LAUSR

The objective of this study was to establish the best parameters to correct for matrix effects in the chemical analysis of a siliceous geologic material rich in metallic elements of high economic value, such as La, Ce, Nd, Sm, and Gd (rare earth elements), using empirical influence coefficients applied to wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WDXRF). At present, this material is considered waste derived from the extraction of tin from cassiterite, a special ore from which niobium and tantalum are also processed. In this study, a reliable methodology for the analysis of rare earth elements in a siliceous matrix using the WDXRF technique was developed. This procedure may be useful in promoting industrial processes for chemical control in solid matrices, as the usual techniques are only possible in liquid media and require acid dissolution.