Analyses of 13 samples of Martian surface materials with the Viking X-ray fluorescence spectrometers show SiO2 similar to that of terrestrial mafic rocks, whereas Fe2O3, Cl, and S are higher and Al2O3, K2O, Rb, Sr, Y, and Zr are lower. Low totals suggest presence of CO2, H2O, and Na2O. Duricrust fragments are higher in S than fines, but samples from both landing sites are surprisingly similar. We suggest that Martian surface materials are aeolian deposits of complex mixtures of weathering products of maficultramafic rocks, possibly consisting of iron-rich clays, sulfates, iron oxides, carbonates, and chlorides.

Allanite is abundant and commonly attains unusually large size as a late-replacement mineral in: (1) the comagnatic rocks of the Precambrian Boulder Creek batholith; (2) associated amphibolite xenoliths and related hybrid rocks; and (3) distinctly younger intrusions of Silver Plume Granite that cut the complex. Allanite porphyroblasts develop by replacement of biotite, probably in the presence of emanations from the rare earth-rich and thorium-rich Silver Plume Granite. The largest allanite crystals are made up of nearly isotropic (metamict) cores and birefringent (recrystallized) rims. Smaller crystals are made up exclusively of birefringent material. The maximum birefringence is shown to be that expectable in allanite of Late Cretaceous to early Tertiary age. As plotted on maps, the birefringence increases, and the thorium and uranium contents of the allanite decrease toward a Laramide stock. The variation in birefringence is, therefore, largely relatable to variations in the post-Laramide radiation dosage brought about by differences in the amounts of uranium and thorium lost during recrystallization. The recrystallized allanite is itself partly replaced by epidote which characteristically occurs as a border between allanite and biotite. Total rare-earth oxides for the eight samples of allanite analyzed range from 17.5 to 21.3 percent by weight. In 13 samples, thorium ranged from 0.50 to 1.14 percent by weight, and uranium from 54 to 158 parts pparts per million. Ranges in optical measurements for 20 samples using the spindle stage are: Nα = 1.719–1.759, Nβ = 1.731-1.774, N γ = 1.741–1.784, birefringence = 0.020–0.032, 2V X (calc.) 70 ° –84 ° . Ranges for unit-cell data obtained on 8 samples are: a = 8.948–8.985A, b = 5.721-5.763A, c = 10.184–10.240A, β = 115°7.50′–115°25.89′ and volume = 473.02–478.43A 3 . The average value for the ratio a:b:c = 1.561:1:1.778.

AbstractX-ray fluorescence spectroscopy has been used in solving a wide variety of geologic problems involving mineral, ore, and water analysis. The technique has been a powerful analytical tool in the survey of mineral deposits, as a control to monitor ore flotation processes, for the semimicroanalysis of mineral separates and of rare new mineral species, and for the determination of trace elements in lake and saline waters. Many preparation techniques have been developed for the analysis of complex mineral systems, some combining X-Ray fluorescence with other analytical techniques to provide a complete analysis. These, coupled with improvements in instrumentation, have given the X-ray analyst a means of extending analytical ranges to the microgram level and to include elements that were previously not detectable. Significant advances in sample preparation and methods development have been made in the analysis of milligram quantities of complex geologic materials. The fusion and the solution of specimens appear to be the preferred methods of sample preparation. For samples that vary markedly in composition, the slope-ratio technique offers a new approach to solving matrix problems.

Recent advances in the x-ray fluorescence analysis of the light elements offer the advantage of speed and an accuracy approaching that of wet chemical procedures In addition to Fe, Mn, Ti, Ca, and K, the elements P, Si, Al, and Mg, previously considered too light to be determined quantitatively, can now be included in the scheme of analysis X-ray fluorescence analysis of these light elements is primarily confined to layers close to the surface, with the attendant problems of particle size, mineralogic history, and absorption differences owing to compositional variation among samples Fusion of the sample with a suitable flux eliminates problems of particle size and mineralogic differences Simple fusion, however, does not eliminate absorption differences due to variation in matrix By introducing into the fusion melt a strong absorber (La2O3) for the light elements, the variation in concentration of absorbing elements in the unknown sample will not materially affect the overall absorption of the fused mass for the elements being determined This permits the use of a single set of standards regardless of the rock type to be analyzed The x-ray fluorescence method has been applied to the analysis of a wide variety of rock types such as granite, diabase, dunite, limestone, dolomite, and phosphate rock, with results that compare favorably with chemical values

AbstractAn X-ray fluorescence method is described for the analysis of niobotamalate concentrates, bringing speed and accuracy to determinations that are difficult chemically. Many of the problems inherent in the X-ray fluorescence analysis of powdered samples are eliminated by fusion of the sample in a mixture of Li2B4O7 and La2O3. Absolute amounts can be determined without reliance on chemically analyzed standard concentrates. Standards in a wide range of concentrations are readily prepared from pure chemicals. La2O3 plays a dual role, aiding in the fusion of highly refractory oxides and minimizing absorption differences between samples. In addition to niobium and tantalum, elements commonly present in niobate-tantalate ore concentrates, such as titanium, iron, tin, and manganese, are readily determined.The fusion mixture consists of 80 mg of sample, 120 mg of La2O3 and 800 mg of Li2B4O7. The fusion is made in graphite crucibles at 1100°C for 15 min. The cooled bead is ground in a mixer-grinder and pressed into a pellet. X-ray fluorescence measurements yield linear calibration curves for each of the elements over a wide range of concentration.