Sr-Nd-Hf Isotope Analysis – Sample Types and Selection

The isotopic ratios 87Sr/86Sr, 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.

Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks

SAMPLE SIZE

150 mg

RECOMMENDED CONTAINER

Plastic or glass vials

Put them inside a labeled Ziplock bag

SAMPLE PREPARATION

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. Sr isotope measurements can be conducted on smaller sample sizes, please consult the lab before submitting samples.

ALSO AVAILABLE:

Marine and lacustrine sediments

SAMPLE SIZE

150 mg

RECOMMENDED CONTAINER

Plastic or glass vials

Put them inside a labeled Ziplock bag

SAMPLE PREPARATION

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 Sr-Nd-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)

SAMPLE SIZE

30-50 mg

RECOMMENDED CONTAINER

Vials

(preferably with screw tops)

Microcentrifuge tubes, or counting slides

Put them inside a labeled Ziplock bag

SAMPLE PREPARATION

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 Sr-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. Sr-Nd-Hf isotope measurements can be conducted on smaller sample sizes, please consult the lab before submitting samples.

ALSO AVAILABLE:

Plant & Woods

SAMPLE SIZE

5g

RECOMMENDED CONTAINER

Ziplock bags

SAMPLE PREPARATION

For the best results, make sure your samples are clean and free from soil, clay particles, calcite and other detritus.

ALSO AVAILABLE:

Please consult the lab before submitting samples.

Send Samples

Page last updated: January 2020