SPECTROGRAPHIC METHODS FOR THE DETERMINATION OF SODIUM, POTASSIUM AND CALCIUM IN MINERALS AND THEIR APPLICATION TO SOME SCAPOLITES

Abstract

Spectrochemical analysis methods were established to determine the content of Na, K, Ca, Sr and Ba in the scapolite family of minerals. These elements are commonly present in the following ranges: 0.1 - 15% (Na, Ca), 0.1-1%(K), 0.01 - 1% (Sr, Ba). Accuracy and precision were investigated by multiple analysis of the well-known standards G1 and W1. A series of about 40 scapolites were analyzed and the change in composition was correlated with optical properties (No, Ne, Sn). Results of earlier workers (based on few analyses) were generally confirmed and were extended to give more reliable correlative curves.