Reproducibility, precision and trueness of X-Ray fluorescence data for mineralogical and/or petrographic purposes

Chemical data obtained by using XRF methodology appears to be suitable to solve many practical problems in the environment and cultural heritage fields. The aim of this research was to maximize the measurement sensitivity for the determination of major, minor and some trace chemical elements on building materials of historical and archaeological interest and to assess reproducibility, precision and trueness of measurement. X-ray fluorescence analysis of major and minor elements (Na, Mg, Al, Si, P, K, Ca, Ti, Mn, Fe) and of some traces (Nb, Zr, Y, Sr, Rb, Ce, Ba, La, Ni, Cr, V, Co) was carried out using fused glass discs and pressed powder pellets, respectively. The analytical method has been calibrated by using fifty-two international rock standards, six chemicals, two inter-laboratory standards and twenty-two homemade samples, prepared by mixing some standard materials. With some exceptions, results are in good or excellent agreement with the recommended values.