ECORE Scan Resolution Comparison – LIBS
The ELEMISSION ECORE is a high-speed LIBS-based automated core scanning system that outputs chemistry and quantitative mineralogy. It has the ability to measure more than 1000m per day of drill core with resolutions down to 50µm. The system and technology are available to industry and academia through the Automated Mineralogy Incubator. Data derived from the ECORE can help you to make more informed decisions relating to exploration geology, economic evaluation of deposits and process metallurgy workflows.
What Resolution Scans are Best for my Scenario?
We are often asked what resolution ECORE scanning do I need for my project. Higher resolution scans take longer and cost more, so this is a very relevant query. The correct answer depends on which data you need to meet the project needs.
Textures and Particle Relationships
If the primary interest is to identify textures and particle relationships between different mineral species, then higher resolution is recommended. This image shows the result of scanning a ~6cm length of core at 100µm, 200µm and 500µm. Beyond 200µm it is increasingly difficult to identify smaller scale features and identify different textures and particle associations.
Quantified Mineralogy
If the primary interest is to quantify mineralogy on a larger scale, for example cm to m scale and beyond, then we can use much lower scanning resolution.
This image shows the quantified mineralogy at 100µm, 200µm and 500µm resolutions, will all report minerals less than 0.05% (grouped for clarity). Even at 500µm the quantified mineralogy is still representative.
Summary
While the required resolution of ECORE scans will be dependent on what it is you are looking to understand and the sample itself, the general rule is:
- Higher resolution scans for textural and particle relations
- Lower resolution scans to quantify mineralogy