ISLANDcr - XRF - commentI agree the XRF ( dependent on which model ) do have their limitations.
Whiel the Micro XRF can be a - one level up - able to detect more - complex/ intricate matrixes.
https://www.azom.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=11714
Now, assaying with acids and achieving full dissolution, is great.
But... the intel i've read on copper and how it pairs, my reluctancy to render fullfaith in mineral detection revolves around - the calibration of the spectropecy equipt.
Meaning - most write ups on mineral detection equipt are calibrated with pure minerals - one only needs to ask, are minerals out in the field of pure disposition ?
And the answer us - most have bonds and are rarely native pure - hence - this bothersome hang up on - the multitudes of copper and the aspect of accurately detecting each form of copper while in bond -
Using acids ot break the bond is - best.
But... i find that many juniors are not atune to the use of certain acids will fair better for the detection of specific coppers that may not dissolve in an acid medium - take for instance - simple aqua regia has difficulty in dissolving irons. If a copper is paired with an iron, would this mean the spectropocy would be impaired to detect a copper iron bond ?
And that's where i'm at. And, the study ofgrey copper.
Which ifeel merits muchmore attention with in the mining industry.
On the premise of, what if copper is a natural grey mineral and only after coming into contact with - sulphides or carbonates - it then, reacts.
Not much on the subject.
One has to really dig to find citation papers.
Even then... not much is found.
Again... suppose an XRF is precalibrate with a pure mineral value.
Pure is rarely found in the field.
Even gold will have impurities of silver or platium, etc....
.
How good are the XRF machines and more importantly,
How good are the spectrometers in the labs once ores are placed in acids ?
Can a mineral - keep - its bond ?
And... that's the 10 million dollar question.
What if the mineral bonds with an acid and still keeps it's prior bondwith another mineral ?
The equation would / could equate to - Cu + Fe + S + HCl acid.
If the copper is a lessor than the iron and sulphur would the spectro pick up the copper bond ?
What i would love to see is...
A spectro machine calibrated with a mapping of each molecular bond - in chemical bondform - that COULD pick up each molecular signature in which to provide a 100 % accurate indentification and spit out the formula of how its bonded. Pairing 2, 3 sulphures or, 2 trons and 3 Chl atoms... Can a mineral once placed in solution - hide amongst the acidbase in which the spectro overlooks and simply recognizes the chloride acid but can't recognize a pairing of copper that translates to a copper chloride ?
Same goers for all other minerals - i often think of the Quebec greenstone.
Laced with chloride.
One only needs a measure of limes to create a coreaction thus....
Placing the mineral into solution - natural state - in country rock .
One would not see the gold due ot its soluble state - locked in a chloride quartz bond.
If one uses the wrong acid such as a sulphur on a chloride green stone - would this pose complications in detection ?
Anyhooo....
This is simple - mineral chatter - Islandcr.
Filling the void while waiting for - assay results.
If i stopped posting - i'm sure a few would miss me....
Right ?
lol
Many think mining has all been said and done.
Not so. Simply pull a few mining projects forward from around the world.
One will soon realize there is still lots being learned by many - companies.
Extraction methodology is still growing and new ideas coming forth.
Just like finding the next deposit - mining has many growth curves in play.
Even equipt used for mining is constantly changing.
Cheers....