X-Ray Laboratory
The top-of-the-line, automated Philips Analytical MagiX-PRO X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometer (XRF) with the PW2540 vrc sample changer is used to determine the elemental composition of both powdered pellets and fused-bead samples.
For example, here are the major elemental concentrations determined on the XRF for the Apollo 17 Lunar Sample 70051:
| Al2O3 | 18.6% |
| CaO | 11.8% |
| Fe2O3 | 13.2% |
| K2O | 0.1% |
| MgO | 9.0% |
| MnO | 0.2% |
| Na2O | 0.3% |
| P2O5 | 0.1% |
| SiO2 | 41.1% |
| TiO2 | 4.5% |
The Siemens D500 X-ray Diffractometer (XRD) uses crystal diffraction patterns to identify the mineral composition in powdered and solid samples. This is an easy instrument to learn and operate, and student "hands-on" research is strongly encouraged.