Petrographic analysis using cathodoluminescence microscopy with simultaneous energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy

¶Mineral grains unidentifiable by means of cathodoluminescence (CL) and/or polarizing microscopy (including non-luminescent or opaque minerals) can be readily identified with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry, attached to the CL equipment. Chemical identification is possible of mineral grains (ten to a few tens of microns) that are even smaller than the electron beam area, by using index elements if the unknown mineral analyzed is surrounded by grains of simple or known chemical composition (e.g. minute areas of carbonate cement surrounded by quartz or clay minerals; clay cements surrounded by quartz or carbonate) and simultaneous with CL microscopy.