Published online by Cambridge University Press: 06 March 2019
Quantitative X-ray powder diffraction using the complete digitized diffraction pattern has proved to be an effective approach to improving the accuracy of the analysis of complex mineral mixtures, provided representative reference patterns and accurate Reference Intensity Ratio (RIR) factors arc available for each component phase. However, chemical and structural variability of common rock-forming minerals may complicate the pattern fitting approach. A method has been developed which utilizes X-ray fluorescence chemistry of an unknown and realistic compositional ranges for component phases as constraints on the quantitative XRD analysis without significant compromise of the pattern fit. This unique approach no only yields accurate weight fractions, but also provides indications of the specific compositions of each phase present in the mixture.