The platinum-group elements. V. 1-2

The application of nuclear analysis for the determination of low levels of the platinum group elements (PGE) in terrestrial rocks is reviewed. The various methods used at the Schonland centre, (instrumental neutron activation analysis, radiochemical neutron activation analysis, preconcentration and neutron activation analysis) are specifically addressed. Data from a range of geological samples, together with data from the literature, are used for an examination of the behaviour. Fractionation of the PGE during various geological events is discussed. The siderophile tendency of the PGE, and the relative fractionation between the PGE during common terrestrial processes, offers a geochemical tool with which to examine events that are geochemically 'opaque' to the lithophile trace elements. 21 figs., 23 tabs., 250 refs