The cornerstone of the geochemical focus is the ICP-MS lab. We have developed new techniques for accurate and precise determinations of high field strength elements (Zr, Nb, [Y], Hf, Ta, Th, U), an important group for determining petrogenetic models, and also the platinum group elements (Ru, Rh, Pd, Pt, Os and Ir: PGEs). The PGEs are present in ultra-trace abundances in geological materials (parts-per billion or less) so require careful analysis.  All of my students are required to master ICP-MS analytical techniques. 

Papers resulting from this work:

Chazey W.J. III, Neal C.R., Jain J.C., and Kinman W.E. (2003) A reappraisal of geochemical reference material BHVO-1. Geostandards Newsletter 27, 181-192.

Ely J.C. and Neal C.R. (2002) Method of data reduction and precision analysis for platinum-group element (PGE) data using inductively coupled plasma - mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Geostandards Newsletter 26, 31-39.

Jain J.C., Neal C.R., and Hanchar J.M.  (2001) Identification and removal of fluoride interferences in determination of rare-earth elements in zircon by ICP-MS. Geostandards Newsletter 25, 229-237.

Jain J.C., Field M.P., Neal C.R., Ely J.C., and Sherrell R.M. (2000) New recommended values for the REE in geological reference materials DTS-1 (dunite) and PCC-1 (peridotite) using different ICP-MS analytical techniques. Geostandards Newsletter 24, 65-72.

Ely J.C., Neal C.R., O’Neill J.A., and Jain J. C. (1999) Quantifying the Platinum Group Elements (PGEs) and Gold in geological samples using cation exchange pretreatment and Ultrasonic Nebulization Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (USN-ICP-MS). Chem. Geol. 157, 219-234.

McGinnis C.E., Jain J.C., and Neal C.R. (1997) Characterization of memory effects and development of an effective wash protocol for the measurement of petrogenetically critical trace elements in geological samples by ICP-MS. Geostandards Newsletter 21, 289-305.

Pearce N.J.G., Perkins W.T., Westgate J.A., Gorton M.P., Jackson S.E., Neal C.R., and Chenery S. P. (1997) New data for the National Institute of Standards and Technology 610 and 612 glass reference materials.  Geostandards Newsletter 21, 115-144.

Neal C.R., Davidson J.P., and McKeegan K.D. (1995) Geochemical analyses of small samples - microanalytical techniques for the nineties and beyond. Reviews of Geophysics, Supplement.U.S National Report to the IUGG (1991-1994), 25-32.

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