Evaluation of the utility of handheld XRF in meteoritics

We tested a handheld X-ray fluorescence instrument with adaptable matrix correction for its suitability in meteoritics. We report here the instrument setup, precision and accuracy and present examples of applications. With a measuring time of 300 s, it is possible to collect accurate data for K, Ca, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Sr and Ba that are needed for the identification of doubtful meteorites and the nondestructive classification of chondrites and achondrites. The factory-supplied calibration curve of the instrument was fine tuned for our purposes with the use of well-analyzed meteorite powders, pressed pellets and meteorite hand specimens as standards. Relative errors of 10% to 20% are reached for the mentioned elements. The instrument was tested in the hot desert of Oman while searching for meteorites and also in the laboratory while doing research on meteorites. The main applications of the instrument are the identification and classification of meteorites, the quantification of terrestrial elemental contamination (Sr and Ba) and detection of Mn-rich desert varnish. It is possible to discriminate the major meteorite groups using Fe/Mn and Ni values. Handheld X-ray fluorescence is also useful in identifying meteorites belonging to the same fall event. Copyright (C) 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.