Magnesium assay in concentrates refers to the process of measuring the concentration of magnesium in mineral concentrates. Magnesium is an essential element used in a wide range of applications such as alloys, refractories, fertilizers, and pharmaceuticals, among others. The accurate and precise determination of the magnesium content in concentrates is important to ensure the quality and value of the raw material. There are different methodologies used to assay magnesium in concentrates. These methods include:

Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and titration methods. AAS and ICP-OES are highly sensitive and accurate methods for determining magnesium concentrations in the range of parts per million (ppm) to parts per billion (ppb). XRF is a rapid and non-destructive method that can provide quantitative and qualitative data on the elements in the sample. Titration methods are widely used in the chemical industry and can provide precise measurements of magnesium concentrations.

The selection of the appropriate magnesium assay methodology depends on several factors, including the required detection limit, the sample matrix, the level of impurities, the accuracy, and the precision required for the analysis. The choice of methodology can also depend on the specific industry and its requirements.

Magnesium assay in concentrates is important in the mining and mineral processing industries, as well as in the manufacturing of magnesium-based products. The magnesium content in the concentrate can impact the quality and value of the final product. As such, accurate and precise magnesium assay is crucial to ensure the quality of the concentrate and the final product.

The following are some commonly used magnesium assay methodologies in mineral concentrates:

Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS): AAS is a sensitive and accurate method for determining magnesium concentrations in the range of parts per million (ppm) to parts per billion (ppb). In this method, the sample is atomized and the magnesium atoms are excited with a light source. The absorption of light at a specific wavelength is proportional to the magnesium concentration in the sample.

Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES): ICP-OES is a powerful analytical technique that can simultaneously determine multiple elements, including magnesium, in mineral concentrates. This method has a wide dynamic range, from parts per million (ppm) to parts per billion (ppb), and is highly sensitive and accurate.

X-ray Fluorescence (XRF): XRF is a non-destructive method that can provide rapid and accurate measurements of the concentration of magnesium and other elements in mineral concentrates. XRF works by bombarding the sample with X-rays, which excite the sample atoms and cause them to emit characteristic X-ray fluorescence radiation. The intensity of this radiation is proportional to the concentration of magnesium and other elements in the sample.

Titration: Titration is a classical chemical method that can be used to determine the magnesium concentration in mineral concentrates. In this method, a known quantity of a reagent solution is added to the sample until the reaction is complete. The amount of reagent used is proportional to the magnesium concentration in the sample.

The selection of the appropriate magnesium assay methodology depends on several factors, including the required detection limit, the sample matrix, the level of impurities, the accuracy, and the precision required for the analysis. It is important to establish agreed-upon specifications and methods for the magnesium assay in mineral concentrates to ensure transparency and consistency in the market.