eCite Digital Repository
Major- and trace-element analysis of sulfide ores by laser-ablation ICP-MS, solution ICP-MS, and XRF: New data on international reference materials
Citation
Norman, MD and Robinson, P and Clark, DJ, Major- and trace-element analysis of sulfide ores by laser-ablation ICP-MS, solution ICP-MS, and XRF: New data on international reference materials, Canadian Mineralogist, 41, (3) pp. 293-305. ISSN 0008-4476 (2003) [Refereed Article]
DOI: doi:10.2113/gscanmin.41.2.293
Abstract
International reference materials representing a diverse suite of sulfide ores and related lithologies have been analyzed for major and trace element concentrations by XRF, solution ICP-MS, and laser-ablation ICP-MS (LA-ICP-MS) after fusion of the sample to a lithium borate glass. Reference materials analyzed for this study include a wide variety of bulk compositions, including ores of Pb-Zn sulfides, Fe sulfides, Cu-Mo sulfides, and silicate matrices. Concentrations of 33 elements were determined, including lithophile and chalcophile elements of particular interest to economic geochemistry and ore deposit studies. The results of LA-ICP-MS analyses were calibrated using a fused glass standard prepared specifically for the analysis of sulfides. Accuracy of the LA-ICP-MS technique is established by comparison with results obtained by the other methods for abundance variations over several orders of magnitude. Replicate analyses demonstrate a precision of 2-8% (1σ RSD) for the LA-ICP-MS data at rock-equivalent concentrations >1 ppm. Matrix effects were not a significant problem at the scale of compositional variation represented by these samples, and no significant differences in the results were produced with the laser operating in either fixed-spot or line-scan mode. LA-ICP-MS analysis of fused glasses effectively overcomes problems related to insoluble phases such as cassiterite that are resistant to acid dissolution. Whole-rock analysis of sulfide ores by XRF and LA-ICP-MS provides a fast and convenient approach for determinations of major-and trace-element concentrations in a variety of ores and related materials without the need for wet-chemical dissolutions.
Item Details
| Item Type: | Refereed Article |
|---|---|
| Research Division: | Earth Sciences |
| Research Group: | Geochemistry |
| Research Field: | Exploration Geochemistry |
| Objective Division: | Mineral Resources (excl. Energy Resources) |
| Objective Group: | Other Mineral Resources (excl. Energy Resources) |
| Objective Field: | Mineral Resources (excl. Energy Resources) not elsewhere classified |
| Author: | Norman, MD (Dr Marc Norman) |
| Author: | Robinson, P (Mr Philip Robinson) |
| Author: | Clark, DJ (Mr Darryl Clark) |
| ID Code: | 28027 |
| Year Published: | 2003 |
| Web of Science® Times Cited: | 26 |
| Deposited By: | Centre for Ore Deposit Research - CODES CoE |
| Deposited On: | 2003-08-01 |
| Last Modified: | 2011-11-29 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
Repository Staff Only: item control page