Boron is a trace element that can be present in mineral concentrates as a contaminant. Boron is known to affect the properties of materials, such as the melting point, hardness, and electrical conductivity. In certain industries, such as the glass and ceramics industries, the presence of boron in mineral concentrates can be a critical quality parameter, as it can affect the performance of the final product.

Several assay methods are available for the determination of boron in mineral concentrates, including inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and neutron activation analysis (NAA). The choice of method depends on the sample type, the required detection limit, and the analytical precision required.

Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES): ICP-OES is a common method for the determination of boron in mineral concentrates. The method uses an inductively coupled plasma to excite and ionize atoms in the sample, and measures the resulting emission spectra to determine the concentration of boron. The working range for ICP-OES is typically in the range of 0.001 ppm to 100 ppm boron.

Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS): ICP-MS is a highly sensitive method for the determination of boron in mineral concentrates. The method uses an inductively coupled plasma to ionize the sample, and measures the resulting mass-to-charge ratio of the ions to determine the concentration of boron. The working range for ICP-MS is typically in the range of 0.001 ppb to 10 ppm boron.

NAA is a highly sensitive and accurate method for the determination of boron in mineral concentrates. The method involves irradiating the sample with neutrons to induce radioactivity, and measuring the resulting gamma radiation to determine the concentration of boron. The working range for NAA is typically in the range of 0.001 ppm to 10 ppm boron.

In summary, the determination of boron concentration in mineral concentrates is important for quality control and trading purposes, particularly in industries where the presence of boron can affect the properties of the final product. ICP-OES, ICP-MS, and NAA are common assay methods for the determination of boron, and the choice of method depends on the required detection limit and the analytical precision required.