A method for the analysis of sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium in siliceous coal ash and related materials by atomic absorption spectroscopy is presented. The method involves the dissolution of all complex silicates present in coal ash after fusing with lithium tetraborate flux. Working curves utilizing standards composed of complex silicates arc shown to be more accurate than the common water standards. The use of lithium tetraborate as a flux should also allow the method to be extended to permit the analysis of all major constituents of coal ash.
