This study demonstrates the unique strength of the Agilent 4300 FTIR handheld analyzer to perform Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform Spectroscopy (DRIFTS) measurements, quickly identifying ores that potentially contain lithium. This eliminates the need for sample preparation and transportation of material to the lab environment to use a benchtop instrument. Simply point-and-shoot at rock samples in situ without excavating, storing or transporting material. The direct reflectance measurements provide detailed spectral features of rocks and minerals enabling users to identify potential mining sites at source, resulting in significant time and cost savings in exploration.
The 4300 FTIR, coupled with its diffuse reflectance sampling interface, was used for the direct analysis of spodumene and other lithium containing ores. Full mid-IR range data was obtained in less than a minute, enabling the quick identification of lithium bearing rocks with high selectivity and sensitivity.
The Microlab software can be used to match the DRIFTS spectra obtained from geological material to spectra contained in available DRIFTS geological libraries, delivering swift identification of the material.
The spectral data can also be used to develop quantitative methods based on multivariate analysis (MVA) modeling. The models included in this study were used to calculate both the depth and percentage of calcite—a known vector mineral for lithium containing ores—in drill core samples. They also identify the quality of lithium ores such as spodumene and petalite.
Read the full application note: Analysis of Lithium Ores Using Handheld Direct Diffuse Reflectance FTIR Spectroscopy