This application note describes the analysis of several elements (Ba, Be, Co, Cr, Cu, Nb, Ni, Rb, Sc, Sr, V, Y, Zn and Zr) in geological samples, with the ACTIVA-M ICP-AES instrument. Analysis of geological samples requires an ICP-AES instrument with good resolution and robustness, to compensate for the variability of matrix and the influence of the major elements. The material was dissolved by fusion with LiBO2 in a Pt95Au5 crucible. The calibration was performed with 3 different certified reference materials (GSR-1 (Granite), GSR-2 (Andesite) and GSR-3 (Basalt)) from IGGE, China.
A Kimberlite sample (SARM 39) was then analyzed to validation the analytical methodology. For the determination of low concentrations of Rb, a specific optimization was realized and is detailed.