Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 30, 2026
13:09
Assessment of Boron Doped Diamond Electrode Quality and Application to In Situ Modification of Local pH by Water Electrolysis
Published on: January 6, 2016
Quantitative analysis of trace element concentrations in some gem-quality diamonds
J McNeill1, D G Pearson, O Klein-Bendavid
1Northern Centre for Isotopic and Elemental Tracing, Department of Earth Sciences, Durham University, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, UK.
Summary
A new method analyzes trace elements in gem diamonds to understand diamond formation. This technique reveals distinct geochemical signatures in diamond-forming fluids, potentially aiding in conflict diamond detection.
Area of Science:
- Geochemistry
- Mineralogy
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Diamond-forming fluid geochemistry offers insights into diamond genesis and conflict diamond identification.
- Analyzing fluid-poor, gem-quality diamonds is challenging due to extremely low impurity levels, limiting previous research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and present a novel inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS)-based method for analyzing trace elements in fluid-poor, gem-quality diamonds.
- To characterize the geochemical signatures of diamond-forming fluids in gem diamonds.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a closed-system laser ablation cell for diamond analysis.
- Trapped ablated diamond products for pre-concentration into solutions.
- Analyzed solutions using sector-field ICPMS, achieving sub-picogram to low picogram quantification limits.
Main Results:
- Successfully quantified trace elements in gem diamonds from South Africa, Siberia, and Venezuela.
- Observed very low concentrations of rare earth elements, Y, Nb, Cs (0.01-2 ppb), and LILEs (1-30 ppb).
- Identified two distinct groups of diamond-forming fluids based on LILE and Nb abundances.
Conclusions:
- The new ICPMS method enables sensitive trace element analysis in gem diamonds.
- The identified fluid groups suggest a link between parental fluids of fluid-inclusion-rich and gem diamonds.
- Geochemical signatures of diamond-forming fluids provide crucial information on diamond formation processes.
More Related Videos
09:13Characterization of Ultra-fine Grained and Nanocrystalline Materials Using Transmission Kikuchi Diffraction
Published on: April 1, 2017
07:24Quantitative Atomic-Site Analysis of Functional Dopants/Point Defects in Crystalline Materials by Electron-Channeling-Enhanced Microanalysis
Published on: May 10, 2021
Related Concept Videos
01:12Quantitative Analysis
Quantitative analysis is a technique for measuring the amount of specific constituents in a sample. When the sample's composition is unknown, qualitative analysis is performed first to identify its components, which ensures that the correct substances are measured during the quantitative phase.
In quantitative analysis, two key measurements are made: the sample quantity and a property proportional to the amount of the analyte (the substance being analyzed). This forms the basis of the method...
In quantitative analysis, two key measurements are made: the sample quantity and a property proportional to the amount of the analyte (the substance being analyzed). This forms the basis of the method...
01:20Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Overview
Atomic emission spectroscopy (AES) is an analytical technique used to determine the elemental composition of a sample by analyzing the light emitted from excited atoms. In AES, atoms in a sample are excited to higher energy levels by thermal energy from high-temperature sources, such as plasma, arcs, or sparks. When these excited atoms return to lower energy states, they emit light at specific wavelengths characteristic of each element. The resulting atomic emission spectrum, which consists of...
01:10Qualitative Analysis
Qualitative analysis is the process of identifying elements, ions, or compounds in an unknown sample. It is the first and most fundamental type of analysis based on the hierarchy of analytical goals. This hierarchy is significant as it provides a structured approach to scientific research, with qualitative analysis serving as the initial step, providing essential information before moving on to quantitative or other forms of analysis.
There are two main approaches to qualitative analysis:...
There are two main approaches to qualitative analysis:...
01:21Sample Preparation for Analysis: Overview
Sample preparation is an essential step in the analytical process. It involves preparing a sample so that it can be analyzed accurately. The goal is to extract the analyte, the substance you want to measure, from the sample while removing any components that may interfere with the analysis. Sample preparation techniques vary depending on the physical state of the sample.
Bulk or large solid samples are typically reduced in size using grinding, crushing, or milling techniques to increase the...
Bulk or large solid samples are typically reduced in size using grinding, crushing, or milling techniques to increase the...
01:05Gravimetry: Overview
Gravimetric analysis is a quantitative method where the analyte is isolated and weighed directly or after conversion into a substance of known composition. Gravimetric analysis can be classified as precipitation, electrogravimetry, volatilization, and particulate gravimetry, based on the method used to isolate the analyte.
In precipitation gravimetry, the analyte is converted into a precipitate and weighed. For example, the silver content in a sample can be estimated by precipitating and...
In precipitation gravimetry, the analyte is converted into a precipitate and weighed. For example, the silver content in a sample can be estimated by precipitating and...
01:29Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Lab
AES is a powerful analytical technique, especially effective when used with plasma sources, producing abundant spectra in characteristic emission lines. The Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP), in particular, yields superior quantitative analytical data due to its high stability, low noise, low background, and minimal interferences under optimal experimental conditions. However, newer air-operated microwave sources are emerging as promising alternatives that could be more cost-effective than...