Mineral Characterization Using Micro X-ray Diffraction (Micro XRD), a State-of-the-art Non-destructive Technique

TL;DR: In this paper, a technique that enables imaging and mapping of the phase distribution in complex minerals was used to explore the mineralogy of bauxite samples and to obtain x-ray diffraction patterns of trace level minerals.

Abstract: Micro x-ray diffraction, a technique that enables imaging and mapping of the phase distribution in complex minerals, was used to explore the mineralogy of bauxite samples and to obtain x-ray diffraction patterns of trace level minerals. Micro x-ray diffraction can be used to obtain information on unusual and or trace level samples that cannot be studied by conventional powder x-ray diffraction methods and or solid samples that are not in powder form. High quality x-ray diffraction patterns of trace level samples of gibbsite, boehmite and hematite. Micro x-ray diffraction mapping and line scan of bauxite samples and leach residue (whole rock and polished) revealed details of the mineralogy and grain location of the minerals in bauxite.