[en] The use of synchrotron-based spectroscopy has revolutionized the way we look at matter. X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) using linear and circular polarized light offers a powerful toolbox of element-specific structural, electronic, and magnetic probes that is especially well suited for complex materials containing several elements. We use the specific example of Zn_1-xCo_xO (Co:ZnO) to demonstrate the usefulness of combining these XAS techniques to unravel its intrinsic properties. We are able to demonstrate, that as long as phase separation or excessive defect formation is absent Co:ZnO is paramagnetic and we can establish independent quality indicators based on XAS. Samples which show long-range magnetic order fail to meet the quality indicators and complementary experimental techniques such as x-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy indeed prove phase separation. By deconvoluting the XAS spectra, the characteristic spectral features of the phase separated materials are derived.