Simultaneous Quantification of Forsterite Content and Minor–Trace Elements in Olivine by LA–ICP–MS and Geological Applications in Emeishan Large Igneous Province

Abstract

Olivine forsterite contents [Fo = 100 × Mg/(Mg + Fe) in mol%] and minor–trace element concentrations can aid our understanding of the Earth’s mantle. Traditionally, these data are obtained by electron probe microanalysis for Fo contents and minor elements, and then by laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (LA–ICP–MS) for trace elements. In this study, we demonstrate that LA–ICP–MS, with a simplified 100% quantification approach, allows the calculation of Fo contents simultaneously with minor–trace elements. The approach proceeds as follows: (1) calculation of Fo contents from measured Fe/Mg ratios; (2) according to the olivine stoichiometric formula [(Mg, Fe)2SiO4] and known Fo contents, contents of Mg, Fe and Si can be computed, which are used as internal standards for minor–trace element quantification. The Fo content of the MongOLSh 11-2 olivine reference material is 89.55 ± 0.15 (2 s; N = 120), which agrees with the recommended values of 89.53 ± 0.05 (2 s). For minor–trace elements, the results matched well with the recommended values, apart from P and Zn data. This technique was applied to olivine phenocrysts in the Lijiang picrites from the Emeishan large igneous province. The olivine compositions suggest that the Lijiang picrites have a peridotitic mantle source.