Advances in Computed Tomography for Geomaterials: GeoX 2010

Combination of Laboratory Micro-CT and Micro-XRF on Geological Objects

M. N. Boone¹ — J. Dewanckele² — V. Cnudde² — G. Silversmit³ — L. Van Hoorebeke¹ — L. Vincze³ — P. Jacobs²

¹UGCT – Ghent University, Dept. Subatomic and Radiation PhysicsProeftuinstraat 869000 Gent, [e-mail]

 

²UGCT – Ghent University, Dept. Geology and Soil ScienceKrijgslaan 281/S89000 Gent, [e-mail]

 

³XMI – Ghent University, Dept. Analytical ChemistryKrijgslaan 281/S129000 Gent, [e-mail]

ABSTRACT: Laboratory micro-CT scanning is a very useful tool in the characterization of geological samples. Due to its ability to visualize different phases and structures in 3D, many characteristics can be derived from the data. However, very limited chemical information on the different phases can be derived by CT. Micro-XRF (µXRF) images this compositional information for a wide range of samples. In µXRF, a 2D grid of fluorescence spectra is collected from the surface of the sample, generating 2D maps of the elemental composition of this surface. By extrapolating the gray values of the µCT data, this information is eventually known in the whole 3D structure.

 

KEYWORDS: µCT scanning, x-ray fluorescence, element mapping, granite

1. Introduction

Although x-ray micro-CT is a very powerful tool for structural analysis of geological samples, it gives very little information ...