X-ray diffraction is one of the most powerful tools for mineral identification, structural refinement and crystallite size determination. X–Ray Diffraction Laboratory, located at Hyderabad, is equipped with GE-XRD-3003 TT automated system, which uses monochromated characteristic CuK(α) radiation for powder diffraction studies. The laboratory is engaged in carrying out a variety of studies, which include:
- Identification and characterisation of primary and secondary uranium and associated minerals; rare metal and rare earth bearing mineral phases and related minerals.
- Characterisation of metamict minerals and influence of the degree of metamictisation on uranium beneficiation.
- Identification of clay and iso-structural minerals.
- Determination of unit cell parameters of atomic minerals.
- Determination of the oxidation grade of uraninite for elucidating genesis of uranium ores from diverse geological settings.
- Determination of Triclinicity and structural state of potash feldspar from rare-metal and rare-earth-mineralised granites and pegmatites to elucidate the evolutionary history of parent rocks and hosted mineralization.
- X-ray crystallographic and substitutional solid solution studies, mainly on U, Th, Nb, Ta, Sn ore-minerals. Characterisation of phases in solid solution series.
- Qualitative mineralogical studies of rocks of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary origins.
- Investigations on degree of structural ordering in primary minerals of niobium and tantalum to unravel the attendant physicochemical conditions during ore genesis.
- Characterisation of leached residue, beneficiated and heat-treated products of uranium ores.
- Characterisation of atomic mineral phases associated with beach sand and off-shore mineral deposits.
