Studies of rare earth elements to distinguish nephrite samples from different deposits using direct current glow discharge mass spectrometry

Abstract

Nephrite is an interesting gemstone of wide versatility that is used for ritual objects, decoration, utilitarian objects, carving or jewellery around the world. It is necessary to demonstrate a possible relationship between the concentrations of characteristic elements and differences in the quality or deposit. In this study, direct current glow discharge mass spectrometry (dc-GD-MS) was used to determine the rare earth elements (REEs) of 14 nephrite samples from different deposits by using a tantalum (Ta) pin for the electrical connection, and this method has successfully overcome interferences in the REE analyses.After the optimization of discharge conditions, the characteristics of REEs were studied for nephrite minerals obtained from different deposits. Principal component analysis using REEs and other minor and trace elements successfully separated some nephrites from specific deposits. The dc-GD-MS was an effective tool for the classification of nephrites from different deposits.

Development and application of a porous cage carrier method for detecting trace elements in soils by direct current glow discharge mass spectrometry

“…Therefore, an easier established method for soil analysis by GD-MS with more convenient sample preparation, better detection limits and good stability is eager to be developed. In this study, a porous cage carrier method was developed based on our previous work 28,29 to meet all the above demands. In this method, porous cage carrier was fabricated with high purity tantalum plate drilled by laser.…”

Mineralogy and Geochemistry of Nephrite Jade from Yinggelike Deposit, Altyn Tagh (Xinjiang, NW China)

“…Previous study has summarized the REE characteristics of nephrite from different deposits [74]. REE features of nephrites are likely co-influenced by their geological environment and petrogenetic processes, and can thus be used to distinguish nephrites of different genetic origins [74].…”

“…Previous study has summarized the REE characteristics of nephrite from different deposits [74]. REE features of nephrites are likely co-influenced by their geological environment and petrogenetic processes, and can thus be used to distinguish nephrites of different genetic origins [74]. The Yinggelike nephrite shares similar REE patterns to many D-type nephrites (e.g., Alamas and Qinghai ones; [18,22]), including moderate LREE enrichment (La N /Sm N = 1.72-4.04), nearly flat HREE patterns (Gd N /Yb N = 0.13-2.62), strong to moderate negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.04-0.67), and low ΣREE contents (2.16-11.25 ppm) (Figure 8; Table A2).…”

Depth Profile Analysis of Molybdenum Disulfide Film by Glow Discharge Mass Spectrometry

“…[18][19][20] During the sputtering of the GD source, atoms are separated from the material surface layer by layer; moreover, the GD source is a very stable atomization and ionization source, and a flat crater can be obtained on the sample surface after sputtering, 7 which allows GD spectrometric techniques to efficiently determine depth profile analysis of the samples. Glow discharge mass spectrometry (GD-MS) is one of the most effective tools to directly analyze the elements of solid samples [22][23][24][25][26][27][28] and has been increasingly applied for the depth profile analysis of thick and thin layers. 17,21,29 The majority of the latest studies on depth profile analysis by GD-MS were performed with a time-of-flight mass spectrometer (TOF-MS).…”