Analytical methodologies and their applications in geoanalysis

During the last 50 years, there has been a phenomenal advancement in the field of analytical instrumentation that permits determination of most elements in the Periodic Table down to ppb/ppt levels of concentrations. This unique development has facilitated the geoscientists in elucidating nature of primary and secondary halos associated with mineral deposits as well as to locate deeply buried ore deposits. Besides mineral investigations in the fields of base metals, REEs (Rare Earth Elements), PGEs (Platinum Group of Elements), HFSEs (High Field Strength Elements), strategic elements etc., the latest state-of-the-art analytical instruments are being widely used in geo-chemical mapping, environmental studies, agriculture, industries, nuclear chemistry, bio-geochemistry, clinical investigations, medical geology and also in many other diverse fields. In the present write-up, the author has briefly described the gradual development of analytical instrumentations that have been confidently utilised in different geo-scientific investigations. (author)