LA-ICP-MS analysis of natural rock samples using XRF glass beads

Abstract

Glass beads that remain after measuring major element compositions using XRF can also be used to measure trace element compositions using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). The JA-1 and JB-3 reference glass beads were used to evaluate the homogeneity of trace elements contained within them as well as the data quality of LA-ICP-MS measurements. JA-1 has a homogenous trace element composition with less than 10% relative standard deviation, and JB-3 has an average relative standard deviation and average limit of detection of the trace elements of 4% and 0.94%, respectively. The measured and reference values of JB-3 have the highest correlation (R2 = 0.996). Natural rock samples with intermediate to acidic compositions, such as Hwasun andesite, Mudeungsan dacite tuff, and Dogok rhyolite from Mudeungsan National Park, South Korea, are also used to evaluate the LA-ICP- MS data quality. Trace elements in these natural rock samples are plotted in a reasonable area of the geochemical discrimination diagram with sufficient precision. Accordingly, glass beads made from natural rock samples can be used to measure their trace element compositions using fast in situ and low-cost LA-ICP-MS analysis with similar data quality as achieved with normal solution ICP-MS analysis.