X-Ray Diffraction (XRD)
X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) is a versatile technique that can be used to identify any crystalline substance in solid samples, such as most minerals.
It can also be used to quantify the proportions of different minerals or other substances when present in a mixture.
Advanced XRD services for precise mineral identification, quantification, and analysis
XRD is a versatile technique that can be used to identify any crystalline substance such as most minerals. It can also be used to quantify the proportions of different minerals or indeed many other substances when they are present in a mixture. Most samples are analysed in powder form, but it is also possible with some samples to analyse surface deposits without removing them from the object. XRD can also be used for proportional quantification, a specialty for which we are world renowned.
We are an extremely well equipped and staffed group, routinely undertaking mineralogical investigations for a wide variety of clients, including oil and gas, industrial minerals, ceramics, environmental, and research.
The lab has 3 XRD instruments; two Bruker D8 Advance and one Panalytical Xpert Pro. All have position sensitive detectors, including the latest Lynxeye XE-T on our latest Bruker D8 Advance instrument, and optics featuring motorised divergence slits. The Xpert Pro has recently upgraded optics and interchangeable stages including an Anton Par XRK 900 reaction chamber which is used for controlled humidity experiments and non-ambient diffraction at temperatures up to 900°C.
Sample preparation is probably the most important step for a successful analysis, and we place great emphasis on careful and appropriate sample preparation for all of our methods.
Helen Pendlowski, XRD Lab Manager
Once collected diffraction data is processed and analysed using a variety of software, including Bruker’s Diffrac.Eva, Profex and PowdR. In addition, we have the latest versions of the International Centre for Diffraction (ICDD) databases, that are used for identification of unknowns.
All of our methods are UKAS accredited. For further information on XRD at the James Hutton Institute visit www.claysandminerals.com.
