Abstract: A method for determining a position of a region within an ultra-hard polycrystalline body comprises directing x-rays onto the body, wherein the body includes one region that includes a target atom and another region that does not. The ultra-hard polycrystalline body can be in the form of a cutting element used with a subterranean drill bit. The x-rays penetrate the body and cause the target atom within the region including the same to emit x-ray fluorescence. The emitted x-ray fluorescence is received and the position of the second region within the body is determined therefrom. In one embodiment, the one region extends a depth from the surface, and the other region extends from one region into the body. The x-rays can be directed onto a number of different body surface portions to determine the placement position of the region comprising the target atom within the polycrystalline body.