Unknown Material Identification by XRF

Unknown-material identification often starts with elemental composition. Rapid Analytical uses a Thermo Scientific ARL™ QUANT’X benchtop EDXRF system to help narrow the possibilities quickly.

Open the full-size identification guide

Interpretation note: XRF chemistry can narrow an unknown to a likely material family, but it does not by itself certify an exact commercial grade, molecular compound, or crystalline phase. See XRF vs XRD when the key question is chemistry versus crystal structure.

Surface & Geometry

Coatings, corrosion, roughness, curvature, and layered construction can affect the measured region. For metal-specific guidance, see XRF Metal Analysis.

Submit an Unknown Sample

Include a brief material description and any useful background. For sample quantity, solid-part size, labeling, and packaging guidance, see XRF Sample Submission. Contact Rapid Analytical before sending hazardous, radioactive, highly reactive, or otherwise unusual material.

Have several unknowns to compare? See XRF Testing Cost for when first-pass screening is the economical starting point.