An analytical algorithm for correction of edge effects in X-ray microfluorescence analysis of geological samples

Geometrical effects occur when primary x-rays irradiate a mineral inclusion which lies close to the boundary between it and a surrounding mineral having a different chemical composition. An investigation of two types of near-edge effects was performed in the case when x-ray microfluorescence is applied for analysis. For zinc sulfide in calcium carbonate and for arsenopyrite in serpentine, the increase in measured characteristic x-ray intensity near the boundary is 15‒25%. Analytical mathematical expressions were developed to correct for such effects and the calculated results are in good agreement with measured values.