Analytical Methods for Os Isotope Ratios and Re-PGE Mass Fractions in Geological Samples

Abstract

The recent advances in analytical methods of Re-Os and PGE in geological materials including sample dissolution, chemical separation, mass spectrometric determinations, as well as the developments of matrix-matched reference materials for data quality control are thoroughly reviewed. Further, the in-situ measurement methods for Re-PGE mass fractions and 187Os/188Os ratios, as well as the measurement methods for stable isotope ratios of Re and PGE are also briefly reviewed. This review stands as a comprehensive reference for researchers to consider in the development of measurement methods for Re-PGE mass fractions and 187Os/188Os ratios in geological materials.

Determination of Re, Os, Ir, Ru, Pt, Pd Mass Fractions and 187Os/188Os Ratios of Organic‐Rich Geological Reference Materials

“…Currently, reported data for the Re‐PGE mass fractions and 187 Os/ 188 Os isotope ratios, in particular PGE mass fractions, for organic‐rich geological RMs are rare (Meisel and Horan 2016, Chu 2021). Recently, Yin et al .…”

Atomic spectrometry update: review of advances in atomic spectrometry and related techniques

“…The images produced by a 10 μm spot size were found to be useful in targeting suitable sectors of crystals for dating studies. Chu et al 149 evaluated Os isotope measurement and PGE determinations in geological materials. The main chemical dissolution methods, including NiS fire assay, alkali fusion, Carius tube acid digestion and high-pressure asher digestion were reviewed.…”

Data Quality in Geochemical Elemental and Isotopic Analysis

“…Radiogenic isotopes, 238 U-206 Pb (4.47 by); 235 U -207 Pb (710 my); 232 Th -208 Pb (14.05 by); 87 Rb-87 Sr (49.23 my), 40 K- 40 Ar (1.25 by), etc.…”

“…For example, over forty samples can be digested in a single batch using the current commercially available microwave digestion systems. A high-pressure asher (HPA-S) can provide more effective digestions, taking the reaction pressure to 125 bar and the temperature to 300 • C [40]. This high-pressure digestion technique can effectively decompose refractory phases such as garnet, sphene, spinel, zircon, rutile, and chromite in a variety of geological materials and is a promising technique for both geochemical and geochronological studies.…”