We provide both qualitative and quantitative analyses of metals, alloys, metallurgic products (heads and concentrates) and non-processed geological material (ore). Assays are usually performed at clients' request when higher concentrations of metals in samples are known or suspected. Spectrographic techniques such as electron microprobe (EMPA) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) generally provide lower detection limits than assays. All of our assays are traceable to international reference standards. Metallurgical products are handled separately to prevent contamination in the laboratory and are subject to a separate pricing schedule.
Our analytical package provides quick and precise quantitative determination of the 100-odd elements that form the primary building blocks of rocks, minerals, soils, organic and inorganic fluids of the Earth's lithosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere and atmosphere. Monitoring key chemical fluxes, both modern and ancient, at increasingly lower concentrations is routinely applied to mineral and oil exploration programs, geosciences research and various environmental projects. Results of multi-element analyses help characterize lithological and stratigraphic domains, classify rock types, identify aquifers, facilitate mining site remediation and control air quality. We offer a palette of analytical services that are tailored for macro-and microscopic samples.
Powder X-ray diffraction is one of the most powerful techniques for the identification of minerals in geological and industrial samples and the technique of choice for:
Determination of the valence state of iron, tin and antimony and identification of their oxides in geological samples, as well as redox ratios in glasses (Fe3+/Fe total) is performed by means of either Mössbauer spectroscopy on powdered samples or by wet chemistry titration (colorimetery).
Radiogenic isotopic tracers (Pb, Nd, Hf, Sr, and U) can be used to provide information regarding geologic processes such as magma evolution as well as information regarding sources of magmas and sediments, sources of metals (anthropogenic or natural) in various ecosystems and baseline data for environmentally pristine ecosystems. Services offered by GeoTarget Solutions Inc. include, but are not limited to: