PetroTectonics

The PetroTectonic Analytical Facilities provide geochemical and isotopic analyses of rocks for a variety of geological applications including petrology, mineralogy, fluid-flow and ore formation. The facility is built around two instruments: 1) a Rigaku Primus II X-ray floresence (XRF) spectrometer, and ii) a laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (LA-ICPMS) system which combines a 193 Excimer laser from New Wave with a ThermoFisher X-series II quadrupole mass spectrometer. The facility was funded by the Knut & Alice Wallenburg Foundation and the Department of Geological Sciences.

The XRF is used for the analysis of major and some trace elements with good reproducibility and precision. The LA-ICPMS system generates trace element analyses (including REEs) to complement the XRF, and also performs U-Pb analyses of detrital zircons and fluid inclusion analyses of silicates. Pb-Pb isotopes in feldspar and trace elements in sulfides are currently under development.

For more information on the XRF
For more information on the LA-ICPMS


The Department also provides basic rock and thin-section preparation facilities, fluid inclusion analysis, Atomic Floresence Spectroscope and Scanning Electron Microscopy. Other facilities include high-power Leica petrographic microscopes, a digital camera and imaging software, picking microscopes, a PetroScope and the PetroTectonics Library.

For any questions related to the PetroTectonics Analytical Facilities, please contact: Victoria Pease – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.