USGS · 70160722
A spectrochemical method for determining the composition of native gold
Abstract
The spectrochemical method described herein for determining trace, minor, and major element distribution in native gold is applicable over a wide range of particle sizes and over a very large concentration range. The matrices of samples and standards are very closely matched. The method was tested on 100 nuggets from a gold sample collected in Alaska. The data show that the method is adequate for 30 of the 31 elements checked; only the mercury values are not acceptable. The data also show that more than one sample is necessary for a complete evaluation of all elements in one geologic location.
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A.L. Sutton, R.G. Havens, C.L. Sainsbury. 1973. A spectrochemical method for determining the composition of native gold. https://pubs.usgs.gov/publication/70160722
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