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Updated: Jul 13, 2025

Synchrotron X-ray Microdiffraction and Fluorescence Imaging of Mineral and Rock Samples
Published on: June 19, 2018
Elemental distribution patterns in rock samples from Egypt using neutron activation and complementary X-ray
Wael Badawy1, Igor Silachyov2, Andrey Dmitriev3
1Frank Laboratory of Neutron Physics, Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, 141980 Dubna, Russian Federation; Radiation Protection and Civil Defense Department, Nuclear Research Center, Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority, 13759 Cairo, Egypt.
Abstract:
The study utilized instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) to accurately analyze the elemental composition of 28 felsite (rhyolite), rock samples. Statistical approaches, including bivariate and multivariate analysis, were employed to characterize the rocks and determine their origin. Major findings include significantly high levels of silicon (297000 ± 4000) mg/kg and low levels were noticed for gold (0.10 ± 0.01) mg/kg. The dominant major elements in the rocks were ranked as follows: silicon > aluminum > potassium > sodium > zirconium > calcium > zinc > manganese. A comparison with the upper continental crust (UCC) revealed higher levels for most elements, except for a few. The study also identified substantial amounts of uranium and thorium. Variations in elemental composition were observed both between different profiles and within felsite (rhyolite) rock samples, indicating heterogeneity and varying origins of the rocks. The findings contribute valuable baseline data for the area and highlight its economic significance for Egypt. Additionally, the study addresses the integration of results from different analytical methods, providing a comprehensive answer to this issue.
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