Investigation of Chrome Ores Using X-Ray Diffraction, X-Ray Fluorescence, and Mössbauer Spectroscopy

Abstract

The main mineral component of chrome ore that contains chromium is chromite. Certain legal and trade restrictions required the development of analytical techniques that would be useful in determining the country of origin of a chrome ore. Ores from 13 countries were examined by x-ray diffraction, x-ray fluorescence for chromium and iron content, and Mössbauer spectroscopy of iron sites. The 13 countries could be divided into four groups based on the chromium and iron content via x-ray fluorescence. The x-ray diffraction spectra could be used to identify the country of origin within three of the groups. Within the fourth group of countries, the x-ray diffraction spectra can be used to differentiate three subgroups, one of which includes only one country. Mössbauer spectroscopy is used to differentiate the countries within the remaining subgroups. A schema is presented for the identification of the ores from the 13 countries.