A method for applying matrix corrections to X-ray intensity maps using the Bence-Albee algorithm and Matlab

Matlab scripts that apply the Bence and Albee (1968) matrix correction algorithm to X-ray intensity data collected as element maps on a Cameca SX-50 microprobe are used to produce two-dimensional maps of oxide weight percent and cation proportions for SiO₂, Al₂O₃, FeO, MnO, MgO, CaO, Na₂O and K₂O. Once generated, large data sets of mapped oxide weight percent values or cation numbers that retain spatial information can be used petrologically. The technique is used to evaluate the compositional range of barroisitic amphibole in an eclogite from New Caledonia, to examine aspects of equilibration during the partial hydration of the eclogite facies mineral assemblage.