TRACE-ELEMENT ANALYSIS OF GEOCHEMICAL REFERENCE SAMPLES BY ENERGY DISPERSIVE-X-RAY FLUORESCENCE SPECTROMETRY

A critical evaluation of trace element data derived by energy dispersive X‐ray fluorescence (ED‐XRF) analysis of over 40 geochemic reference samples shows that results for Rb, Sr, Y, Zr, Nb, and Th can be at least as good in terms of precision (better than ± 2 ppm (2s) or ± 3 % (2s relative), accuracy, and 3s detection limits (2 to 4 ppm) as those obtainable by other routine multi‐element analytical techniques. Data obtained simultaneously for Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, Pb and U are less precise because excitation conditions are less well optimised (with 3s detection limits of 6 to 12 ppm). The quality of data and the efficiency of simultaneous analysis of both sets of elements is well‐suited to most geological applications. Following a critical appraisal of calibration accuracy, new trace element data are presented for 15 reference samples from the Geological Survey of Japan. Copyright © 1990, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved