Elemental analysis of geological samples with ICP-MS (four acid digestion)

ICP-MS elemental analysis for geological samples (rocks, ore, mining samples) with aqua regia digestion. The analysis includes the following elements: Ag, Al, As, Au, B, Ba, Be, Bi, Ca, Cd, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Fe, Ga, Ge, Hf, Hg, In, K, La, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Nb, Ni, P, Pb, Rb, Re, S, Sb, Sc, Se, Sn, Sr, Ta, Te, Th, Ti, Tl, U, V, W, Y, Zn, and Zr. Gold determinations by this method are semi-quantitative due to the small sample weight used. The price does not include pretreatment, such as crushing or sieving. Shipping is included up to 5 kg total weight; extra cost for larger shipments. Please note that we may be unable to offer these tests for small one-off projects involving just a few samples.

Spark-OES is a commonly used method to determine the elemental composition of metals and alloys. The method provides a better alternative to other similar analysis techniques (ICP-OES, ICP-MS, XRF) due to its speed and low detection limits. All metallic elements and some non-metallic elements, such as C, N, and S, can be detected in the ppm range. The method is suitable for solid metal pieces with a minimum size of 1 x 1 cm. Sample preparation is included in the analysis.

This metal screening analysis includes the semi-quantitative determination of 70 elements. The method can be used, for example, to determine the background concentrations of metals in environmental samples or to study the elemental distribution of unknown samples. Screening is also often performed to assess which metals should be analyzed by a quantitative method. The measurement is performed using a high-resolution ICP-MS technique (ICP-SFMS), which can identify very low elemental concentrations. A semi-quantitative determination of the following elements is included: Ag, Al, As, Au, B, Ba, Be, Bi, Br, Ca, Cd, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Dy, Er, Eu, Fe, Ga, Gd, Ge, Hf, Hg, Ho, I, Ir, K, La, Lu, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Nb, Nd, Ni, Os, P, Pb, Pd, Pr, Pt, Rb, Re, Rh, Ru, S, Sb, Sc, Se, Si, Sm, Sn, Sr, Ta, Tb, Te, Th, Ti, Tl, Tm, U, V, W, Y, Yb, Zn and Zr. However, please note that some elements may not be determinable due to matrix interference. During this semi-quantitative analysis, the instrument is calibrated for about 30 elements and the rest of the analytes are quantified using sensitivity factors for calibrated elements with similar mass and first ionization potential considering isotope abundances. Quantitative analysis is also available at an additional price. During this analysis, all elements are calibrated (excluding halogens and Os). Please ask for an offer for this service.

This analysis provides quantitative information about the crystalline and amorphous phases within your sample using high-resolution synchrotron X-ray diffraction (XRD). A standard analysis includes: Quantification of crystalline phases as weight percentages, Quantification of the total amorphous content, High-resolution powder diffraction data and the resulting diffractogram, A comprehensive test report detailing the findings. For more advanced needs, we also offer total scattering/pair distribution function (PDF) analysis to reveal the local atomic structure in amorphous or nano-structured materials. Do not hesitate to ask for a quote.

Our δ13C stable isotope analysis determines the ratio of 13C to 12C in a given sample material by a continuous flow isotope ratio mass spectrometer (IRMS). Results are expressed in per mille (‰) as the deviation of the isotope ratio from a standard reference material. We have more than 30 IAEA, USGS, and in-house isotopic standards available to accommodate a wide range of expected ratios. The price and turnaround time displayed apply to conventional sample matrices. The analysis is suitable for a wide range of sample materials, including, but not limited to, those listed in the table below. All of our stable isotope analyses are conducted at ISO 17025-accredited facilities. Please contact us using the form below to arrange testing on your samples.

Phase identification and quantification (Rietveld analysis) of a crystalline powder material using X-ray diffraction (XRD). The analysis can also provide unit cell dimensions. The analysis is only suitable for materials with at least one crystalline phase. The quantification accuracy is roughly 0.1 %, depending on the sample matrix and the phase in question. The available temperature range for XRD measurements is 25-1100 °C and the crystallinity can be studied as a function of temperatures. The measurements can be done under a normal atmosphere, inert gas, or vacuum. Please contact our experts to discuss the available temperature and atmosphere combinations. Please mention which crystalline phases your material contains and which ones are you interested in quantifying when requesting testing. However, the method can be applied to unknown phases as well. Either a tabletop or a synchrotron XRD can be used to perform the measurements.

XRF is a quantitative and qualitative method that can be used to analyze solid and liquid materials. This method is intended for a standard screening of homogeneous materials that do not require special sample preparation, precautions, or have any other special requirements. Wavelength-dispersive XRF (WDXRF) is used to perform the measurements unless energy-dispersive XRF (EDXRF) is specifically requested.

Qualitative or comparative analysis of crystalline powders using X-ray diffraction (XRD). The analysis is only suitable for materials with at least one crystalline phase.

Analysis to screen a material for the presence of brominated flame retardants (BFRs), including polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). The test is performed with a pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (py-GC-MS) according to the ISO 7270-1 standard. The sample is pyrolyzed, which is followed by separation and identification with GC-MS. The obtained pyrogram is then compared to a blank sample that does not contain any fire retardants. We also offer the analysis for electrotechnical products as per IEC 62321-6. Please ask our experts for more information about this option.

We have various testing services available for ultrapure water. Pricing depends on the selected parameters and the number of samples. Please contact Measurlabs to get an offer. Note that we will provide suitable shipping containers based on the analyses that are ordered. Trace elements by ICP-MS For the determination of elemental impurities, we offer a basic 36-element and an extended 67-element package. The basic package includes the following 36 elements: Li, Be, B, Na, Mg, Al, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, Ge, As, Sr, Zr, Nb, Mo, Ag, Cd, Sn, Sb, Ba, Ta, W, Pt, Au, Tl, Pb, and Bi. The extended analysis includes the following elements in addition to the basic package: Ce, Cs, Dy, Er, Eu, Gd, Hf, Ho, In, Ir, La, Lu, Hg, Nd, Os, Pd, Pr, Re, Rh, Rb, Ru, Sm, Sc, Se, Te, Tb, Th, Tm, U, Yb, and Y. Reporting limits depend on the element and specific sample matrix, but typically vary between 0.001 ppb and 0.6 ppb. For this analysis, samples must be delivered in Teflon containers. Hardness Hardness value can be calculated based on the ICP-MS results. Silicon and silica (Si, SiO2) Our service catalog includes the determination of total, dissolved, and colloidal silica (SiO2). Total silicon is analyzed using the ICP-OES technique, and dissolved silicon by UV-VIS (molybdenum heteropoly blue method). Colloidal silica is calculated as the difference between total silica and dissolved silica. Total organic and inorganic carbon (TOC and TIC) We offer TOC determination for ultrapure water samples with a 5 ppb quantification limit. For this analysis, samples must be delivered in certified 40 ml TOC vials. Total inorganic carbon (TIC) analysis can also be performed using a TOC analyzer. Anions by ion chromatography (IC) For anions, we have a basic package and a separate package for organic anions. The basic package includes the following anions: bromide(Br⁻), chloride (Cl⁻), fluoride (F⁻), nitrate (NO₃⁻), nitrite (NO₂⁻), phosphate (PO₄³⁻), and sulfate (SO₄²⁻). Analysis of organic anions includes: acetate, formate, glycolate, propionate, and butyrate. Reporting limits depend on the anion and sample matrix, but typically vary between 0.02 and 1 ppb for basic anions and are around 25 ppb for organic anions. For this analysis, samples must be delivered in HDPE bottles. Cations by ion chromatography (IC) The analysis package for cations includes the determination of the following cations: ammonium (NH4+), calcium (Ca2+), lithium (Li+), magnesium (Mg2+), potassium (K+), and sodium (Na+). Reporting limits typically vary between 2 ppb and 5 ppb. Samples must be delivered in HDPE bottles. PFAS compounds (24 compounds) Analysis includes PFOS, PFOA, PFNA, PFHxS, and 20 other selected PFAS compounds. The complete list of compounds can be provided upon request. The reporting limit is typically 1 ng/L. The sample must be delivered in a plastic PFAS-free bottle, preferably made from HDPE.