Yep - that's just my experience is that pXRF results are all about the sample presentation to the small window that the instrument reads and detects in, the more homogenized the sample (whether by percussion drilling or by intentional sample preparation such as pulverizing), the more accurate and precise the portable XRF is likely to be. I'd bet that when you go back and check your particular experience you will find that the wildly inaccurate/over-optimistic or imprecise pXRF readings would be from raw/unprepared diamond drill core samples and not aircore/RC chips.
The only other caveat is that with deeper RC drilling, if you are getting wet samples out of the cyclone and splitter, the accuracy and precision of these samples goes out the window as well. Thats why RC rig geologists are really "keeping the samples dry geologists"...
One day someone is going to invent a way to make pXRF more accurate for drill core and/or make pXRF work reliably for precious metals concentrations in the ppm range, and if/when they do they will be a bazillionaire .
RXL Price at posting:
22.5¢ Sentiment: Hold Disclosure: Held
A personalised tool to help users track selected stocks. Delivering real-time notifications on price updates, announcements, and performance stats on each to help make informed investment decisions.
(20min delay)