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Elemental composition analysis of granite rocks using LIBS and LA-TOF-MS
This study analyzed Hunza granite using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and laser ablation time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LA-TOF-MS). These methods reveal key elemental compositions for jewelry and flooring applications, confirming their analytical power.
Area of Science:
- Geochemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- Granite is a crucial geological material used in various applications, including artificial jewelry and flooring tiles.
- Accurate elemental composition analysis is vital for quality control and material characterization in geological samples.
- The Hunza district in Pakistan is a known source of granite deposits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To perform qualitative and quantitative analysis of raw granite from the Hunza district, Pakistan.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and laser ablation time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LA-TOF-MS) for granite elemental analysis.
- To determine the elemental composition of granite used for artificial jewelry and flooring tiles.
Main Methods:
- Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) was employed to analyze optical emission spectra.
- Laser Ablation Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (LA-TOF-MS) was utilized for mass spectral analysis.
- Samples were sourced from granite deposits in the Hunza district, Gilgit, Pakistan.
Main Results:
- LIBS analysis identified emission lines of Si, Ca, K, Fe, Mg, Al, Na, and Li in jewelry-grade granite.
- Granite for flooring tiles showed emission lines of Si, Ca, K, Fe, Mg, Al, Ti, Na, Ba, and Li.
- LA-TOF-MS confirmed analogous elemental compositions, supporting LIBS findings.
Conclusions:
- Both LIBS and LA-TOF-MS are powerful and complementary techniques for the compositional analysis of geological samples like granite.
- The elemental profiles obtained are crucial for understanding the suitability of Hunza granite for specific applications.
- This study validates advanced spectroscopic and mass spectrometric methods for precise geological material characterization.
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