Zircon concentrate analysis for sixteen rare earth elements by the complex of nuclear analytical methods.

Two samples of zircon concentrate by local manufacturers were investigated for the first time for their rare earth elements (REE) content by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) and energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence analysis. Comparator variant of INAA based on an external standard (Fe) and two internal standards (Th, La) was used to determine the elements divided into three groups depending on the detector type, radionuclide half-lives, and suitable comparator. High Y and heavy REE contents of the samples exceeding their crustal averages up to two orders of magnitude confirmed significance of the zircon concentrate as an important source of these elements production as a by-product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]