This Spex handbook can help you get the most from your spectroscopic analyses by increasing the reliability and reproducibility of your prepared samples. It suggests how the most heterogerous, unmanagable materials can be transformed into samples ideal for spectroscopic analysis, whether as fine, homogeneous powders, compressed powder sample discs, fused glass discs, or solutions. There are techniques for avoiding sample contamination, inhibiting caking during pulverization, protecting sample discs against breakage, and coping with many other sample preparation difficulties. The first section of the handbook is devoted to three facets of sample preparation: pulverizing and blending; pressing and pelletizing; and flux fusion and dissolution. Procedural tips and applications-oriented product descriptions are supported by photographs, diagrams, and product comparison charts. The second section describes products and techniques for sample handling in XRF spectroscopy. For completeness, information is sometimes included under more than one heading. A general index makes it easy to locate information about particular products, samples, sample preparation techniques, or analytical methods.