X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry

(or XRF spectrometry) an analytical method in geology for determination of a wide range of elements in bulk rock specimens. Rock samples are prepared as ground powder compressed into flat cylinders or fused into coin-like flat discs and then excited with X-ray radiation. The radiation causes the removal of an ELECTRON from an ORBITAL, and when it is replaced, the surplus energy is emitted as a characteristic, secondary, X-ray. The X-ray is measured by the spectrometer and the intensity of the radiation compared to a standard to enable concentrations to be calculated. The technique is widely used in analysing rock samples both for major elements and certain TRACE ELEMENTS. Concentrations of trace elements as low as 1 to 10 parts per million can be detected although, in many instances, the quantities are higher.

Taken from Dictionary of Science

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X-ray fluorescence (XRF) is the emission of characteristic "secondary" (or fluorescent) X-rays from a material that has been excited by bombarding with high-energy X-rays or gamma rays. The phenomenon is widely used for elemental analysis and chemical analysis, particularly in the investigation of metals, glass, ceramics and building materials, and for research in geochemistry, forensic science and archaeology.

Taken from Wikipedia