The USGS Mineral Resources Program and other USGS scientists need specialized routine analysis in order to conduct their research. The Analytical Chemistry project facilitates the ability of USGS scientists to obtain needed analyses.
Scientific Issue and Relevance
Mineral Resources Program and other USGS scientific mission area scientists need specialized routine analysis in order to carry out their research. This project facilitates the ability of the scientific staff to obtain these analyses. The Mineral Resources Program projects require several functions for chemistry to be conducted across theme boundaries. Most of these single efforts are not large enough to support the instrumentation or the expertise needed to work on these tasks. However, when all of the Program's science is considered, then a chemistry support function that combines these efforts results in a cost efficient and necessary endeavor.
Methods to Address Issue
The Analytical Chemistry Project combines and coordinates the chemistry functions that are necessary for research and assessment projects within the Mineral Resources Program. Our project is responsible for:
- administering the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS); the system used to track samples and manage in-house and contract analytical data;
- physically preparing samples submitted for analysis;
- validating Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center in-house analytical techniques;
- monitoring contract chemistry data quality, validating contract chemistry analytical results, and disseminating analytical results to staff scientists;
- maintaining and growing the National Geochemical Sample Archive.
Recurring efforts include:
- offering a mechanism to prepare samples;
- maintaining equipment and methods of analysis for in-house analytical chemistry work;
- contracting routine chemical requests to an outside laboratory;
- providing data quality control for both in-house and contract generated data.
Long term efforts include continued support to the Mineral Resources Program by providing these services and modifying the analytical methods or administrative procedures to better meet the needs of the scientists.
Sample and Data Management: We perform all the necessary functions relating to the receipt, processing, preparation, data tracking, quality control, and archiving of samples submitted for chemical analyses. These functions are performed for both in-house and contract laboratory analyses. Sample Control processes on average 15,000-20,000 samples annually. We maintain the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), contract out routine analytical chemistry functions, perform quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) function for all chemical analyses and maintain database for both contract and in-house chemistry, perform physical preparation of samples submitted for chemical analysis. We also operate and maintain the USGS National Geochemical Sample Archive, inventory, and retrieval of previously analyzed powdered geochemical materials.
Mineral Separation: We provide Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center scientists with the expertise, equipment, and methods needed to deconstruct rocks and enlarge understanding of geologic processes by separating and concentrating mineral constituents using water tables, heavy liquids, magnets, and microscopes; identifying and quantifying minerals using staining methods and X-ray diffraction, measuring various physical properties of whole rock including density, magnetic susceptibility, and solubility.
X-Ray Fluorescence: We provide high precision determinations of 10 major rock-forming elements as oxides and the determination of minor and trace elements in solid geologic materials using wavelength dispersive x-ray fluorescence. The accuracy achievable using the wavelength dispersive x-ray fluorescence technique for the determination of major elements as oxides is unsurpassed by any other instrumental technique. Samples are prepared and analyzed at our laboratory facility.
Denver Mineralogy Lab: We will contine method development for sample preparation for X-ray diffraction, investigating and implementing advanced X-ray diffraction analyses, and evaluating and interpretating X-ray diffraction scans.
In-House Chemistry Support Services: We provide routine single element and common laboratory support services. Analyses performed include: dissolved organic carbon and percent ash. We also perform single element analyses support for cross checking results from the contract laboratory. In addition to housing the single element analytical capability we also provide common laboratory support services such as the purchase of liquefied and compressed gases, the maintenance and repair of laboratory instrumentation, and the purchase of laboratory supplies such as acids, solvents, glassware, etc.
Contract Chemistry: We monitor the ongoing contract with AGAT Laboratories, Mississauga, Canada, for routine chemical analyses. Our objective is to ensure that all aspects of the contract are executed within the limits established in the statement of work and all performance criteria are met.
References and Methods
USGS In-House Methods Reference: Taggart, J.E., 2002, Analytical methods for chemical analysis of geologic and other materials, U.S. Geological Survey: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 02-223, https://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2002/ofr-02-0223/.
Analytical Contract Laboratory Method Summaries: View all 40 method summaries in one document. [.docx, 70 KB]
- Sample Preparation [.docx, 16 KB]
- Total Sulfur [.docx, 7 KB]
- Total Carbon [.docx, 7 KB]
- Carbonate Carbon (Inorganic Carbon) [.docx, 16 KB]
- Mercury (Hg) [.docx, 16 KB]
- Arsenic (As) [.docx, 16.5 KB]
- Antimony (Sb) [.docx, 16.5 KB]
- Selenium (Se) [.docx, 16 KB]
- Fluoride (F) [.docx, 7 KB]
- Chloride (Cl) [.docx, 16 KB]
- Ferrous Oxide (FeO) [.docx, 16 KB]
- Essential and Non-Essential Water [.docx, 16.5 KB]
- Gold (Au) by Lead Fusion Fire Assay [.docx, 16 KB]
- Gold (Au), Palladium (Pd) and Platinum (Pt) by Lead Fusion Fire Assay [.docx, 8 KB]
- Major Elements by Wavelength Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (WDXRF) [.docx, 17 KB]
- Major Elements by Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP), Lithium Metaborate Fusion (ICP-16) [.docx, 9 KB]
- Forty-Nine Elements by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-OES-MS), Multi-Acid Digestion (ICP-49) [.docx, 10 KB]
- Sixty Elements by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectroscopy-Mass Spectroscopy (ICP-OES-MS), Sodium Peroxide Fusion (ICP-60) [.docx, 10 KB]
- High Concentration Rare Earth Elements by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectroscopy (ICP-MS), Sodium Peroxide Fusion [.docx, 9 KB]
- Multi-Acid Digestion with Fusion of Residue by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-OES-MS) [.docx, 18 KB]
- Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) [.docx, 17.2 KB]
- Platinum Group Elements by Nickel Sulfide Fire Assay and Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) [.docx, 8 KB]
- Trace Level Gold (Au), Palladium (Pd) and Platinum (Pt) by Lead Fusion Fire Assay and Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) [.docx, 17 KB]
- Ore Grade Gold (Au), Palladium (Pd) and Platinum (Pt) by Lead Fusion Fire Assay and Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) [.docx, 16.6 KB]
- Base Metals by Wavelength Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (WDXRF) [.docx, 16.5 KB]
- Trace Elements by Pressed Pellet X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) [.docx, 16.4 KB]
- Rare Earth Elements by Wavelength Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (WDXRF) [.docx, 17 KB]
- High Concentration Mercury (Hg) in Solid Samples [.docx, 16 KB]
- Microwave Digestion [.docx, 18 KB]
- Sequential Extraction Analysis - 5 Stages [.docx, 18 KB]
- Deionized Water Leach [.docx, 18 KB]
- Ammonium Acetate Leach [.docx, 18 KB]
- Cold Hydroxylamine Hydrochloric Acid (HCl) Leach [.docx, 18 KB]
- Hot Hydroxylamine Hydrochloric Acid (HCl) Leach [.docx, 18 KB]
- Sodium Pyrophosphate Leach [.docx, 18 KB]
- Aqua Regia Digestion [.docx, 18 KB]
- Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-OES-MS) Water [.docx, 18 KB]
- Precious Metals in Water [.docx, 16.5 KB]
- Trace Levels in Water [.docx, 17.6 KB]
- Single Elements in Water [.docx, 16.5 KB]
Return to Mineral Resources Program | Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center
Related USGS projects.
National Geochemical Database
Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI)
- Overview
The USGS Mineral Resources Program and other USGS scientists need specialized routine analysis in order to conduct their research. The Analytical Chemistry project facilitates the ability of USGS scientists to obtain needed analyses.
Scientific Issue and Relevance
Mineral Resources Program and other USGS scientific mission area scientists need specialized routine analysis in order to carry out their research. This project facilitates the ability of the scientific staff to obtain these analyses. The Mineral Resources Program projects require several functions for chemistry to be conducted across theme boundaries. Most of these single efforts are not large enough to support the instrumentation or the expertise needed to work on these tasks. However, when all of the Program's science is considered, then a chemistry support function that combines these efforts results in a cost efficient and necessary endeavor.
Methods to Address Issue
The Analytical Chemistry Project combines and coordinates the chemistry functions that are necessary for research and assessment projects within the Mineral Resources Program. Our project is responsible for:
- administering the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS); the system used to track samples and manage in-house and contract analytical data;
- physically preparing samples submitted for analysis;
- validating Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center in-house analytical techniques;
- monitoring contract chemistry data quality, validating contract chemistry analytical results, and disseminating analytical results to staff scientists;
- maintaining and growing the National Geochemical Sample Archive.
Recurring efforts include:
- offering a mechanism to prepare samples;
- maintaining equipment and methods of analysis for in-house analytical chemistry work;
- contracting routine chemical requests to an outside laboratory;
- providing data quality control for both in-house and contract generated data.
Long term efforts include continued support to the Mineral Resources Program by providing these services and modifying the analytical methods or administrative procedures to better meet the needs of the scientists.
Sample and Data Management: We perform all the necessary functions relating to the receipt, processing, preparation, data tracking, quality control, and archiving of samples submitted for chemical analyses. These functions are performed for both in-house and contract laboratory analyses. Sample Control processes on average 15,000-20,000 samples annually. We maintain the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), contract out routine analytical chemistry functions, perform quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) function for all chemical analyses and maintain database for both contract and in-house chemistry, perform physical preparation of samples submitted for chemical analysis. We also operate and maintain the USGS National Geochemical Sample Archive, inventory, and retrieval of previously analyzed powdered geochemical materials.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. Visit Media to see details.Azurite-Malachite Intergrowths. Transmitted light micrograph, showing tabular crystals of azurite partially altered to green malachite around void areas. Cover image from USGS Scientific Investigations Report 2011-5211. Mineral Separation: We provide Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center scientists with the expertise, equipment, and methods needed to deconstruct rocks and enlarge understanding of geologic processes by separating and concentrating mineral constituents using water tables, heavy liquids, magnets, and microscopes; identifying and quantifying minerals using staining methods and X-ray diffraction, measuring various physical properties of whole rock including density, magnetic susceptibility, and solubility.
X-Ray Fluorescence: We provide high precision determinations of 10 major rock-forming elements as oxides and the determination of minor and trace elements in solid geologic materials using wavelength dispersive x-ray fluorescence. The accuracy achievable using the wavelength dispersive x-ray fluorescence technique for the determination of major elements as oxides is unsurpassed by any other instrumental technique. Samples are prepared and analyzed at our laboratory facility.
Denver Mineralogy Lab: We will contine method development for sample preparation for X-ray diffraction, investigating and implementing advanced X-ray diffraction analyses, and evaluating and interpretating X-ray diffraction scans.
In-House Chemistry Support Services: We provide routine single element and common laboratory support services. Analyses performed include: dissolved organic carbon and percent ash. We also perform single element analyses support for cross checking results from the contract laboratory. In addition to housing the single element analytical capability we also provide common laboratory support services such as the purchase of liquefied and compressed gases, the maintenance and repair of laboratory instrumentation, and the purchase of laboratory supplies such as acids, solvents, glassware, etc.
Contract Chemistry: We monitor the ongoing contract with AGAT Laboratories, Mississauga, Canada, for routine chemical analyses. Our objective is to ensure that all aspects of the contract are executed within the limits established in the statement of work and all performance criteria are met.
References and Methods
USGS In-House Methods Reference: Taggart, J.E., 2002, Analytical methods for chemical analysis of geologic and other materials, U.S. Geological Survey: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 02-223, https://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2002/ofr-02-0223/.
Analytical Contract Laboratory Method Summaries: View all 40 method summaries in one document. [.docx, 70 KB]
- Sample Preparation [.docx, 16 KB]
- Total Sulfur [.docx, 7 KB]
- Total Carbon [.docx, 7 KB]
- Carbonate Carbon (Inorganic Carbon) [.docx, 16 KB]
- Mercury (Hg) [.docx, 16 KB]
- Arsenic (As) [.docx, 16.5 KB]
- Antimony (Sb) [.docx, 16.5 KB]
- Selenium (Se) [.docx, 16 KB]
- Fluoride (F) [.docx, 7 KB]
- Chloride (Cl) [.docx, 16 KB]
- Ferrous Oxide (FeO) [.docx, 16 KB]
- Essential and Non-Essential Water [.docx, 16.5 KB]
- Gold (Au) by Lead Fusion Fire Assay [.docx, 16 KB]
- Gold (Au), Palladium (Pd) and Platinum (Pt) by Lead Fusion Fire Assay [.docx, 8 KB]
- Major Elements by Wavelength Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (WDXRF) [.docx, 17 KB]
- Major Elements by Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP), Lithium Metaborate Fusion (ICP-16) [.docx, 9 KB]
- Forty-Nine Elements by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-OES-MS), Multi-Acid Digestion (ICP-49) [.docx, 10 KB]
- Sixty Elements by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectroscopy-Mass Spectroscopy (ICP-OES-MS), Sodium Peroxide Fusion (ICP-60) [.docx, 10 KB]
- High Concentration Rare Earth Elements by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectroscopy (ICP-MS), Sodium Peroxide Fusion [.docx, 9 KB]
- Multi-Acid Digestion with Fusion of Residue by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-OES-MS) [.docx, 18 KB]
- Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) [.docx, 17.2 KB]
- Platinum Group Elements by Nickel Sulfide Fire Assay and Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) [.docx, 8 KB]
- Trace Level Gold (Au), Palladium (Pd) and Platinum (Pt) by Lead Fusion Fire Assay and Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) [.docx, 17 KB]
- Ore Grade Gold (Au), Palladium (Pd) and Platinum (Pt) by Lead Fusion Fire Assay and Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) [.docx, 16.6 KB]
- Base Metals by Wavelength Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (WDXRF) [.docx, 16.5 KB]
- Trace Elements by Pressed Pellet X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) [.docx, 16.4 KB]
- Rare Earth Elements by Wavelength Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (WDXRF) [.docx, 17 KB]
- High Concentration Mercury (Hg) in Solid Samples [.docx, 16 KB]
- Microwave Digestion [.docx, 18 KB]
- Sequential Extraction Analysis - 5 Stages [.docx, 18 KB]
- Deionized Water Leach [.docx, 18 KB]
- Ammonium Acetate Leach [.docx, 18 KB]
- Cold Hydroxylamine Hydrochloric Acid (HCl) Leach [.docx, 18 KB]
- Hot Hydroxylamine Hydrochloric Acid (HCl) Leach [.docx, 18 KB]
- Sodium Pyrophosphate Leach [.docx, 18 KB]
- Aqua Regia Digestion [.docx, 18 KB]
- Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-OES-MS) Water [.docx, 18 KB]
- Precious Metals in Water [.docx, 16.5 KB]
- Trace Levels in Water [.docx, 17.6 KB]
- Single Elements in Water [.docx, 16.5 KB]
Return to Mineral Resources Program | Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center
- Science
Related USGS projects.
National Geochemical Database
The National Geochemical Database project assembles, reformats, corrects, and archives historical data obtained from the geochemical analysis of millions of geologic samples collected for USGS studies. These data, representing hundreds of millions of dollars' worth of USGS research, are provided to USGS researchers; other Federal agencies; State Geological Surveys and Environmental Protection...Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI)
The goal of Earth MRI is to improve our knowledge of the geologic framework in the United States and to identify areas that may have the potential to contain undiscovered critical mineral resources. Enhancement of our domestic mineral supply will decrease the Nation’s reliance on foreign sources of minerals that are fundamental to our security and economy. - Data
- Publications