Although micro-XRF as an analytical technique was developed over 20 years ago, it is with the continuous advancement of computing and hardware technology that it has become more powerful than ever and a routine part of many geoscience characterization workflows. A principal reason for this is the systems capability to analyse large samples at micrometer scales with very minimal sample preparation. This flexibility makes the micro-XRF system ideal for analysing field samples (e.g., hand specimens, drill cores) in the laboratory, and thus easily and timeously enabling relevant decisions to be made about up- or down-scaling information or additional sample analysis in any given workflow. In addition, micro-XRF can analyse a range of sample sizes, from large specimens (over 10´s of centimeters) to those prepared as the commonly used polished thin sections or epoxy briquettes. Furthermore, results of micro-XRF analysis range from major, minor and trace elemental chemistry in semi- and fully-quantified form, to derived mineralogy, thus yielding data-rich information across a range of geoscience fields such as petrology, sedimentology, geochemistry, paleontology, economic geology, amongst others. The visualization of the elemental chemistry and mineralogy on such a large scale is extremely intuitive and relevant in geosciences, as it enables the user to directly link the sample’s visual structure to its chemistry. This presentation will review these capabilities in the world of geoscience and discuss the possibilities for the future.