Isotopic Geochemistry Laboratory

​Isotopic Geochemistry Lab for Dissolution and U, Th, Pb, Sm and REE Chemistry
The laboratory contains a dedicated chemistry laboratory with one clean-room laboratories supplied with HEPA-filtered class 100 air where sample preparation and ion-exchange chromatography for isotopic analysis may be done under ultra-clean conditions, making possible very low analytical blanks (e.g., < 1 pg Pb for U-Pb geochronology, and <10 pg Sr).



There are also one laboratory with HEPA-filtered work stations where sample preparation and ion-exchange chromatography are performed.  In these labs there are 4 low-flow fume hood, four laminar-flow workstations, acid distillation systems, water purification system, and sample drying environments. We use this dedicated facility extensively for sample dissolution following He degassing and sample spiking with various mixed 230Th-235U-spike for ICP-MS based isotope dilution analysis of U, Th, Pb and REEs. The clean lab also is where we mix and store all sample standard and spike solutions and acid wash all pipette tips and teflon beakers and vials. The laboratory is set up for HF-HNO3 and HCl pressure vessel digestion of silicate and oxide mineral samples.

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The laboratory currently has 2 Parr pressure vessel digestion devices in constant use, with each pressure vessel accommodating the dissolution of 11 samples (+2 procedural blank). Any large mineral samples (>100 mg) or samples with high concentrations of Ti, Fe, and Ca are subjected to ion-exchange column chemistry to prevent sensitivity suppression and to ensure stable signals during ICP-MS or TIMS analysis.



In addition, we also have a 100  level clean laboratory for low U-Pb and contamination sensitive, low-concentration samples. This clean laboratory is equipped with ceiling-mounted laminar-flow units for room air, laminar-flow workstations for column chemistry and filtered-air evaporation boxes for drying samples.

These labs are supported by the departmental sample preparation facility, which includes shatterboxes for sample pulverization, and a crusher, a disc mill pulverizer, sieves, heavy liquids and Franz magnetic separators for mineral separation.