Research Capabilities and Services

The Isotropics Geochemistry Laboratory is at the forefront of solution-based isotope geochemistry with new analytical techniques constantly being developed.  We can offer research services for academic and industry-based projects.  Please use our Enquiry Service  if you are interested in discussing how we can help.

Research at IsoTropics

Solution-based Analyses

• Full chemical digestion of rock/mineral samples (HF/HNO₃/HCl/H₂O₂), organic-rich materials (e.g. soil, vegetation), and aqueous samples. Microwave-assisted acid attack possible for all digestions not involving HF.
• Full major/minor/trace element characterization. Typically, sub-ppb trace metal detection limits
• Radiogenic Sr-Nd-Pb isotopes (all sample types)
• Stable Ca, Fe, Cu, Zn (all sample types)
• Stable Mo and Nd isotopes using a double spike (rock/mineral; aqueous samples)
• Isotope dilution Rb-Sr and Sm-Nd analyses (rock/mineral samples)

In Situ Analyses

• Major/minor element characterization by SEM-EDS and/or EPMA (some minor elements as well)
• Elemental characterization by LA-ICP-MS (spot analyses) in silicates, oxides (e.g. magnetite), sulfides, hard biological tissues (e.g. enamel and bone).
• U-Pb isotope dating of accessory minerals (e.g., zircon, titanite, apatite, monazite, rutile, garnet) and ore minerals (e.g., cassiterite, wolframite) by LA-ICP-MS
• Radiogenic Hf isotopes in zircon and rutile by LA-MC-ICP-MS
• Radiogenic Sr isotopes in carbonates and (bio)-apatite
• Radiogenic Nd isotopes in titanite, apatite and monazite

For further details of ongoing research projects within the Isotropics Geochemistry Laboratory please see the Researchers page for our JCU Research Portfolios or visit the EGRU website.

Analytical Services

Hydrogeochemistry for Sustainable Mineral Exploration

• Major/minor/trace element characterization of riverine, groundwater and marine samples.  High precision ultra-trace element analyses facilitated by ESI SeaFast.
• Stable Ca, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mo isotopes
• Radiogenic Sr, Nd, Pb isotopes

Isotopic Fingerprinting of Geological Samples

• Whole rock trace element characterization via Q-ICP-MS (SQ and TQ options)
• Stable Ca, Fe, Cu, Zn isotopes via MC-ICP-MS in rocks or mineral separates.
• Rb-Sr and Sm-Nd (isotope dilution) analyses via MC-ICP-MS for accurate age correction of isotopic data.

Geological Characterisation & Economic Resources

These services are provided through EGRU and the Advanced Analytical Centre.

• Major/minor element characterisation via recently installed (2024) Field Emission EPMA.
• Trace element characterization via LA-ICP-MS in silicates, metals/alloys, oxides (eg magnetite) and sulphides (pyrite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite). Example analytical list for oxides/sulphides: Mg, Al, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Zn, Cu, As, Sn, Sb, Pb
• U-Pb isotope dating of accessory minerals (e.g., zircon, titanite, apatite, monazite, rutile, garnet) and ore minerals (e.g., cassiterite, wolframite) by LA-ICP-MS