Applications of X-ray fluorescence analysis of rare earths in China

A review was presented on the applications of X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis in Chinese rare earth industry during the last 20 years. The application consisted of the analysis of rare earth elements in ores and soil, concentrates, compounds, metals, alloys, functional materials, fast and online analysis in separation process, and so on. The analytical method was described on pressed powders, fused beads, liquid thin films and solid pieces. The detections of rare earth elements and compounds were concerned in iron and steel, nonferrous metals, petrochemical, geology, biology, electronic materials and other fields.