Abstract
The mineral beryl (Be3Al2(SiO3)6) has the most abundant phase with industrial value for extracting a critical metal—beryllium. Due to multi-stage, fluid-induced growth, individual beryl grains may yield complex geochemical records, revealing variations in the oxygen isotopes of the fluids from which they crystallize. Secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) with high sensitivity and high spatial resolution represents a good tool for in situ isotopic analysis. SIMS oxygen analyses require matrix-matched reference materials to calibrate instrumental mass fractionations during measurement. In this work, the oxygen isotope homogeneities of six beryl samples with different compositions (BS1, BS2, BS3, BS4, BS5, and BS6) were documented by SIMS. These samples’ recommended oxygen isotope compositions were characterized by laser fluorination isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS). This study suggests that there is no matrix effect related to composition variation in beryl SIMS oxygen isotope analysis. The recommended δ18O values of the four reference materials, BS1, BS2, BS4, and BS5, were 15.01 ± 0.34‰ (2 standard deviations, 2 SD), 7.53 ± 0.16‰ (2 SD), 2.38 ± 0.14‰ (2 SD), and 10.72 ± 0.44‰ (2 SD), respectively. Therefore, BS1, BS2, BS4, and BS5 are recommended as suitable reference materials for in situ mineral beryl oxygen isotope microanalysis.
Highlights
One of the most significant current discussions regarding critical metals is that of beryllium (Be) [1,2]
Because of matrix effects, matrixmatched reference materials or a suitable fractionation law to calibrate instrumental mass fractionation (IMF) is required during Secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) oxygen isotope measurement [17,18]
Six SIMS beryl samples with different chemical compositions (BS1, BS2, BS3, BS4, BS5, and BS6) were examined by Raman spectroscopy and an electron microprobe. Their oxygen isotopic homogeneities were demonstrated by SIMS analyses. These samples’ recommended oxygen isotope compositions were characterized by laser fluorination isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS)
Summary
One of the most significant current discussions regarding critical metals is that of beryllium (Be) [1,2]. The oxygen isotopic compositions of emerald (a variety of beryl) from different occurrences and deposits are variable They may provide a good fingerprint of the origin of this kind of beryl [11]. Because of matrix effects, matrixmatched reference materials or a suitable fractionation law to calibrate IMF is required during SIMS oxygen isotope measurement [17,18]. Six SIMS beryl samples with different chemical compositions (BS1, BS2, BS3, BS4, BS5, and BS6) were examined by Raman spectroscopy and an electron microprobe. Their oxygen isotopic homogeneities were demonstrated by SIMS analyses. Four natural beryl mineral samples are recommended as suitable reference materials for in situ oxygen isotopic composition microanalysis
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
