For most of its existence, the Geology Department has housed both X-Ray Diffraction and X-Ray Fluorescence units. The XRF is used primarily for major and trace element analyses of inorganic substances such as soils, sediments rocks and some fluids. The XRD is used to determine the phases present, for example to identify polymorphs, hydration phases, inert substances and fillers, percent crystallinity and quantitative analyses. These units are used in teaching and for faculty and student research.