PIXE and EDXRF studies on banded iron formations from eastern India

Abstract A selected number of eastern Indian banded iron formations (BIFs) have been studied by using complementary non-destructive X-ray techniques like proton-induced X-ray emission and energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence. Nineteen trace elements including Co, Ni, Zr, Cr, Ti and Y were quantified in these BIFs, which have been used to interpret the various physical–chemical conditions of the depositional basin. The study advocates the use of X-ray techniques complementarily in quantifying trace elements in high-grade ores in order to reveal geochemistry successfully.