Determination of Rare-Earth Elements, Scandium, Yttrium And Hafnium in 32 Geochemical Reference Materials Using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectrometry

The determination of twelve rare-earth elements (REE), scandium, yttrium and hafnium in 32 geochemical reference materials by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) is reported. Results obtained show good agreement with previously published values and compilations. The method is based on a lithium metaborate fusion of the sample followed by a cation exchange separation. A small amount of oxalic acid added to the 6N HNO₃ eluant ensures the complete elution of hafnium with the other 14 elements.