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X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) & Respirable Silica

Testing in the San Francisco Bay Area
X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) & Respirable Silica

McCampbell Analytical, Inc. (MAI) is a Bay Area environmental testing laboratory located in Pittsburg, California. We provide advanced solid-sample analysis using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and ATR-IR spectroscopy to identify crystalline compounds, troubleshoot residues and scale, and support respirable crystalline silica (RCS) compliance.

From “What is this hard scale on my equipment?” to “Is this silica quartz or cristobalite?”, our material science team delivers clear, defensible answers.

Why X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) & ATR-IR?

Elemental analysis (ICP, XRF, EDS) tells you which elements are present in a sample, but not how those elements are arranged. X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) goes further by revealing the crystalline structure of the material, making it the gold standard for identifying crystalline compounds.

XRD patterns act like fingerprints. For example, baking soda, sodium acetate, and sodium carbonate can look very similar by elemental composition alone, but each has a distinct XRD diffraction pattern. Our large ICDD database and advanced instrumentation allow us to match your sample’s pattern to known crystalline phases.

ATR-IR (Attenuated Total Reflectance Infrared) spectroscopy complements XRD by identifying organic and inorganic functional groups, especially in materials that may not be fully crystalline.

What XRD Can Help You Answer

  • “What is this residue settling in my liquid product?”
  • “What is this hard scale building up on my equipment or piping?”
  • “What contaminating iron minerals are in this cement sand?”
  • “What is this material building up on my filter?”
  • “Is this silica sample quartz or cristobalite?”
  • “Which zeolite variety is in this sample?”
  • “Is this a meteorite?”

Typical XRD & ATR-IR Applications


  • Scale and corrosion deposits on heat exchangers, boilers, and process equipment
  • Residues and precipitates in tanks, pipelines, and filtration systems
  • Mineralogical analysis of sand, cement, soil, and sludge
  • Unknown solids in environmental and industrial samples
  • Quality control for powders, catalysts, and advanced materials
  • Confirmation of crystalline silica polymorphs (quartz, cristobalite)
  • Support for failure analysis and product complaints

Our XRD system can analyze samples as small as 1 mg, helping you obtain answers even when very little material is available.

Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) Testing

Respirable crystalline silica (RCS) is a major regulatory focus in California and across the U.S. Under California Code of Regulations Title 8, Section 5204, many employers must assess and control worker exposure to silica dust.

McCampbell Analytical offers respirable silica analysis using recognized methods such as NIOSH 7602 (infrared spectroscopy), providing quantitative measurements of alpha quartz and cristobalite on sampling media over typical occupational exposure ranges.

Our services support:

  • Construction, concrete cutting, and masonry activities
  • Mining, quarrying, and aggregate handling
  • Stone fabrication (engineered stone, countertops)
  • Sandblasting and abrasive blasting operations
  • Manufacturing and industrial hygiene programs

We can provide sampling media, guidance on sampling volumes, and clear reports that help industrial hygienists and safety managers evaluate compliance and communicate risk.

Why Choose McCampbell Analytical?

  • Local Bay Area lab — located in Pittsburg, CA and serving the San Francisco Bay Area since 1991
  • Advanced instrumentation — rotating anode X-ray source, 2D CCD detector, extensive ICDD database:
  • Small sample capability — we can often work with 1 mg of material
  • Environmental + material science expertise — environmental testing is our core, but we maintain a large library of methods beyond the environmental field
  • Regulatory awareness — experience with OSHA/Cal-OSHA silica requirements and industrial hygiene projects
  • Accredited laboratory — NELAP / CA ELAP accredited, with long-standing reputation for defensible data
  • Responsive service — quote support, sample intake guidance, and rapid turnaround options

Sample Submission & Turnaround

  1. Request a quote or consultation — call 925-252-9262 or email main@mccampbell.com.
  2. Prepare your sample — typical preferred size is 50 mg; we can often work with less. Package to avoid contamination.
  3. Ship or drop off — send samples to 1534 Willow Pass Road, Pittsburg, CA 94565.
  4. Analysis — our analysts perform XRD and/or ATR-IR, interpret results using our reference libraries, and prepare a report.
  5. Report & follow-up — you receive a clear, written report with identified phases and, when appropriate, semi-quantitative estimates and discussion of implications.

Standard turnaround times are available, with expedited options upon request. Contact us to discuss your project timeline.

Need Help Identifying a Material or Measuring Silica Exposure?

Talk to our XRD and respirable silica testing team about your project. We support industrial facilities, consultants, and public agencies across the San Francisco Bay Area and nationwide.

Phone: 925-252-9262
Email: main@mccampbell.com
Address: 1534 Willow Pass Road, Pittsburg, CA 94565

Request a Quote

FAQ

What sample size do you need for XRD analysis?

We can analyze very small sample sizes. Typical preferred amount: 50 mg Minimum acceptable amount: as little as 1 mg, depending on the material. If you’re unsure whether your sample is large enough, contact us—we’ll review photos and help determine the best way to collect and package it.

How long does XRD or respirable silica analysis take?

Standard turnaround times are typically 3–7 business days, depending on the complexity of the sample. Expedited turnaround options are available upon request. If you have a time-sensitive project or regulatory deadline, let us know and we’ll work with your schedule.

What types of materials can XRD identify?

XRD is ideal for identifying crystalline materials, including:

  • Mineral phases in sand, soil, cement, and stone
  • Scale and corrosion products
  • Filtration residues and pipeline deposits
  • Powders, catalysts, ceramics, pigments
  • Unknown solids found in industrial or environmental samples
If you’re dealing with an unknown residue, scale, or particulate, XRD is often the most definitive technique.

What industries need respirable crystalline silica (RCS) testing?

Any operation generating fine dust from mineral or silica-containing materials may need RCS monitoring. Common industries include:

  • Construction, concrete cutting, drilling, and grinding
  • Masonry, tile, and stone fabrication
  • Mining, quarrying, and aggregate handling
  • Manufacturing (glass, ceramics, foundries, abrasives)
  • Sandblasting and abrasive blasting

    • We support both one-time exposure assessments and routine OSHA/Cal-OSHA compliance monitoring.

Can you help me choose the right analysis method?

Yes. If you're unsure whether you need XRD, ATR-IR, silica testing, or a combination, our technical staff can review your project at no charge.

A quick phone call or photo of the material is often enough for us to recommend:

  • The best method
  • Sample amount needed
  • Expected detection limits
  • Turnaround times & cost

    • Our goal is to help you get the most accurate and actionable results.

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