ABSTRACT

The whole-rock composition of peridotites is essential for understanding geological processes related to the Earth’s mantle. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis employing glass beads is the most common method to determine the chemical composition of igneous rocks because of its simplicity and efficient decomposition of refractory minerals. The accuracy of the XRF analysis using a multipoint calibration curve depends on the matrix effects and the reference values in the reference materials (RMs) used. In the quantitative analysis of peridotites, the limited availability of certified ultramafic RMs necessitates the incorporation of other igneous rocks into the calibration curve (along with a small number of ultramafic RMs), leading to potential systematic biases.