An alternative to fire assay: confirming fineness by X-ray fluorescence
X-ray fluorescence can confirm the fineness of many precious-metal alloys without taking a sample. How far can it replace fire assay, and where are its limits?
Arsenic in historic books: identifying the bindings at risk
Scheele's green, Paris green: how portable X-ray fluorescence makes it possible to sort the arsenical bindings of a historic collection, without sampling and without damage.
Lead in paint: why the choice of XRF matters
No sampling, a few seconds per reading, and the ability to multiply checks in the field: X-ray fluorescence has changed how lead in paint is investigated. But one point often gets lost in the sales pitch — not every handheld XRF is equally suited to this application.