Nuclear microprobe analysis of Evate (Mozambique) apatites

A characterization of mineral apatite samples using Nuclear Microprobe techniques was made. Thin polished sections of apatite in calcite matrix were analyzed by PIXE (particle-induced X-ray emission) and IL (ion luminescence) for major and trace elements quantification. Some Rare Earth Elements (REE), which are IL activators mainly in the UV and visible region, present in the sample in concentrations far below the minimum detectable limit by PIXE method, could still display characteristic luminescence spectra. Hence, IL is a very useful complementary method to traditional ion beam analytical techniques such as PIXE, and NRA (nuclear reaction analysis) for application in geology. The results are in perfect agreement with some available information about previous tectonic studies performed in the Nampula geological province and show some possibility of beginning a semi-artesian exploitation of the apatite for use in local subsistence farming as a cheap fertilizer.