Comparison of dissolution methods for the determination of potassium in rocks and minerals by atomic absorption spectrometry

Lithium metaborate fusion and hydrofluoric acid dissolution methods used before the flame emission or atomic absorption spectrometric determination of potassium in rocks and minerals are compared with regard to accuracy and precision. Possible contamination by potassium in borosilicate glassware was avoided by the use of platinum or polyethylene vessels; solutions were prepared and measured by weight instead of volume. Separation of potassium by cation-exchange chromatography enabled potassium in all solutions of a given sample to be measured against one set of standard solutions. When the various dissolution methods were used carefully, the results did not differ in precision. Significant systematic errors were not detected; in particular, potassium was not lost by volatilization during fusion for 15 min with lithium metaborate at 9OO°C.