The use of laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) for the quantification of rare earth elements in geological samples: a basic tutorial

Several types of rare earth element bearing minerals are considered strategic because they have a high technological and economic value and often have important levels of associated radioactive elements as well. In addition, rare earth elements have been widely used as geochemical tracers of geological processes and in geochronological studies for minerals and hydrocarbons prospecting. The abundances of the mass fractions of rare earth elements present in geological materials can be determined by several multi-elementary analytical techniques, being that the technique of Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) has many advantages. This work aims to present a brief report on the importance of the characterization of rare earth elements and the benefits and challenges imposed on the use of the LA-ICP-MS technique. (author)