Trace element analysis of rare earth elements by spark source mass spectrometry (CAT#: STEM-ST-0288-LJX)

Introduction

The service conducted the trace element analysis of rare earth elements (REE) by spark source mass spectrometry. The REE are typically present in geological materials at levels of a few parts per million. Abundance levels are for chondritic meteorites are presented, where the range in concentration is from 0.031 ppm for Lu up to 0.84ppm for Ce. The abundances in different chondritic meteorites show close relative and absolute similarities; this uniformity indicates that the chondrites display the relative REE abundance patterns of the primordial solar nebula. The second abundance pattern, which is also uniform is that displayed by sedimentary rocks. The inherent usefulness of the REE for geochemical investigations is mainly because of the smooth variation in ionic radii of the trivalent ions. Principles of spark source mass spectrometry are discussed in the chapter.