Determination of Silicon and Chromium in Gold Matrix Using Proton Induced X-Ray Emission

Abstract

The research aimed at the determination of elemental concentrations of silicon and chromium in five geological samples at the mining site of Garin Awwal area using the method of PIXE for analyses. The choice PIXE method in this research was due to its high sensitivity and multi-element capability that analyzes any element from sodium to uranium in a single spectrum. PIXE technique of 2.5MeV proton beam was used to characterize five samples. Samples were irradiated and analyzed at Centre for Energy Research and Development, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria. From the Spectra and results generated, silicon and chromium are of commercial deposit in the area, alongside other elements such as Iron(Fe), Magnesium(Mg) and Aluminium(Al) which appear to be deposited in commercial quantities in the area.