In this discussion of an X-ray fluorescence and Raman mapping study of a pharmaceutical formulation we have shown both molecular and elemental compositional maps. These maps provide complementary information at different spatial resolution (1μm for Raman, 10 ?m for XRF), which is helpful in characterizing the effectiveness of particle dispersions in tableting.In particular,the role of magnesium stearate in assisting the mixing can be assessed.