HALOGENS

Halogen analysis is a great tool to aid with exploration. Our mineral testing laboratory offers halogen analysis by INAA (short-lived Isotopes) or by fusion with ISE analysis.

A 0.2g sample is fused with a combination of lithium metaborate and lithium tetraborate in an induction furnace to release the chloride ions from the sample matrix. The fuseate is dissolved in dilute nitric acid, prior to analysis the ion strength of the solution is adjusted. The chloride ion electrode is immersed in this solution to measure the fluoride-ion activity directly.

AnalysisMethodDetection Limit
Cl (ISE)FUS-ISE0.01%

A 0.2g sample is fused with a combination of lithium metaborate and lithium tetraborate in an induction furnace to release the fluoride ions from the sample matrix. The fuseate is dissolved in dilute nitric acid, prior to analysis the solution is complexed and the ionic strength adjusted with an ammonium citrate buffer. The fluoride ion electrode is immersed in this solution to measure the fluoride-ion activity directly. An automated fluoride analyzer from Mandel Scientific is used for the analysis.

AnalysisMethodDetection Limit
FFUS-ISE0.01%

1g samples are weighed into medium poly vials and are irradiated at a thermal flux of 7 x 1012 n cm-2s-1 in a computer controlled rabbit system, which sends the INAA vials directly to the source of irradiation then back to the fume hood in the lab for analysis. After appropriate decay times to allow aluminum and other very short lived isotopes to decay, the samples are counted sequentially for the analyte(s) of interest. Values are corrected for decay and compared to a standard calibration. Minimum of two standards are analyzed with every work order. Duplicates are analyzed when samples are provided.

Elements and Detection Limits (ppm)

ElementDetection LimitUpper Limit
Al1100,000
Br510,000
Cl100100,000
Cu52,500
Dy0.55,000
Ga510,000
I0.55,000
In0.15,000
Mg0.05%50%
Mn0.110,000
Na50200,000
Re15,000
Ti50100,000
V0.110,000

Reference:

Hoffman, E.L., 1992. Instrumental Neutron Activation in Geoanalysis. Journal of Geochemical Exploration, volume 44, pp. 297-319.