Automated Mineralogy
.jpg "Automated Mineralogy (SEM-EDX)")
Automated Mineralogy
Automated mineralogical techniques provide a quantitative breakdown of sample mineralogy using EDX detectors mounted on a scanning electron microscope (SEM). This enables a quick (~1 hour/sample depending on resolution and sample size) analysis that provides a mineralogical breakdown of the sample as well as key textural information in a spatially resolved sample map at a range of pixel resolutions from (1 – 100 µm).
- Quantitative breakdown of sample mineralogy
- Textural characterisation
- Elemental mapping
- Liberation characteristics
- Complements XRD and Raman
Once collected, sample maps can be interrogated digitally for crystal size distribution information as well as spatially resolved mineral association data such as relative abundances of grain coating vs detrital clays. The SEM is a key petrological tool and has both secondary electron and backscattered electron detectors for sample imaging.
Coupled with XRD as a mineralogical quality control tool, Automated Mineralogy is an incredibly powerful instrument for reservoir quality assessments in the oil and gas sector and carbon capture as well as mineral exploration and mineral processing in mining applications, to name a few.
We have also developed new analytical methods using SEM-EDX for the characterisation of Black Mass in battery recycling, WEEE and applications in archaeology.