Micro XRF

Abstract

Microscopic X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (Micro-XRF) shows much promise for studies that integrate micromorphological observations from thin sections with data regarding elemental composition of different sediments and materials. The strengths of the technique include minimal sample preparation, and its suitability for analysis of different portions of micromorphology blocks including large slabs. Laboratory-grade micro-XRF instruments differ from traditional XRF instruments in their X-ray focusing optics and sample chamber configurations. Researchers in this field emphasize in particular the strength of combining petrography with micro-XRF data, an approach that has direct implications for archaeological micromorphology. Micro-XRF analyses have been conducted successfully directly on resin-impregnated archaeological sediment blocks. Micro-XRF applications in terrestrial sedimentology, soil science and archaeology that link elemental measurements with micromorphological or other petrographic analyses are thus far rather limited. A brief overview of the few studies outside of archaeology reveals several applications in understanding soil forming processes.

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