Precise Determination of Rare Earth Elements in Geological Standard Rocks by Inductively Coupled Plasma Source Mass Spectrometry

Rare earth element (REE) determinations with high accuracy and precision were performed on four geological standard rocks (JA-1, JB-1, -2 and -3) by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). In order to achieve this, internal standardization, matrix matching or separation of REE from the matrix elements are recommended. In these analyses, REE data obtained by ICP-MS show excellent agreement (within 5%) with those obtained by isotope dilution method using thermal ionization mass spectrometer. Among these analytical methods of ICP-MS, the most reliable data can be obtained by analysis using a sample solution free from matrix elements.