Diffraction, Geochemical Analysis and Electron Microscopy

Trilab provides specialist geochemical analysis to support engineering geology for the exploration, mining, and resource industries. Providing our clients with detailed reports on a range of geochemical analyses used in the exploration, mining and resource industries. These reports include testing, interpretation, and recommendations based on the results obtained.

Geochemical analysis is the geological interpretation of results from multiple test methods, including X-Ray Diffraction, X-Ray Fluorescence/Geochemical Analysis, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and wet chemistry techniques.

Analysis and interpretation of these results help scientists and geologists understand the characteristics and conditions for industry clients and their proposed project specifications.

Rock Core Sample Testing Australia Brisbane Perth

Geochemical Analysis Services

Geochemical analysis services at a glance:

  • X-Ray diffraction (XRD) using Rietveld fitting.

  • X-Ray fluorescence (XRF).

  • Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)

  • ICP-MS and ICP-OES for major and trace element analysis.

  • Loss on Ignition (LOI) testing.

For sample preparation information refer to the Thin Sections section.

Geochemical Analysis Samples
Geochemical Analysis

X-Ray Diffraction

X-ray Diffraction (XRD) is a non-destructive technique to analyse physical properties such as crystal structure, phase composition and orientation of solid, powder and liquid samples. Many of these materials are made of tiny crystallites. XRD is used to determine the underlying crystal structure of material for a range of applications to identify:

  • Crystalline materials
  • Fine-grained minerals such as clays and mixed layer clays that are difficult to determine by optical observation
  • Unit cell dimensions
  • Measurement of sample purity

XRD techniques include:

  • Qualitative XRD – Identification of single minerals or qualitative identification (i.e. – reported as major, minor and trace) of mineral assemblages including interpretation of results.
  • Quantitative XRD –Identification and quantitative estimates of the abundances (i.e. – expressed in nominal weight percent) of clays and other minerals in a rock or soil including interpretation of results.

X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF)

X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) is a non-destructive analytical technique that identifies and quantifies the elemental composition of rock samples by measuring the characteristic secondary X-rays emitted when the samples are exposed to high-energy X-rays. This method is highly precise, efficient, and capable of analyzing multiple elements simultaneously, making it essential for applications in mineral exploration, environmental assessment, and academic research.

Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Our analytical Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) capabilities allow for submicron-resolution imaging and EDS elemental analysis. Use of analytical scanning electron microscope for submicron-resolution imaging of surfaces and/or EDS elemental analysis of major chemical elements from micron-scale spots or traverses. Applications include verification of habit and mineral identity for asbestiform materials, mineral composition and identification for metallic ore minerals, and cement micromineralogy, including degradation and fracture fill phases. Additional options include multi-element X-ray mapping to locate concentrations of elements of interest and visualise their distribution. Applications include:

  • Cement micromineralogy, including degradation and fracture fill phases.

  • Verification of habit and mineral identity for asbestiform materials.

  • Multi-element X-ray mapping to visualise elemental distribution.

XRF’s minimal sample preparation requirement preserves rock sample integrity, allowing geologists and researchers to gain valuable insights into the composition and history of geological materials, whether using portable field analyzers or advanced laboratory systems. Trilab uses XRF to perform different rock analysis techniques and provides clients with an interpretation of the results.

GS Lab Microscope Technician