Use of a Spark Source Mass Spectrograph for the General Analysis of Geological Samples

Abstract

For many years the spark source mass spectrograph has been used to analyze geological samples for trace impurities. The sensitivity variation between elements, a factor of two or three, has limited the use of this instrument in analyzing for major constituents. Experimental results show that these deviations are fairly constant for individual elements in samples of the same general composition. These deviations can be used as empirical correction factors to improve survey-type analyses of geological samples. Measurements of major constituents and trace impurities in several geological materials are reported.