Integrated scheme for micro-determination of iron oxidation states in silicates and refractory minerals

A mirco-analytical scheme incorporating four methods is described for the determination of iron(II) and iron(III) in both hydrofluoric acid-soluble and refractory minerals. The acid-soluble minerals are analyzed for FeO by direct constant-current potentiometric titration with potassium dichromate, and a separate solution is titrated similarly after Zn/Hg reduction to give total iron. The micro-determination of FeO in chromite and other refractory minerals involves dissolution in a cerium(IV)/phosphoric acid mixture and constant-current potentiometric and indirect titration of excess of cerium(IV) (phosphatocerate) with iron(II). Lithium tetraborate micro-fusion is required for measurement of total iron by atomic absorption spectrometry or spectrophotmetry. The average relative standard deviation ranged between 0.73 and 1.08%.