Geological Samples Drying
Mineral sample drying procedures will vary due to the sample type, mass, moisture content and analysis required.
Appropriate mineral sample drying is an important stage in sample preparation, as during comminution wet or damp samples may adhere to the preparation equipment. It is also imperative to control the temperature and drying time in order to limit the degree of sample alteration.
Samples are typically dried at 105°C to 110°C, which ensures that the analytes concentrations in the samples are normalised to an international geochemical standard prior to analysis. This temperature ensures the retention of crystalline or inherent moisture (H2O+) from almost all mineral phases, and the complete loss of hygroscopic moisture (H2O-).
Hygroscopic samples may be allowed to equilibrate in the laboratory prior to thermogravimetric analysis with a full moisture correction. This overcomes the issue of hygroscopic samples reabsorbing moisture prior to digestion and analysis. Contact Intertek to learn more about correct handling of geological samples.
Mineral sample preparation:
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