Lead Isotope Ratios

 Our ICP Mass Spectrometers are capable of measuring the individual isotopes of an element. The ratios between the four isotopes of Lead (Pb), can be used to estimate the age of rocks and geological events, thus being helpful in resolving some of the stratigraphic issues at hand. Lead Isotope analysis also has applications in Uranium Exploration.

At Ultra Trace, our method involves digestion of the rock via "Mixed Acid Digest" followed by ICP-MS analysis. This technique allows us to offer this service at very low prices and turnaround times, when compared to other techniques such as Thermal Ionisation MS or Ion Probe.

Lead Isotope Ratios are reported to 4 Significant Figures with a precision of 0.1% to 0.2% RSD on a sample containing 200 ppm Pb or more. Lower levels may be determined with some degradation in precision. Galena or other high Pb minerals are most suited to this technique.

 

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