Separation scheme for the determination of alkali metals (K, Rb, Cs), alkaline earths (Sr, Ba) and rare earths (Ce, Nd, Sm, Eu) in silicate materials by isotopic dilution analysis

A scheme is outlined for the separation of Li, K, Rb, Cs, Sr, Ba, Ce, Nd, Sm and Eu from silicate materials. The elements are separated by cation-exchange to provide groups suitable for mass spectrometric analysis, and are then further purified by anion-exchange. Results obtained by isotopic dilution analysis are reported for G-1, W-1, and the Harwell meteorite-in these measurements the alkali metals were determined separately from the other elements. Requirements are discussed for combining the procedures to form a more comprehensive method for use with a single sample.