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K/T GeoServices,Inc. <br /> XRD3 -Bulk and Clay(<4 micron)XRD Analysis <br /> Discussion of Terminology and Limitations <br /> Weight percentage data from X-ray diffraction methods are considered semi-quantitative; there <br /> are many factors affecting the results. <br /> XRD methods can quantify crystalline material only. Non-crystalline material in large <br /> concentrations can be detected but not quantified. Therefore, any non-crystalline material is not <br /> included in the accompanying results. <br /> Detection limits for XRD are on the order of<1 to 5 weight percent. Detection limits differ for <br /> each mineral species. <br /> Mineral standards used to determine calibration factors are often different from the actual <br /> minerals analyzed. Minerals such as feldspars that undergo solid solution are especially <br /> problematic. Clay minerals are problematic for this same reason. Clay minerals also have a <br /> wide range of crystallinities (poorly crystallized to well crystallized) which may compound this <br /> problem. <br /> With this method the data always sums to 100%. This means that the percentages reported for <br /> each mineral are dependent upon the percentages reported for the other minerals. If one mineral <br /> is underestimated the others will be overestimated. Also, if one or more minerals are present but <br /> not detected then the percentages of the minerals that are detected will be overestimated. <br /> Any or all of the above factors may affect the estimated weight percentages. <br /> For this analytical method, the clay fraction is defined as the <4 micron (Equivalent Spherical <br /> Diameter) fraction of the sample. Clay fraction does not mean clay minerals (phyllosilicates) <br /> only, it is a size term and as such this size fraction can and almost always does include non-clay <br /> minerals (quartz, plagioclase, etc.). This size fraction is used because it typically contains <br /> abundant clay minerals. <br /> K/T GeoServices Report Z23032 Page 5 of 10 February 17,2023 <br />