Rapid Flame Photometric Determination of Sodium and Potassium in Silicate Rocks

Abstract

A rapid and accurate flame photometric determination of sodium and potassium in silicate rocks is described. The sample is fused with a suitable fusion agent (H3BO3+Li2CO3) and the ground-fusion product is dissolved completely in dilute citric acid. The analysis of this solution for alkalies does not indicate any matrix effects. Comparison of results with available rock standards shows good accuracy and reproducibility. This method is used to supplement spectrographic determination of major constituents in silicate rocks, using borate fusion techniques and has been used for the analysis of more than 5000 rock samples.