Accurate fast neutron activation analysis for oxygen in geological materials

Sources of error in the fast neutron activation analysis determination of oxygen have been investigated and minimised. The oxygen contents of eighteen international rock standards and a sulphide ore standard have been determined, and compared with the values calculated by difference using the reported full analyses. Accuracies of 0.3% average deviation and reproducibilities of ±0.2% standard deviation have been obtained, where oxygen contents exceeded 1.0 g.