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LIBS spectra were obtained for 20 alkali halides using a hand-held instrument. The intensities of the strongest emission lines were determined for Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, F, Cl, Br, and I, and their corresponding electronic transitions assigned. Halogen peak intensities are observed to be at least two orders of magnitude smaller than those of the alkali metals. Thus, halogens are difficult to detect and identify with certainty. Relative intensity ratios of halogen/alkali metal aid in identification of those nonmetals, particularly in mineralogical samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]