XRD & XRF (Basics)
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In plain terms
XRD tells you what minerals are present. XRF tells you what elements are present.
Key takeaways
- XRD is best for crystalline mineral identification.
- XRF provides bulk chemistry (major/minor/trace elements depending on setup).
- Sample prep affects quality and comparability.
- Results are strongest when paired with petrography.
- Methods answer different questions—use both when needed.