Q: When should destructive analysis procedures be used? A: Destructive Analysis Procedures Should Be Used When: Large amounts of "unknown"are available. Every other characterization procedure has been completed. Example: In oxygen, carbon and sulfur analysis at least a few grams, and possibly more, may be needed to obtain good statistics on oxides, sulfides, carbides. Advanced, but expensive, equipment becoming available to do destructive analysis on particles, e.g., milligrams of materials.