Multielement analysis of natural ruby samples by neutron activation using the single comparator method

Multielement analysis was carried out in two samples of natural rubies obtained from Kenya and Tanzania and a synthetic ruby obtained locally. The trace element profile was used to characterise the ruby samples. Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) by the single comparator (K-0 method) was used to determine the concentrations of 22 elements with gold as the comparator. High resolution gamma-ray spectrometry was employed for radiometric assay of the activation products. The accuracy and precision were evaluated by analysing standard reference materials such as USGS-W-1 and AGV-1 and were found to be satisfactory.