Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research

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

1. Identification and characterisation of primary and secondary uranium and associated minerals; rare metal and rare earth bearing mineral phases and related minerals.
2. Characterisation of metamict minerals and degree of metamictisation on uranium beneficiation.
3. Identification of clay and iso-structural minerals.
4. Determination of unit cell parameters of atomic minerals.
5. Determination of the oxidation grade of uraninite for elucidating genesis of uranium ores from diverse geological settings.
6. 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.
7. X-ray crystallographic and substitutional solid solution studies, mainly on U, Th, Nb, Ta, Sn ore-minerals. Characterisation of phases in solid solution series.
8. Qualitative mineralogical studies of rocks of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary origins.
9. Investigations on degree of structural ordering in primary minerals of niobium and tantalum to unravel the physicochemical conditions during ore genesis.
10. Characterisation of leached residue, beneficiated and heat-treated products of uranium ores.
11. Characterisation of atomic mineral phases associated with beach sand and off-shore mineral deposits.