LA-HR-ICP-MS analysis of quartz and principles governing the distri- bution and speciation of structural impurities in igneous quartz

Abstract

Laser Ablation High Resolution Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-HR-ICP-MS) if qyartz is now fully operational at NGU and may be applied as an exploration method after new high-purity quartz deposits. The analytical method may also be important in characterising which parts of an already existing mining operation that contain the best qualities of quartz. In mapping the quality of quartz throughout an existing mine, it may aid the producer in optimising the potential of the quartz raw material and overall may be an important guide to the day-to-day operation of the quarry. Compared with conventional methods for the analysis of quartz, the analytical method developed at NGU is faster and cheaper, and minimizes the risk of contamination of the sample. Although the analytical method is applicable as it stands, it would in the long term be desirable to improve the precision of Al and Li. Recent improvements and analysis of well-characterized samples imply that this problem is near its solution. Analysis of Ca may be possible after the manufacture of better standards and B may be quantified if pre-ablation of the sample surface is applied and if the analyses of Li2B4O7 tablets remain discontinued at NGU with the LA-HR-ICP-MS instrument.