Radioactivity dosage evaluation of Brazilian ornamental granitic rocks based on chemical data, with mineralogical and lithological characterization.

Abstract

One hundred samples of granitic rock were collected from granite traders in Belo Horizonte. Autoradiography, optical microscopy, diffractometry, and chemical analysis (X-ray spectrometry, X-ray fluorescence, neutron activation, gravimetry, and electron probe microanalysis) were used to determine the mineral assemblages and lithotypes. Autoradiographic results for several samples showed the presence of monazite, allanite, and zircon. Chemical analysis revealed uranium concentrations £ 30 ppm and thorium £ 130 ppm. Higher concentrations generally correlated with high concentrations of light rare earths in silica-rich rocks of granitic composition. Calculations were made of radioactive doses for samples, of floor tiles in a standard room, with total concentration of uranium and thorium greater than 60 ppm. On the basis of calculations of 232 Th, 40 K, and 226 Ra from analysis of Th, K, and U, the doses calculated were between 0.11 and 0.34 mSv/year, which are much lower than the acceptable international exposure standard of 1.0 mSv/year.