| Abstract:In the process of conventional rock and ore identification, there is a general lack of understanding of the internal structure and mineral distribution of the core，just like a “Blind box”. As a non-destructive 3D imaging and analysis technique, high-resolution X-ray computed tomography (HRXCT) had been widely used in geology science. Because heavy minerals have strong attenuation on X-rays, they can be effectively digitally separated from common non-metallic minerals, so as to obtain the spatial occurrence state of heavy minerals in the core, therefore, X-CT can provide technical support for digital core. This paper takes the core samples of Xiangshan volcanic rock type and Saudi Arabia alkaline granite type as the research object, and uses high-resolution micro-focus X-ray tomography (X-CT) technology to characterize the morphology, spatial distribution and other parameters of high-density minerals in the core. The spatial position of the target heavy mineral in the core can be quickly and accurately obtained by analyzing the X-CT data. According to the relative spatial position of the target minerals in the core given by X-CT, guide the traditional target preparation process to prepare the target samples in the target area, and use the combination of electronic scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) for micro-area characterization to obtain the spatial occurrence status of REE minerals and uranium-bearing minerals in the core and the distribution information of specific elements in the interesting area. Due to the pre-use of X-CT to locating the spatial position of the target minerals and corresponding micro-area, the efficiency of target preparation and the accuracy of point selection have been effectively improved. |
