How do Mineral Analysis work?
Each technique answers a different question. X-ray diffraction measures the angles at which a crystalline sample diffracts a monochromatic beam; lattice spacings follow Bragg's law, and the resulting pattern identifies phases, with peak intensities refined to give approximate weight fractions. Automated mineralogy combines a scanning electron microscope with energy-dispersive spectrometry, acquiring element maps of polished sections and converting them into mineral classifications, from which abundance, grain size, association and liberation are calculated. X-ray fluorescence excites a pressed or fused sample and measures the fluorescent radiation of each element, giving concentrations from major to trace levels after matrix correction. Density separation compares a sample's behaviour in a liquid of known specific gravity, which indicates mineral composition and washability. Magnetic separation tests quantify the fraction that is recoverable by magnetic separation, which matters for magnetite ores and for removing iron-bearing gangue.
Which Mineral Analysis variants are available?
- X-ray Diffraction Analyzer for Minerals — An X-ray diffraction analyzer identifies and quantifies crystalline phases in ore and process samples by measuring diffraction angles and peak intensities.
- Automated Mineralogy System — An automated mineralogy system combines a scanning electron microscope with energy-dispersive spectrometry and software to map minerals on polished sections.
- X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometer for Mineral Assay — An X-ray fluorescence spectrometer determines element concentrations in ores, concentrates and tailings from pressed powders or fused beads, covering major and trace elements in one measurement.
- Davis Tube Magnetic Separator for Mineral Testing — A Davis tube magnetic separator passes a dilute ore pulp through a magnetic field in a glass tube and collects the magnetic fraction, quantifying magnetic recovery, iron grade and the mass yield of a magnetite concentrate.
- Sink-Float Analysis Apparatus for Density Separation — A sink-float apparatus separates a mineral or coal sample in liquids of known specific gravity, giving float and sink fractions that describe composition and washability.
How do I choose the right variant?
Choose the technique by the question, not by habit. Bulk element concentrations, including penalty elements, are best determined by X-ray fluorescence with pressed powders for speed or fused beads for accuracy. Phase identification and quantification require X-ray diffraction, which is also used to follow alteration and to check grinding products for unwanted phases. Where the texture matters, that is, how grains are associated and how well the valuable mineral is liberated, automated mineralogy is the appropriate tool, since bulk assays cannot reveal locking. Physical tests such as density separation and magnetic separation are used to predict processing behaviour and to build washability or recovery curves. Laboratories often combine techniques: X-ray diffraction to identify what is present, X-ray fluorescence to quantify elements, and automated mineralogy to explain why a flotation or magnetic separation result was achieved.
Where are Mineral Analysis used?
Mineral Analysis are specified in ore and concentrate phase identification, elemental assay including penalty elements, mineral liberation and texture analysis, washability and magnetic recovery testing and feasibility study and plant diagnosis support.
Which standards and certifications apply?
Work with Mineral Analysis is commonly governed by ISO 9516-1, ISO 11535, ISO 3082, ASTM E877, ISO 13320 and IEC 61010-1. Instrument certifications such as CE marking are confirmed per configuration and never assumed.
What are the key considerations before purchase?
Sample preparation dominates data quality in mineral analysis. Diffraction needs a fine, randomly oriented powder, so back-loading, side-loading or spray drying is used to avoid preferred orientation, and grinding must not alter soft phases. X-ray fluorescence needs consistent particle size, binder and pressing pressure, or fused beads prepared with a suitable flux; calibration is then built from certified reference materials that bracket the sample range. Automated mineralogy relies on well-polished, carbon-coated sections and on a mineral list and classification rules that match the deposit, so the scheme should be documented and validated against assay data. Heavy liquids used in density separation are hazardous and need fume extraction, splash protection and safe disposal. Instruments require stable power, temperature control and regular performance checks with reference standards.
