X-Ray Diffraction in Mineralogical Research

Abstract

A brief account of role of X-ray diffraction (XRD) in mineralogical research with special reference to radioactive and atomic minerals is given. Aspects of research methodology such as sample preparation, analysis time, limitations, search match methods for identification, and complimentary techniques are also given. The most common applications of XRD in mineralogical researches related to radioactive/atomic minerals include identification of primary and secondary uranium and associated ore and gangue minerals, determination of the oxidation grade of uraninites, identification of Th, Nb, Ta, Sn, Be, Li, Zr, Hf, Ti, rare-earth elements (REE) minerals, investigations on degree of structural disordering in Nb-Ta minerals, X-ray crystallographic and substitutional solid solution studies, clay minerals, triclinicity of K-feldspar, metamict minerals and influence of the degree of metamictisation on uranium beneficiation, characterisation of leached residue, beneficiated, heat-treated products, metallurgical slags and other mineralogical studies. The results of mineralogical research are used for elucidating physicochemical conditions and geologic processes that prevailed during mineral formation