New X.R.F. data retrieval techniques and their application to U.S.G.S. standard rocks

Abstract Accurate and consistent X-ray fluorescence analysis of major and trace elements using a single pressed pellet for each sample has been achieved with a wide variety of rock compositions. Counting techniques for use with data reduction and correction programs in Standard Fortran IV are described; the latter depend throughout on data developed from a wide range of standard rock compositions. A comparison of ten major and fifteen trace element analyses for U.S.G.S. standard rocks with averages taken from the literature testifies to the precision of these techniques.