Major and trace analysis of basaltic glasses by laser-ablation ICP-MS

Chemical analysis by laser‐ablation ICP‐MS can determine a large number of trace elements with a precision approaching traditional whole‐rock analysis, but on a scale approaching that achieved by the electron microprobe. These characteristics make it a particularly attractive method for the analysis...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Geochemistry, geophysics, geosystems : G3 geophysics, geosystems : G3, 2012-03, Vol.13 (3), p.np-n/a
Main Authors: Jenner, Frances E., O'Neill, Hugh St. C.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Ablation
Basalt
Cadmium
Chemical analysis
Electron probes
EMPA
Geochemistry
Glass
Instrumentation
LA-ICP-MS
Mineralogy
MORB
ocean floor basalt
Optimization
Petrology
Rare earth elements
Rocks
Scientific apparatus & instruments
Trace elements
volcanic glass
Volcanoes
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Summary:Chemical analysis by laser‐ablation ICP‐MS can determine a large number of trace elements with a precision approaching traditional whole‐rock analysis, but on a scale approaching that achieved by the electron microprobe. These characteristics make it a particularly attractive method for the analysis of volcanic glasses, but at present little is known about systematic errors, especially those from matrix effects. Here we investigate the precision and accuracy of LA‐ICP‐MS analysis of basaltic glasses for 60 elements, including rare earth elements (REE), large ion lithophile elements (LILE), high field strength elements (HFSE), the first row transition elements (FRTE), as well as less commonly analyzed elements such as Li, Be, Ge, Ga, W, Mo, As, Sb, Sn, Se, Ag, Tl, Bi, Cd and In. The rate of signal decline during ablation was found to vary systematically with the electronic structure of the element, in both calibration material (NIST SRM 612) and unknowns (natural basaltic glass VG‐2 and vitrified basalt BCR‐2G). These observations allow optimal analytical conditions with the available instrumentation and standards to be established. Analyses of VG‐2 and seven of the MPI‐DING vitrified rocks, commonly used as secondary standards, obtained under these conditions, are presented. Key Points Optimization and critical evaluation of the LA‐ICP‐MS technique Investigation of the behavior of 60 elements during laser ablation Presentation of geochemical data for a range of reference materials
ISSN:1525-2027
1525-2027
DOI:10.1029/2011GC003890