Elemental content of feldspar from Eastern Desert, Egypt, determined by INAA and XRF

Instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) and HPGe detector γ-spectroscopy were used to determine a total of 16 elements qualitatively and quantitatively for the first time from feldspar rock samples collected from Gabel El Dubb, Eastern desert, Egypt. The elements determined are (Na, Mg, K, Sc, Ga, Cr, Fe, Co, Zn, Nb, Ba, Ce, Eu, Hf, Th and U). The samples were properly prepared together with their standard reference material and simultaneously irradiated by thermal neutrons at the TRIGA Mainz research reactor at a neutron flux of 7x1011 n/cm2 s. XRF was also used. Comparison of the results obtained by both techniques showed good agreement for such elements as K, Na, Fe, Mg, Ba and Cr.