Quantifying the platy morphology of gangue minerals with X-ray diffraction: A talc case study

Abstract

Understanding the platy morphology of gangue minerals like talc is crucial for improving flotation operation efficiency, which is essential for beneficiation of low-grade copper ores. A practical method for quantifying the platy morphology of talcs using X-ray diffraction patterns is presented. The platy morphologies of talcs from various geological origins were quantified using an XRD morphology index (MI) that considers the aspect ratio as measured by the relative intensities of (004) and (020) Bragg reflections. Comparisons with the XRD preferred orientation (PO) correction, and the inverse aspect ratio (AR) from X-ray micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and scanning electron microscopy ..