UTILIZATION OF THE NITON XL3T 950 GOLDD+ HAND-HELD XRF ANALYZER FOR NON-DESTRUCTIVE DETECTION OF RARE ELEMENTS IN LOW CONCENTRATIONS IN THE FIELD AND CONFIRMATION IN THE LABORATORY

Amber originates as organic material derived from plant and tree fluid exudate. The chemical composition varies, depending on several factors, including the plant from which they were derived and inclusions. A specimen was tested from a collection to determine its elemental constituents. A Niton XL3t 950 GOLDD+ hand-held analyzer by Thermo-Fisher Scientific was used in order to conduct non-destructive analyses accurately in both the field and the laboratory. Each analysis takes approximately 120 seconds for detection of the lighter elements as well as less concentrated elements. The first sample contained Iridium in significantly higher than average crustal concentrations, i.e. 13 ppm ±2σ. These results were confirmed following calibration checks, additional testing procedures utilizing manufacturer recommendations, as well as repeatedly testing each sample a minimum of four times. The process by which the samples were tested also followed strict laboratory precautionary decontamination guidelines. The detection of Iridium along with other infrequently detected low concentration elemental occurrences that are commonly overlooked demonstrate the efficacy of the tool. This is especially helpful to gain a more detailed understanding of elemental distribution and pattern characterization of localities while in the field. Further, it presents a significant opportunity to repeat analysis and confirm results in samples that are returned to the laboratory for further testing under laboratory conditions.