Multi-Element Analysis of Fifty-Four Geochemical Reference Samples Using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectrometry

Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES) has been applied for simultaneous, multielement analysis of a diverse suite of igneous rocks and minerals, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks, coals and soils using a single matrix calibration procedure and a single sample preparation. Analytical results determined on 40 elements in 54 geochemical reference samples are presented. A sample analysis time of about three minutes allows the analyst to run several hundred samples per day, but does not include sample dissolution. The instrumental method described here provides the capability for rapid, simultaneous, multielement determination of the major (except silica), minor, and trace elements in rocks using a single sample preparation technique. Analytical data collected on the Geochemical Reference Samples (GRS) demonstrate the general utility of the method. Analytical results show an excellent agreement with previously published results for the major and minor elements. Of the 28 trace elements studied, 17 can be routinely determined in crustal rocks, but the concentration of several of the others can be determined only if present at concentrations several times above their crustal-abundance level.