Neutron Activation Analysis for the Rare Earths in Apatite

Abstract

A method for the determination of low concentrations (<10PPM) of rare earths in minerals and rocks by neutron activation analysis is presented. A 10 min irradiation of sample and standard required no chemical purification owhile a 20hr, irradiation required an ion exchange purification before actual counting. A Li-drifted germanium detector an 1600 channel gamma spectrometer provided sufficient resolution to allow determination of La, Pr, Sm, Eu, Dy, Ho, Yb and Lu in two apatite samples. The results are generally higher than those obtained by other neutron activation analyses. The specific causes are uncertain and can be resolved best by further study and modification of this neutron activation analysis.