Prepared Mineral Samples
Measure gold in suitable prepared geological samples within a validated analytical range.
Gold Testing Method
PhotonAssay™ Gold Analysis
Non-Destructive Bulk Analysis of Suitable Prepared Gold-Bearing Samples
PhotonAssay™ uses high-energy X-rays and nuclear excitation to measure gold and other supported analytes in suitable prepared geological samples.
The prepared analytical sample remains intact, but method suitability still depends on the material, validated range and sampling relationship.
Bilex confirms service availability, the facility arrangement and accepted sample requirements before a PhotonAssay enquiry proceeds.
Bilex Sample Handling
What Is PhotonAssay™?
PhotonAssay uses high-energy X-rays to excite atomic nuclei within a suitable sample. Characteristic gamma-ray emissions produced as the excited nuclei change state are detected and used to determine supported analytes.
This is gamma activation analysis and is fundamentally different from ordinary X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF). XRF measures characteristic emissions associated with atomic electrons and normally samples a shallow surface region; PhotonAssay makes a bulk measurement through a comparatively large prepared geological sample.
PhotonAssay is proprietary technology developed by CSIRO and commercialised by Chrysos Corporation. The name is used here for accurate identification, not to imply that Bilex invented or owns the technology.
Analytical purpose
What PhotonAssay Gold Analysis Can Help Determine
The method is selected from the material and the analytical question—not from a claim that one technology is best for every sample.
Gold-Bearing Ore
Support bulk measurement of properly sampled and prepared ore material.
Coarse-Gold Material
Use a comparatively large analytical portion where the validated method suits coarse-gold mineralisation.
Suitable Concentrates
Analyse prepared concentrate material only where composition and range fit the confirmed procedure.
Repeat Measurement
Preserve the prepared analytical sample for storage or repeat measurement where applicable.
Suitable Materials
Suitability is confirmed against the sample form, expected composition and applicable analytical procedure.
- Prepared gold-bearing geological samples
- Prepared ore
- Coarse-gold mineralisation
- Suitable prepared concentrates within validated ranges
- Other supported geological material confirmed before testing
Before testing
Sample & Preparation Requirements
- PhotonAssay normally measures a prepared sample in a geometry accepted by the applicable system and procedure.
- Published industry sample sizes do not establish Bilex-specific requirements. Bilex confirms the accepted mass, container and preparation for each enquiry.
- Finished bullion, intact doré bars and whole nugget parcels must not be assumed suitable without a documented validated application.
- Measuring a larger analytical portion does not automatically make it representative of a multi-kilogram lot. Sampling remains decisive.
Main Strengths
- Non-destructive measurement of the prepared analytical sample
- Bulk measurement through a comparatively large prepared sample
- Rapid instrumental analysis after sample preparation and intake
- Well established for suitable geological and mining samples
Important Limitations
- Application and calibrated range must suit the material
- Not automatically a method for finished bullion or intact doré
- Does not eliminate representative sampling requirements
- Full turnaround includes intake, preparation, review and reporting—not only instrument cycle time
- Service and equipment arrangement require Bilex confirmation
Method selection
Compare Related Testing Methods
Different methods provide different kinds of evidence. Complementary testing may be appropriate where one result cannot answer the full question.
PhotonAssay vs XRF
Both techniques use X-rays, but the similarity should not be overstated. XRF provides elemental information from a shallow surface region by exciting atomic electrons.
PhotonAssay uses much higher-energy X-rays to excite atomic nuclei and measures characteristic gamma emissions from a comparatively large prepared bulk sample.
PhotonAssay vs Fire Assay
PhotonAssay leaves the prepared analytical sample intact and provides rapid instrumental bulk measurement where the material and range are validated.
Fire Assay consumes the analytical portion and uses an established precious-metal collection and separation process. PhotonAssay should not be described as universally more accurate or as having replaced Fire Assay.
A Result Represents the Sample Actually Tested
The analytical result describes the identified sample and stated method. Applying that result to a bar, parcel, shipment or multi-kilogram lot depends on whether the sampling procedure reasonably connects the tested sample to the defined material.
Testing does not by itself establish ownership, lawful origin, seller legitimacy, export authorisation or payment security.
Common questions
PhotonAssay Gold Analysis FAQ
Is PhotonAssay the same as XRF?
No. PhotonAssay uses high-energy X-rays to excite atomic nuclei and measures gamma emissions from a bulk prepared sample. XRF normally measures elemental information from a shallow surface region.
Is PhotonAssay non-destructive?
The instrumental measurement does not destroy the prepared analytical sample. Preparation and sampling may still alter the original material before it reaches the instrument.
Can PhotonAssay test ore?
Yes, it is established for suitable prepared gold-bearing geological samples, including ore, within the applicable validated range.
Can PhotonAssay test doré or bullion?
Do not assume so. Suitability depends on the system, calibration, sample geometry, concentration range and validated scope. Bilex must confirm the application before testing.
Can PhotonAssay represent an entire consignment?
Not automatically. The result describes the analytical sample measured. Applying it to a wider lot depends on whether the sampling procedure reasonably connects that sample to the defined material.
Gold Testing & Assaying
Related Testing Methods
Use these links to compare the evidence each method can provide before selecting an analytical approach.
010203
Fire Assay
Compare non-destructive bulk measurement with destructive precious-metal collection.
Learn MoreMetallic-Screen Fire Assay
Review a destructive approach for coarse and heterogeneous gold-bearing material.
Learn MoreXRF Analysis
Understand why surface-region XRF is not the same as PhotonAssay.
Learn MoreGold Testing Method
Discuss Your Sample Before Testing
Tell Bilex what material you have, what you need to establish, whether the item must remain intact and how the result will be used. The team will review method suitability and confirm the next step.
Method availability, equipment or partner-facility arrangement, sample requirements, timing and reporting scope are confirmed for the specific enquiry.