Gamma-ray spectrometric analysis of neutron irradiated golden sands

A nondestructive method has been used for the qualitative and quantitative determination of elements such as Au, Cu, Ag in minerals and especially in golden sand. The induced radioactivity has been analyzed with a high resolution gamma spectrometer containing a Ge(Li) semiconductor detector type and a multichannel analyzer. The samples have been collected from the alluvia of the Mureş and Someşul Mic river basins, proving the presence of gold and copper in small concentrations. These results have been correlated to previous data showing the existence of some gold mines in these zones. This nondestructive, rapid and highly sensitive method can be used for industrial processes [1] control and prospections. The use of a NaI(Tl) scintillation crystal for routine measurements of the (198)Au radioisotope type and the interferences by copper, silver and indium in the irradiated samples are discussed.