of finer grained sediments (Provenance Enhanced Siltstone Petrography service) that enables sediment provenance mapping to be extended to include sand and silt fractions and provide greater areal coverage.

Automated Mineralogy (SEM-EDX)® Automated Mineralogy

We have considerable experience in the use and interpretation of Automated Mineralogy (SEM-EDX)®, MLA and other automated scanned SEM data. Polished or stub samples are placed in a scanning electron microscope with x-ray detectors and samples are mapped using elemental composition and the image captured, highlighting the texture, grain size and shape of the material. The technique is widely used in all geological characterisation projects but particularly in the oil and gas and mining sectors.

Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR)

FTIR provides mineralogical and TOC data as a percentage abundance from a small rock sample. FTIR is a spectroscopy technique that collects data from a broad spectral range in the infrared. The acquired data undergoes a Fourier transform (a mathematical operation) to convert the raw data into the spectrum used for mineral determination. While XRD undoubtedly remains the gold standard for mineralogy when time or sample location is no issue, FTIR can supply cost effective bulk mineralogical data comparable to an XRD for many minerals in less than a minute.

Petrography

We can provide a comprehensive petrographic analysis of rocks and geo-materials. We have the expertise to manufacture thin sections (with impregnation or stains), polished blocks, stubs, grain mounts and other sample presentation modes. Traditionally, the mineralogical attributes of a geo-material is investigated using optical petrography. We provide qualitative and quantitative petrography (point count thresholds between 200-440 on request) and photomicrographs and video capability. Full petrographic descriptions are available for bulk, lithic, clay and authigenic phases and estimates of porosity, permeability and paragenesis is available for oil and gas reservoir samples. Petrographic services can also be applied to igneous and metamorphic samples, along with concrete and other materials.