Determining Ca/Mg in Limestone rock

[georam]

How to determine Ca (calcite) and Mg (dolomite) components of Limestone rock accurately ?

There is an XRD (X ray diffraction) method which is used , based on calibration curve suggested by Tennant and Berger (1957 paper). There is also aother method based on Rietveld refinement of XRD patterns (1969).

I am looking for more modern /state of the art technique? Any suggestion?

Thanks

 

[Focht3]

If you don't use XRD, you have to go to chemical analysis - turn the rock to quicklime and go from there.

 

[Ron]

If you are looking for quantification of the two compounds, the Florida DOT has a method for total. Otherwise, XRF or SEM/EDAX for quantification. XRD is good for characterization but not necessarily quantification.

 

[phillyfrank]

This is an everyday problem in the chemical lime and portland cement quarry/mine industries. There are numerous labs that offer this service. Sampling must be done properly to avoid contamination and misrepresentation. Are you using diamond holes, rotary holes, RC holes, bulk?