Nd & Hf Isotope Analysis – Sample Types and Selection
The isotopic ratios 143Nd/144Nd, and 176Hf/177Hf can be measured in various sample types such as igneous and metamorphic rocks, mineral dust, and marine and lacustrine sediments.
The following sample size recommendations are general guidelines. Individual requirements vary depending on the sample type. If you are concerned that your samples are too small or you need advice on sample collection, feel free to contact us.
Reminders:
DO NOT wrap samples in aluminum or any metal foil. Use weighing paper if you need to wrap them.
Submit samples in a ziplock bag or teflon container with PRINTED SAMPLE ID attached outside the bag.
Always choose the best samples for your research objectives
Our recommended sample sizes assume the material is dry and free of adhering matrix.
Bulk Carbonates
300mg
RECOMMENDED CONTAINERPlastic or Glass Vials
Put them inside a labeled Ziplock bag
Bulk carbonates must be homogenized prior to submission. For effective sample dissolution, high-temperature flux fusion is the method of choice. Homogenized samples will be fused at 1075°C with high-purity lithium metaborate (LiBO2, Puratronic) and ultra-pure grade lithium bromide to ensure complete recovery of the melt. The melt is directly digested in 6 M nitric acid.
ALSO AVAILABLE:
Black Shale
300mg
RECOMMENDED CONTAINERPlastic or Glass Vials
Put them inside a labeled Ziplock bag
Black Shale must be homogenized prior to submission. For effective sample dissolution, high-temperature flux fusion is the method of choice. Homogenized samples will be fused at 1075°C with high-purity lithium metaborate (LiBO2, Puratronic) and ultra-pure grade lithium bromide to ensure complete recovery of the melt. The melt is directly digested in 6 M nitric acid.
ALSO AVAILABLE:
Coal
75mg (ashed), 5-10g (non-ashed)
RECOMMENDED CONTAINERVials, microcentrifuge tubes, counting slides
Put them inside a labeled Ziplock bag
Coal must be homogenized prior to submission. For effective sample dissolution, high-temperature flux fusion is the method of choice. Homogenized samples will be fused at 1075°C with high-purity lithium metaborate (LiBO2, Puratronic) and ultra-pure grade lithium bromide to ensure complete recovery of the melt. The melt is directly digested in 6 M nitric acid.
ALSO AVAILABLE:
Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks
150 mg
RECOMMENDED CONTAINERPlastic or glass vials
Put them inside a labeled Ziplock bag
Rock samples need to be homogenized prior to submittal. For effective sample dissolution, high-temperature flux fusion is the method of choice. Homogenized samples will be fused at 1075°C with high-purity lithium metaborate (LiBO2, Puratronic) and ultra-pure grade lithium bromide to ensure complete recovery of the melt. The melt is directly digested in 6 M nitric acid.
ALSO AVAILABLE:
Marine and lacustrine sediments
150 mg
RECOMMENDED CONTAINERPlastic or glass vials
Put them inside a labeled Ziplock bag
All organics must be removed from the sample either by ashing or with hydrogen peroxide. All carbonate fractions must be removed if you wish to measure Nd and/or Hf isotopes only on siliciclastic fraction. A larger sample size is required if we need to remove the carbonates and organics from the samples. For effective sample dissolution, high-temperature flux fusion is the method of choice. Sediment samples will be fused at 1075°C with high-purity lithium metaborate (LiBO2, Puratronic) and ultra-pure grade lithium bromide to ensure complete recovery of the melt. The melt is directly digested in 6 M nitric acid.
ALSO AVAILABLE:
Mineral Dust (ashed)
30-50 mg
RECOMMENDED CONTAINERVials
(preferably with screw tops)
Microcentrifuge tubes, or counting slides
Put them inside a labeled Ziplock bag
Aerosol samples collected on filter paper must be ashed entirely prior to submittal. All organics must be removed from the sample either by ashing or with hydrogen peroxide. All carbonate fractions must be removed if you wish to measure Nd- Hf isotopes only on siliciclastic fraction. A larger sample size is required if we need to remove the carbonates and organics or ash the samples. For effective sample dissolution, high-temperature flux fusion is the method of choice. Aerosol samples will be fused at 1075°C with high-purity lithium metaborate (LiBO2, Puratronic) and ultra-pure grade lithium bromide to ensure complete recovery of the melt. The melt is directly digested in 6 M nitric acid. Nd-Hf isotope measurements can be conducted on smaller sample sizes, please consult the lab before submitting samples.
ALSO AVAILABLE:
Peat
75mg (ashed), 1500mg (non-ashed)
RECOMMENDED CONTAINERVials, microcentrifuge tubes, counting slides
Put them inside a labeled Ziplock bag
Peat must be homogenized prior to submission. For effective sample dissolution, high-temperature flux fusion is the method of choice. Homogenized samples will be fused at 1075°C with high-purity lithium metaborate (LiBO2, Puratronic) and ultra-pure grade lithium bromide to ensure complete recovery of the melt. The melt is directly digested in 6 M nitric acid. Please note, the Nd and Hf isotope measurements are undertaken on the dust (detrital) fraction, not the organic fraction of peat.
ALSO AVAILABLE:
Plant & Woods
5g
RECOMMENDED CONTAINERZiplock bags
For the best results, make sure your samples are clean and free from soil, clay particles, calcite and other detritus.
ALSO AVAILABLE:
Soil
150mg (ashed), 500mg (non-ashed)
RECOMMENDED CONTAINERPlastic or Glass Vials
Put them inside a labeled Ziplock bag
Soil samples must be homogenized prior to submission. For effective sample dissolution, high-temperature flux fusion is the method of choice. Homogenized samples will be fused at 1075°C with high-purity lithium metaborate (LiBO2, Puratronic) and ultra-pure grade lithium bromide to ensure complete recovery of the melt. The melt is directly digested in 6 M nitric acid.
ALSO AVAILABLE:Please consult the lab before submitting samples.