Open-File Report 2003-78
RockJock is a computer program that determines quantitative mineralogy in powdered
samples by comparing the integrated X-ray diffraction (XRD) intensities of individual minerals in
complex mixtures to the intensities of an internal standard. Analysis without an internal standard
(standardless analysis) also is an option. This manual discusses how to prepare and X-ray
samples and mineral standards for these types of analyses and describes the operation of the
program. Carefully weighed samples containing an internal standard (zincite) are ground in a
McCrone mill. Randomly oriented preparations then are X-rayed, and the X-ray data are entered
into the RockJock program. Minerals likely to be present in the sample are chosen from a list of
standards, and the calculation is begun. The program then automatically fits the sum of stored
XRD patterns of pure standard minerals (the calculated pattern) to the measured pattern by
varying the fraction of each mineral standard pattern, using the Solver function in Microsoft Excel
to minimize a degree of fit parameter between the calculated and measured pattern. The
calculation analyzes the pattern (usually 20 to 65 degrees two-theta) to find integrated intensities
for the minerals. Integrated intensities for each mineral then are determined from the proportion
of each mineral standard pattern required to give the best fit. These integrated intensities then are
compared to the integrated intensity of the internal standard, and the weight percentages of the
minerals are calculated. The results are presented as a list of minerals with their corresponding
weight percent. To some extent, the quality of the analysis can be checked because each mineral
is analyzed independently, and, therefore, the sum of the analysis should approach 100 percent.
Also, the method has been shown to give good results with artificial mixtures. The program is
easy to use, but does require an understanding of mineralogy, of X-ray diffraction practice, and
an elementary knowledge of the Excel program.
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Eberl, D.D., 2003, User's guide to RockJock -- A program for determining quantitative mineralogy from powder X-ray diffraction data: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2003-78, 47 p.
Abstract
Summary of Instructions for a Quick Start
Introduction
Computer Requirements and Disclaimer
How To Obtain RockJock
Installation of RockJock
Acknowledgments
Running RockJock
Using the Automatick Mode
Using the Manual Mode
Sample Preparation and Analysis
Entering New Standards into the Program
Measurement Accuracy
Useful Tips
References
Appendix 1: Input Sheet Inputs and Outputs
Appendix 2: Shifter Sheet Inputs and Outputs
Appendix 3: Full Pattern Sheet Inputs and Outputs
Appendix 4: Result Sheet Inputs and Outputs
Appendix 5: Standards Sheet Inputs
Appendix 6: Auto XRD Sheet Inputs
Appendix 7: Auto Results Sheet Outputs
Appendix 8: Auto Graph Sheet Inputs
Appendix 9: Resources for Quantitative Mineral Analysis
Appendix 10: Analysis of Reynolds Cup Samples