Determination of the Platinum-Group Elements and Gold in Twenty Rock Reference Materials by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) after Pre-Concentration by Nickel Sulfide Fire Assay

The platinum-group elements (PGE) and gold have been determined in twenty international rock reference materials by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) after pre-concentration by a nickel sulfide fire assay. It was possible to achieve determination limits for a 50 g sample that ranged from 1 pg g^-1 (Rh) to 23 pg g^-1 (Au). Compared to published certified and recommended values for rock reference materials, the trueness of the method was found to be good. However, in some cases we observed large deviations for all elements in the sub 10 ng g^-1 range within individual reference sample splits. Our results show that the PGE and Au are inhomogeneously distributed in the reference materials analysed here, where they are present in low concentrations, using 50 g test portions.     

Determination of trace elements in silicate rocks by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry on 1:5 glass discs: comparison of accuracy and precision with pressed powder pellet analysis

A fusion procedure commonly used for major element analysis of silicate rocks (1:5 sample to flux ratio, using 0.7 g of sample) was used to determine a small group of trace elements (Cu, Zn, Rb, Sr, Y, Zr, Nb) by X-ray fluorescence. Compton scatter peak ratioing was successfully used for matrix corrections, despite the thickness of the glass discs being only 1.7 mm. Precision and detection limits were compared with pressed pellet values. For most elements, routine analytical precision is better with powder pellets and detection limits are worse in glass discs, by an average factor of 2, considering all elements analyzed. Accuracy was evaluated with international reference materials and for most of the determinations, good or excellent agreement with recommended values was obtained. The main advantages of using glass discs for the trace element determination are the possibility of analyzing small amounts of sample and the suppression of any mineralogical effects in the glass discs, which can also be used to determine major elements.     

Boron Determination in Twenty One Silicate Rock Reference Materials by Isotope Dilution ICP-MS

The concentration of boron was determined in twenty one geochemical reference materials (silicate rocks) by isotope dilution inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Boron was extracted from the rocks using HF digestion, suppressing boron volatilisation through boron-mannitol complexation. Sample solutions, in a diluted HCl matrix, were analysed by ICP-MS without any separation of boron from the matrix elements. The results obtained were in agreement with the literature data and indicate that using the described procedure, trace amounts of boron can be very easily determined in complex matrices with rapidity and precision. With the instrumentation and reagents used in this study, this procedure can be used for the determination of 0.5 μg g⁻¹ boron in a 15 0 mg silicate rock sample. Replicate analyses of the twenty one geochemical reference materials (GRM), ranging in boron concentration from 1.35 to 15 7 μg g⁻¹, yielded precisions (relative standard deviation) varying between 0.9 and 9.8%.     

Ultra-Trace Element Analysis of NIST SRM 616 and 614 using Laser Ablation Microprobe-Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (LAM-ICP-MS): a Comparison with Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS)

The microanalytical capability of laser ablation microprobe-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LAM-ICP-MS) to determine ultra trace elemental concentrations has been demonstrated by the analysis of two low concentration glass standard reference materials, NIST SRM 614 and 616. Results for fifty two elements at concentrations in the low ng g^-1 range are compared with those determined using secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). Both techniques provide results at these concentrations that generally agree within 95% confidence limits, demonstrating the accuracy for ultra-trace level of in situ determinations by the two techniques. At concentrations of less than 20 ng g^-1 in NIST SRM 616, an accuracy and precision of better than 10% has been obtained for most mono-isotopic rare earth elements, when a spot size of 50 μm is used. Limits of detection for selected elements were as low as 0.5 ng g^-1.     

X射线荧光光谱法测定高锶高钡的硅酸盐样品中主量元素

用百分总和检查硅酸盐岩石全分析数据的质量是分析工作者的传统做法,但对于微量元素含量较高的样品,采用X射线荧光光谱法(XRF)进行测定,如果不考虑微量元素的含量及其对主量元素基体效应的影响,往往会使主量元素含量更加偏离真实值。本文针对Sr、Ba含量较高的硅酸盐样品,通过人工配制标准样品,扩大了Sr、Ba校准曲线的定量范围,主量元素校准中加入Sr、Ba的基体校正系数,达到了主量元素定量更加准确可靠的实际效果。采用此方法分析国家标准物质,各主量元素的精密度(RSD)均小于2%;分析不参加回归的标准物质和人工配制的标准样品,主量元素的测量值与标准值(或参考值)基本一致。该方法可以满足硅酸盐的测定要求,主量元素各项结果的加和能够达到《地质矿产实验室测试质量管理规范》的一级标准(99.3%～100.7%)。     

微波消解-电感耦合等离子体质谱法测定高岭土中10种微量元素

高岭土作为重要的铝硅酸盐,其微量元素的含量决定着高岭土产品的性能指标.高岭土的三种国家标准物质成分GBW03121、GBW03122、GBW03122a中均未含有As、Sb等10种微量元素的标准值,在高岭土的检测中只能采用近似的岩石标准物质作为监控物质,对高岭土组分的准确分析有一定影响.本文通过微波消解技术,对比了硝酸...     

A Flux‐Free Fusion Technique for Rapid Determination of Major and Trace Elements in Silicate Rocks by LA‐ICP‐MS

A simple flux‐free fusion technique was developed to analyse major and trace element compositions of silicate rocks. The sample powders were melted in a molybdenum capsule sealed in a graphite tube to make a homogenous glass in a temperature‐controlled one‐atmosphere furnace. The glass was then measured for both major and trace element concentrations by LA‐ICP‐MS using a calibration strategy of total metal‐oxide normalisation. The optimum conditions (i.e., temperature and duration) to make homogeneous glasses were obtained by performing melting experiments using a series of USGS reference materials including BCR‐2, BIR‐1, BHVO‐2, AGV‐1, AGV‐2, RGM‐1, W‐2 and GSP‐2 with SiO₂ contents from 47 to 73% m/m. Analytical results of the USGS reference materials using our method were generally consistent with the recommended values within a discrepancy of 5–10% for most elements. The routine precision of our method was generally better than 5–10% RSD. Compared with previous methods of LA‐ICP‐MS whole‐rock analyses, our flux‐free fusion method is convenient and efficient in making silicate powder into homogeneous glass. Furthermore, it limits contamination and loss of volatile elements during heating. Therefore, our new method has great potential to provide reliable and rapid determinations of major and trace element compositions for silicate rocks.     

Analysis of Sediments and Soils by X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry Using Matrix Corrections Based on Fundamental Parameters

Wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (WD-XRF) is widely used for the analysis of soils and sediments using well characterised procedures. However, difficulties can occur with samples such as unknowns containing small amounts of ore materials and samples collected from contaminated sites where trace elemental concentrations can exceed the concentration range for routine analysis. We studied the performance of a commercially available method, based on fundamental parameters (FP) to correct matrix effects. The spectrometer was originally calibrated with elemental or simple compound calibrants. Samples were analysed as pressed powder pellets. Eighteen sediment and soil reference materials, three of them with certified values for some of their constituents, were used to evaluate accuracy, by comparing results with recommended values and their standard deviations (RV ± 2s) or certified values and their confidence intervals (CV ± Cl). When results fell systematically outside these intervals, calibrations were refined with geochemical reference materials. The best agreement of results with recommended and certified values was obtained when the contents of H₂O and C in each sample were included as matrix constituents during calculations. The detection limits of trace elements tended to be relatively high, because the measuring conditions employed were not maximised for sensitivity. The main advantage of the method tested was that it enabled the analysis of samples with high concentrations of trace elements and the determination of elements such as F, Bi, Sb and W, which are not commonly included in quantitative XRF analysis of geological samples.     

硅酸盐岩石分析50年

评述了硅酸盐岩石分析在过去的50年中的主要进展。其中包括化学快速分析、仪器分析、痕量元素分析、微区分析和硅酸盐标准物质研制。     

1994 REPORT ON WHIN SILL DOLERITE WS-E FROM ENGLAND AND PITSCURRIE MICROGABBRO PM-S FROM SCOTLAND: ASSESSMENT BY ONE HUNDRED AND FOUR INTERNATIONAL LABORATORIES

This compilation report describes the field location, mineralogy, preparation and homogeneity testing of two new GIT-IWG reference materials: Whin Sill dolerite (WS-E) from England and Pitscurrie microgabbro (PM-S) from Scotland. The elemental composition of these two new reference materials has been established by an international cooperative analysis programme involving participation by 104 laboratories. A full assessment of these analytical results is presented, from which working values have been derived for the major elements as well as for 45 trace elements in WS-E and 44 trace elements in PM-S. Furthermore, isotopic ratios are presented for both samples, particularly for ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr and ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd.     

ASSESSMENT OF A SIMPLE METHOD FOR THE DETERMINATION OF NB AND TA AT THE SUB-μG/G LEVEL IN SILICATE ROCKS BY ICP-MS

We report Nb and Ta data for 15 international silicate rock standards, obtained by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) measurement following decomposition with HF-HNOs-HCI.⁹⁵ Moand¹⁸⁵Re were used as internal standards, and calibration lines were constructed with artificial solutions. Typical relative standard deviations are better than 10% above 0.2 μg/g, and detection limits for Nb and Ta are 40 and 0.8 ng/g, respectively. The results are generally in good agreement with published data. Moreover, this study points out the Nb-Ta heterogeneity of some standard reference materials on the 100 mg scale.     

A Simplified, Accurate and Fast Method for Lithium Isotope Analysis of Rocks and Fluids, and δ7Li Values of Seawater and Rock Reference Materials

We report a new approach to conduct fast and accurate lithium isotope ratio measurements by MC-ICP mass spectrometry after wet chemical sample preparation. In contrast to most previously published methods our MC-ICP-MS set-up did not use a desolvating system to achieve appropriate ion beam intensities and, therefore, was less affected by matrix-induced shifts of the instrumental mass bias. As the total lithium background and build-up in the sample introduction system was low, previous sample residues could be washed out by an extended uptake of the new sample. Elimination of a nitric acid rinse step increased the sample throughput by a factor of two and allowed the instrumental mass bias drift to be tracked more precisely. δ⁷Li values of powdered silicate rock reference materials and seawater obtained in this study revealed good accuracy and an overall analytical uncertainty of typically 0.5‰ (2s). On the basis of a comparison between our lithium isotope data and compiled literature data, we recommend preliminary average δ⁷Li values for seawater (+30.8‰) and several silicate rock reference materials (BHVO-1: +5.0‰; JA-1: +5.6‰; JB-2: +4.8‰). The compilation of published δ⁷Li values for seawater suggests that the observed large lithium isotope differences are due to inter-method and/or interlaboratory bias. Most recently published δ⁷Li values for seawater show little variation and confirm a constant lithium isotope composition (at the sub ‰ level) of seawater in well mixed ocean basins.     

Precise Determination of Cadmium, Indium and Tellurium Using Multiple Collector ICP-MS

New sample preparation and ion-exchange separation methods as well as instrumental measurement protocols were established for the determination of trace-level Cd, In, and Te concentrations in geological materials by isotope-dilution mass spectrometry. High precision isotope ratio measurements were performed with a multiple collector inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer (MC-ICP-MS). The mass biases incurred for In and Te were corrected by adding and monitoring Pd and Sb standard solutions, respectively. Mass fractionation of Cd was corrected by using the mass fractionation factor calculated from the measurement of a standard solution. The measurement precision was better than 1 % for Cd, In and Te. Detection limits were < 1 ng g^-1 for Cd, < 0.02 ng g^-1 for In and Te. Using these new analytical techniques, the concentrations of Cd, In and Te were determined in six international geological reference materials. Concentrations could be reproduced within 3% for Cd, 4% for In and 10% for Te. Sample heterogeneity and volatility problems might have been the reason for the relatively large differences between Te replicates. Our results displayed excellent reproducibility compared with those of other techniques and agree well with data from previously published recommended values.     

G-Probe-1 - An International Proficiency Test for Microprobe Laboratories - Report on Round 1 : February 2002 (TB-1 Basaltic Glass)

Results are presented for round one of a new international proficiency testing programme designed for microprobe laboratories involved in the routine analysis of silicate minerals. The sample used for this round was TB-1, a basaltic glass fused and prepared by the USGS. Thirty nine laboratories contributed data to this round, the majority of major element results being undertaken by EPMA and the majority of trace elements by LA-ICP-MS. Assigned values were derived from the median of results produced by nine selected laboratories that analysed powdered material by conventional ICP-MS, INAA and XRF techniques using bulk powders of the sample. Submitted microprobe results were evaluated using a target precision calculated using the Horwitz function, adopting the same criteria as those used for "applied" geochemistry laboratories in the companion GeoPT proficiency testing programme for laboratories involved in the routine bulk analysis of silicate rocks. An evaluation of results from participating microprobe laboratories indicated that overall, data were compatible with this precision function. A comparison between the performance of bulk and microprobe techniques used in the analysis of the basaltic glass showed remarkably good agreement, with significant bias only observed for the major oxide MgO.     

Suppression of Matrix Effects in ICP-MS by High Power Operation of ICP: Application to Precise Determination of Rb, Sr, Y, Cs, Ba, REE, Pb, Th and U at ng g-1 Levels in Milligram Silicate Samples

We found that the suppression of signals for ⁸⁸Sr, ¹⁴⁰Ce and ²³⁸U in rock solution caused by rock matrix in ICP-MS (matrix effects) was reduced at high power operation (1.7 kW) of the ICP. To make the signal suppression by the matrix negligible, minimum dilution factors (DF) of the rock solution for Sr, Ce and U were 600, 400 and 113 at 1.1, 1.4 and 1.7 kW, respectively. Based on these findings, a rapid and precise determination method for Rb, Sr, Y, Cs, Ba, REE, Pb, Th and U using FI (flow injection)-ICP-MS was developed. The amount of the sample solution required for FI-ICP-MS was 0.2 ml, so that 1.8 mg sample was sufficient for analysis with a detection limit of several ng g^-1. Using this method, we determined the trace element concentrations in the USGS rock reference materials, DTS-1, PCC-1, BCR-1 and AGV-1, and the GSJ rock reference materials, JP-1, JB-1, -2, -3, JA-1, -2 and -3. The reproducibilities (RSD %) in replicate analyses (n=5) of BCR-1, AGV-1, JB-1, -2, -3, JA-1, -2, and -3 were < 6 %, and typically 2.5%. The difference between the average concentrations of this study for BCR-1 and those of the reference values were < 2%. Therefore, it was concluded that the method can give reliable data for trace elements in silicate rocks.     

Isotope Dilution MC-ICP-MS Rare Earth Element Analysis of Geochemical Reference Materials NIST SRM 610, NIST SRM 612, NIST SRM 614, BHVO-2G, BHVO-2, BCR-2G, JB-2, WS-E, W-2, AGV-1 and AGV-2

We present data for the concentrations of eleven rare earth elements (La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Dy, Er, Yb, Lu) in eleven international geochemical reference materials obtained by isotope dilution multi-collector inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS). We have analysed both rock powders and synthetic silicate glasses, and the latter provide precise data to support the use of these as reference materials for in situ trace element determination techniques. Our data also provide precise measurements of the abundance of mono-isotopic Pr in both glasses and powders, which allows more accurate constraints on the anomalous redox-related behaviour of Ce during geochemical processes. All materials were analysed in replicate providing data that typically reproduce to better than one percent. Sm/Nd ratios in all these materials also reproduce to better than 0.2% and are accurate to < 0.2% and can thus be used as calibrants for Sm-Nd geochronology. Our analyses agree well with existing data on these reference materials. In particular, for NIST SRM 610, USGS BHVO-2, AGV-1 and AGV-2, our measured REE abundances are typically within < 2% (and mostly 1%) of REE concentrations previously determined by isotope dilution analysis and thermal ionisation mass spectrometry, consistent with the higher degree of precision and accuracy obtained from isotope dilution techniques. Close agreement of results between basaltic glass reference materials USGS BHVO-2G and BCR-2G and the BHVO-2 and BCR-2 powders from which they were created suggests that little fractionation, concentration or dilution of REE contents occurred during glass manufacture.     

Determination of Chlorine in Nine Rock Reference Materials by Isotope Dilution Mass Spectrometry

A procedure for the determination of chlorine by the isotope dilution technique (ID) using negative thermal ionisation mass spectrometry (N-TIMS) is described. Silicate samples of about 10 mg were spiked and decomposed with hydrofluoric acid, and chlorine was isolated by precipitation of silver chloride after neutralisation with Ca(OH)₂. The ammonical solution of AgCl was then subjected to N-TIMS. Replicate analyses of rock reference materials, typically of JB-1 and JR-1, demonstrated the high quality of the analyses (precision for Cl was ± 1-2%). We present here the most precise data sets of chlorine concentrations in nine igneous rock reference materials, three basalts (JB-1, JB-2, JB-3), two andesites (JA-3, AGV-1), two rhyolites (JR-1, JR-2) and two granodiorites (JG-3, GSP-1). The chlorine concentrations found ranged from 152 μg g-1 in AGV-1 to 1008 μg g^-1 in JR-1. Our results presented here are partly (but not completely) in agreement with recommended values, where they are available. The N-TIMS ID technique can thus be used as a means of determining low chlorine contents in silicate materials to high precision.     

ICP-MS DETERMINATION OF 45 TRACE ELEMENTS IN WHOLE COAL USING MICROWAVE OVEN ACID DIGESTION FOR SAMPLE PREPARATION

The microwave oven acid digestion technique has been routinely applied to the ICP-MS multielement analysis of whole powdered coal. Samples were treated with a mixture of HF/aqua regia/HClO₄ in closed Teflon PFA vessels without any pre-treatment. Complete dissolution of the coal matrix is not required, but only one that results in quantitative and reproducible recovery of more than 40 trace elements with minimum digestion time, minimum use of reagents and minimal operator attendance. The precision of the analysis as well as the repeatability of the sample preparation procedure and precision of instrumental measurements have been evaluated. Eight coal standards, including NBS SRM 1632b, 3 South Africa Reference Materials (SARMs) 18 to 20 and 4 USA ARs 1800 to 1803 were analysed in this manner providing data for all the 14 rare earth elements along with others of geochemical interest, technological relevance as well as environmental and health concern. The results, from the ppb level to several ppm, are discussed for all the elements including detection and quantification limits, precision and accuracy. In general, good agreement was achieved with the certified and/or available published values.     

Application of High Spatial Resolution Laser Ablation ICP-MS to Crystal-Melt Trace Element Partition Coefficient Determination

In this contribution we evaluate the capabilities of laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) using a 12 μm spot size. Precision, accuracy and detection limits were assessed on the USGS BCR-2G reference material. We demonstrate that the 12 μm LA-ICP-MS analyses of experimentally-grown amphibole and garnet are in excellent agreement with secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) trace element determinations on the same crystals. The 12 μm spot size configuration was subsequently used to determine trace element crystal-melt partition coefficients (D_c/m) for a wide range of trace elements in amphibole in equilibrium with a basanitic melt. The following strategy to determine accurately and evaluate D_c/m is proposed. One or more major elements determined previously by electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) was used to ensure consistency between EPMA and the composition of the aerosol produced by the laser ablation. Measured D_c/m values were successively evaluated using the lattice strain model. The use of this strategy significantly improved the precision and accuracy of D_c/m determination when a LA-ICP-MS configuration with a high spatial resolution was employed.     

LA-ICP-MS微区原位准确分析含水硅酸盐矿物主量和微量元素

通过描述一种利用LA-ICP-MS准确测定含水硅酸盐矿物主量元素和微量元素含量的多外标、无内标分析方法.总结出该方法基于矿物化学计量式计算含水硅酸盐矿物中挥发分的相对含量,再将全部分析元素归一化到总金属氧化物含量(100%减含水量)的原理,利用多种天然成分的岩石标准玻璃(如MPI-DING玻璃和USGS玻璃)作为外标进行校正计算.利用该方法对角闪石、绿帘石、电气石和透闪石等含水硅酸盐矿物进行了分析,并与利用电子探针和微钻(直径300 μm)取样溶液-ICP-MS分析的结果进行了对比研究.研究结果表明:对于组成均一的主量元素的分析结果与电子探针分析数据一致,相对偏差集中在5%以内.除了那些分布异常不均一的元素(在300 μm尺度上),对微量元素的分析结果与溶液-ICP-MS分析结果具有很好的一致性,二者之间的相对偏差大部分集中在10%以内.研究结论为采用归一化校正策略,选择MPI-DING和USGS玻璃作为外标,利用LA-ICP-MS微区分析方法可以准确测定含水硅酸盐矿物中的主、微量元素含量.