X-Ray Diffraction Laboratory

X-ray diffraction is a critical tool for nearly all Earth Scientists. Within the Dartmouth of Earth Sciences, we maintain an X-ray diffraction laboratory equipped with a Bruker D8-Focus diffractometer. Data analysis is handled by Bruker Eva and Topas Software and the PDF database. 

This instrument is contained within a dedicated laboratory facility that also has general equipment for the isolation and preparation of mineral suspensions for analysis. In addition to this facility, several other diffractometers, for both powder and single crystal, are available in nearby campus facilities.

Resources

Quant Software

  • RockJock - Quantitative Mineralogy from XRD (USGS FTP)
  • MudMaster - Crystalline size distribution and strain from XRD (USGS FTP)
  • GALOPER - Shape of Crystal size distribution from XRD (USGS FTP)
Resources

Guides

  • Estimation for percent illite in illite/EG-smectite from Moore & Reynolds (1997) (PDF on campus only)
  • Clay Prep Procedures - Glass Slide Mount from Moore & Reynolds (1997) (PDF on campus only)
Resources

Lab Equipment

  • Centrifuges (including a high speed 20,000 rpm unit)
  • Blender (clay disaggregation)
  • Ovens
  • Magnetic separator
  • Sonicator
  • McCrone Mill