PIXE provides simultaneous analysis of up to 80 elements with a single sample aliquot. An efficient hybrid statistical technique for interpreting the x‐ray spectra has been developed. The sensitivities vary smoothly with atomic numbers Z from .1 to 10 ng/cm2for elements above Z = 20. Comparison of PIXE to Atomic Absorption is made and good agreement is shown. Analysis results for powdered and digested coal samples are presented along with analysis of several USGS rock and sediment samples. PIXE is found to be a cost‐effective method of analysis, especially for studies which require simultaneous detection of many trace elements.