Abstract
A method is described for the measurement of Li isotope ratios in minerals using ICP-MS. The technique is capable of achieving a relative precision of 0.8‰, and has successfully been applied to minerals containing less than 300 µg g–1 of Li. Sample material is dissolved in a combination of HCI and HF in sealed PTFE vessels. Separation of Li from the matrix is accomplished by column chromatography using Bio-Rad AG50W X-8 100–200 mesh resin. The use of isotopic reference material IRM-016 Li2 CO3 is suggested as a reference standard for calculating and correcting instrumental mass discrimination. The presence of excess amounts of concomitant ions in solution is shown to lead to matrix-induced mass discrimination. Lithium isotope ratios (7Li: 6Li) for the minerals studied range from 12.698 (–33.2‰ relative to the IRM-016) for an amblygonite sample from Tanco Mine, Manitoba, Canada to 12.250 (+3.5‰ relative to the IRM-016) for a lithiophorite sample from North Mountain Mine, AR, USA.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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 callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
