Geology & Critical Minerals
Seeing the Invisible—On Earth and Beyond: MicroXRF is Rewriting Volcanic and Planetary Narratives
What if lava could tell its full story? In this episode, we explore how high-resolution microXRF mapping is transforming our understanding of volcanic processes. By revealing detailed elemental distributions across lava flank samples, microXRF uncovers hidden patterns of flow, cooling, chemical segregation, and post-eruption alteration—insights that go far beyond traditional bulk analysis. Learn how this non-destructive technique provides continuous, large-area geochemical context and is reshaping how geoscientists interpret volcanic systems on Earth and beyond.