Laboratory
Laser Ablation ICP-MS Analysis for Lithogeochemistry and Mineral Specific Chemistry
Jan. 4 2021
Bureau Veritas' Laser Ablation ICP-MS analysis is designed to meet a broad range of analytical requirements with a single cost effective method. Lithogeochemistry Mode LA-ICP-MS capitilises on our high productivity robotic fusion technology with state of the art laser ablation and ICP-MS instruments to provide a fully extracted quantitative analysis for all elements. Detection limits are comparable to industry-leading mixed acid trace element ICP-MS packages.
LA-ICP-MS Benefits
- Total analysis at trace and ultra trace detection limits equivalent to mixed acid ICP-MS packages.
- Simplifies the analysis process to a single, cost effective fusion.
- XRF and ICP-MS capabilities can be combined to extend the dynamic range in one analysis (eg. U from 10ppb to % level.
- Minimizes hazards and waste due to elimination of corrosive acids.
- Spot analyses can be conducted on select mineral grains for full chemical analysis or over a given area to provide quantitative false color element maps. Grain mount or thin section options are available.
Mineral Specific Chemistry Mode
Traditional multi element lithogeochemistry analysis packages require a number of different digestion methods and instruments in order to achieve optimum results.
Alternatively, when XRF is included with LA-ICP-MS into a combined package, only a single Li-borate fusion is digestion is required. This method will provide major elements from XRF, trace and minor elements from LA-ICP-MS.
Table 1: Elements Available (Detection limits in ppm)
| XRF | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Al (100) | As (10) | Ba (10) | Ca (100) | Cr (10) | Cu (10) | Fe (100) |
| K (100) | Mg (100) | Mn (10) | Na** (100) | Ni (10) | P (10) | Pb (10) |
| S (10) | Si (100) | Ti (100) | U (10) | W (10) | Y (10) | Zn (10) |
| Zr (10) |
** may not be available for some sample types
| LA-ICP-MS | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ag (0.1) | As (0.2) | Ba (0.5) | Be (0.2) | Bi (0.02) | Br (10) | Cd (0.1) |
| Ce (0.02) | Co (0.1) | Cr (1) | Cs (0.01) | Cu (2) | Dy (0.01) | Er (0.01) |
| Eu (0.01) | Ga (0.1) | Gd (0.01) | Hf (0.01) | Ho (0.01) | In (0.05) | La (0.01) |
| Lu (0.01) | Mn (1) | Mo (0.2) | Nb (0.01) | Nd (0.01) | Ni (2) | Pb (1) |
| Pr (0.01) | Rb (0.05) | Re (0.01) | Sb (0.1) | Sc (0.1) | Se (5*) | Sm (0.01) |
| Sn (0.2) | Sr (0.1) | Ta (0.01) | Tb (0.01) | Te (0.2) | Th (0.01) | Ti (1) |
| Tl (0.2) | Tm (0.01) | U (0.01) | V (0.1) | W (0.05) | Y (0.02) | Yb (0.01) |
| Zn (5) | Zr (0.5) |
* partially volatilized