| Abstract |
The arsenic content of sinters was determined by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry using a Rh X-ray tube. Interference from Pb La, Rh Ka,Ba Ka,Ge and Ga line overlaps was minimised by careful selection of instrument settings. The samples were analysed as pressed powder briquettes, and detection limits below 3 were achieved. Arsenic is sinters is probably present as particles of amorphoussulphides. Sinter-Asis probably a reliable guide to extinct geothermal (epithermal)systems. The absenceof As in a siliceous lithology does not preclude a geothermal origin, but may indicate a gold-poor system. |