X-ray-radiometric search for strontium ores

The efficiency of radiometric search for strontium ores is considered. The application of radiometric analyser, consisting of the SP-3M serial gamma spectrometer console and detection unit of the DVW-P sensor type, is most effective. Proportional counters with xenon and krypton filling served as a detector of secondary gamma radiation. Characteristic radiation was excited by two cadmium 109 radioisotopic sources with summary activity of 3-4 μKu. Measuring technique is described . Two types of ores were diagnosed best of all by X-ray radiometry: silicificated rocks with microinterbed or porphyry-like phenocrysts of celestine, and gritstones and sandstones with celestine as cement. A type of ores unknown before and difficult for visual diagnosis was detected by X-ray radiometric method. X-ray radiometric investigation of quarry exposures and drill cores permits to conduct a great number of revision express determinations quickly and with minimum expenditures. These determinations allow to establish regional strontium presence. New data are obtained on epigenetic strontium mineralization. New celestine shows of ore are detected. Reestimation of some objects is proposed