Geology and Mining
Handheld XRF Analyzer have been broadly used for application across the geosciences.
Geology and Mining

The possibility of obtaining geochemical and mineralogical information while engaged in geological field investigations has been one of most important advances in geochemistry over the last decades. The most suitable technologies for the elemental analysis of geological materials, outside the laboratory and in near-real time currently are X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF).

Handheld XRF analyzers are available in a portable form, first adopted for geology, mineral exploration, soil science, and environmental monitoring, Handheld XRF Analyzer have been broadly used for application across the geosciences.







Geology and Mining Applications for HH XRF


  • Core Analysis for Exploration Drilling
  • Mineral Exploration
  • Geochemical Testing and Mapping
  • Mine Face or Pit-Face
  • Waste Processing and Metal Recovery
  • Ore grade control
  • Silver ore mining
  • Mineral Lab Alternative


Handheld XRF is a viable method for producing basic geochemical analyses during field mapping exercises with results that are generally comparable with laboratory XRF results for most elements, albeit with lower precision. Measurements made on fresh outcrop surfaces take about 60s and yield results that can help inform lithologic correlations during fieldwork.

When desirable, some on-site sample preparation, such as breaking and smoothing fresh surfaces, can improve the precision and accuracy of handheld XRF analyzer results. Handheld XRF data may be especially valuable for determining which samples to collect for further geochemical or geochronological analysis.

For example, rapid high-grading of volcanic rocks with relatively high K2O concentration prior to collection may substantially improve the quality of subsequent 40Ar/39Ar geochronologic studies of collected samples.





Advantages of Handheld XRF Analyzer for Geology Comparing with Lab Analyzers


While laboratory analyses will remain the standard for providing the highest quality data possible, these measurements can be costly, and require intensive sample preparation and analysis time.

There is therefore a niche in the fields for the use of  Handheld XRF technology in that it can provide rapid, in situ data to the user to inform them about the composition of samples at their field site. The user can also deploy the handhled XRF analyzer to triage samples, allowing them to select a sample suite tailored to their field and scientific objectives for return for future laboratory work.

By deploying the handheld XRF analyzer in the field, the field geologist can streamline field operations, gain a real-time geochemical understanding of a field site, select which samples to collect, save time and money on laboratory analyses, and potentially minimize future return trips to the field site.





Why AXR Scientific Terra Series Handheld XRF Analyze Is Ideal for Geology


AXR Scientific Terra Handheld XRF allows you to directly make on-site geochemical analysis of mine face, drill core or prepared samples. On-site real time analysis with the AXR Scientific Terra handheld XRF mining analyzer will boost productivity by reducing turnaround times for results from days to seconds comparing to laboratory analysis. The Terra Series allows fast real-time surveys to quickly define ore boundaries and identify areas of highest potential profit.

In addition, Terra Series handheld XRF analyzer also has the following advantages:

(a) The handheld XRF analyzer is portable and easy to use on site
(b) Almost no sample preparation required for non-destructive testing
(c) Short detection time, reliable quantitative analysis results

The Terra series of handheld mining analyzers provide a relatively complete solution for the quality monitoring and safety compliance testing. The instrument is equipped with high-performance X-ray tube and Si-Pin/SDD detector to provide users with fast and accurate element concentration analysis. In addition, an optional large-area silicon drift detector is provided to further improve instrument resolution and reduce analysis time.



AXR Scientific is a high-tech manufacturer focusing on the development and application of X-ray technology products. It is committed to becoming a world-class supplier of X-ray industrial inspection solutions.AXR Scientific currently offer handheld XRF analyzer, handheld alloy analyzer, handheld soil analyzer, handheld lithium battery analyzer, precious metal analyzer, coating analyzer, gold analyzer and online XRF analyzer etc. to global customers. We keep serving global customers in the fields of machinery manufacturing, metal processing, aerospace, petrochemical, mining and geology, food safety, environmental protection, scientific research and etc. AXR Scientific keeps improving product performance and user experience with R&D advantages and innovative designs, and continues to provide global users with reliable X-ray measure solutions to solve various challenges from routine testing tasks to complex customized measure requirements. To contact us, please send email to market@axr-scientific.com


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