Constructing Mineral Separation Recipes

Structure of Recipes, Methods and Procedures

*Recipes* are a sequence of methods that are used to process a sample for analysis. *Methods* are a sequence of procedures that are used to perform a specific task during sample preparation. *Procedures* are individual instructions on how to perform specific tasks in the lab.

1. Recipes

   1. Procedures

      1. Tasks

Below are lists of methods in order to build a recipe for mineral separation.

Sample Preparation Fields

These methods will describe the steps necessary before mineral separation begins. Such as sample description, taking pictures of thin sections and determining a recipe for the sample.

Prefix for sample preparation fields

prepare_

• prepare

  • Preparing a sample involves reviewing the sample recipe and double checking the project ID and sample ID.

• prepare_slab

  • Sample needs to be cut into 1-inch slabs before the sample is crushed. Saw away weathering rind if possible.

• prepare_TSB

  • Sample is to be slabbed and a portion selected to be sent for a thin section.

• prepare_TSB_XRF

  • Thin section to be sent and a portion of the sample is to be prepared for XRF.

• prepare_XRF

  • A portion of the sample needs to be prepared and sent for XRF analysis.

Crushing Methods Fields

Methods that will provide guidance on how to go about crushing samples using specific equipment in the lab.

Prefix for crushing fields

crush_

• crush_jaw_large

  • For large amounts of sample.

• [crush_jaw_small](https://paper.dropbox.com/doc/small_jaw_crush–AkcqVVv7f2EAq7wu0EEopEFEAQ-SZkqg26AQLHnECiWcW1qJ)

  • For small amounts of sample or when more crushing control is needed.

• crush_hammer

  • To break up large pieces of sample for use in the small or large jaw crusher.

• crush_mortar_pestle

  • To use when the sample amount is small or finer control over the crushing of the sample is needed.

Sieve Method Field

Prefix for sieve fields

sieve_

large = large diameter sieves generally used for processing large amounts of sample. small = small diamter sieves generally used for processing small amounts of sample. xx-xx = sieve opening size in microns

• sieve_large_150-350

• sieve_large_350-800

• sieve_small_150-350

• sieve_small_350-800

Separation Methods Fields

Prefix for magnetic separation fields

magnetic_sep_

• magnetic_sep_basalt

• magnetic_sep_feldspar

• magnetic_sep_amphibole

• magnetic_sep_mica

Heavy Liquid Fields

Prefix for Heavy Liquid Fields

heavy_liq_

• heavy_liq_2582_float

  • Target: Glass, Sanidine

• heavy_liq_2582_sink

  • Target: Biotite, Amphiboles, Plagioclase

• heavy_liq_2560_float

  • Target: Glass

• heavy_liq_2560_sink

  • Target: Sanidine

• heavy_liq_2800_sink

Acid Leaching Method Fields

Prefix for Acid Leaching Fields

acid_leach_

• acid_leach_concentrate

  • Samples are leached using 6N HCl, 1N HCl, 3N HNO3 and 1N HNO3 for 60 minutes each.

• acid_leach_dilute

  • Samples are leached using 1N HCl and 1N HNO3 for 60 minutes each.

HF Leach Fields

Prefix for HF Leach Fields

leach_HF

• leach_HF_5%_03_min

  • Material: Glass, Groundmass

• leach_HF_5%_08_min

  • Material: Plagioclase, Amphiboles

• leach_HF_15%_07_min

  • Material: Sanidine

Picking Method Fields

Prefix for Pick Fields

pick_ –mg –mg = amount of material to pick and pack for irradiation in grams. –xyl = number of crystals to pick and pack for irradiation.

• [pick_groundmass](https://paper.dropbox.com/doc/Picking-Samples–AnPRl~NT7CTHoZ54MLp3T43~AQ-ehgTtv4nfGVpO10Jz1Y3p)

• pick_feldspar

• pick_mica

• pick_amphibole

Archive Fields

The archive field will describe what the current state the sample is in after it has been sent for irradiation. Samples will be stored temporarily in Burt before being stored at MGR or being returned to the client or researcher.

Prefix for Archive Fields

archive_

• archive_in_burt

  • Samples are stored in Burt until the samples have been analyzed.

• archive_in_mgr

  • Samples are sent for long-term storage at MGR once the project is complete.

• archive_sent_pi

  • Samples are to be returned to the investigator.

Pack for Irradiation Fields

Prefix for Pack Fields pack_

• pack_

Examples - Mineral Separation Recipes

Groundmass - Basalt - groundmass_basalt_fine

• prepare_TS

• crush_jaw_small

• sieve_small_150-350

• magnetic_sep_basalt

• acid_leach_concentrate

• pick_groundmass_10mg

• archive_in_burt

Plagioclase - Basalt - plagioclase_basalt_fine

• prepare_TS

• crush_jaw_small

• sieve_small_150-350

• magnetic_sep_feldspar

• acid_leach_concentrate

• leach_HF_5%_08_min

• archive_in_burt

K-feldspar - Volcanic Tuff - feldspar_K_fine_coarse

• prepare_TS

• crush_jaw_small

• sieve_large_350-800

• magnetic_sep_feldspar

• leach_HF_5%_08_min

• archive_in_burt

K-feldspar - Intrusive - feldspar_K_fine_coarse

• prepare_TS

• crush_jaw_small

• small_jaw_crush

• sieve_large_350-800

• magnetic_sep_feldspar

• acid_leach_concentrate

• archive_in_burt

Biotite - biotite_coarse

• thin_section_cut

• small_jaw_crush

• sieve_large_350-800

• magnetic_sep_biotite

• heavy_liquid_2.582

• pick_biotite

• archive

Muscovite - muscovite_coarse

• thin_section_cut

• small_jaw_crush

• sieve_150_350

• magnetic_sep_low

• heavy_liquid_2.582

• pick

• archive

Amphibole - amphibole_coarse

• thin_section_cut

• small_jaw_crush

• sieve_350_650

• magnetic_sep_low

• heavy_liquid_2.582

• pick

• archive