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Stable isotope ratio measurement using a laser microprobe

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Microprobe Techniques in the Earth Sciences

Part of the book series: The Mineralogical Society Series ((MIBS,volume 6))

Abstract

Many elements have two or more stable isotopes and can, therefore, be usefully studied for variations in their isotope ratios. These isotopes, unlike those of the radioactive variety, are completely stable and do not disintegrate with time. As such, when a non-volatile material such as a mineral is formed, the constituent elements should theoretically retain their isotopic integrity forever; subsequent measurement of these isotope ratios may assist with an effective reconstruction of the formation conditions. In reality, the isotopic compositions of a particular mineral may become modified as a result of an external influence, such as a heating process during hydrothermal activity. In this case, stable isotope measurements may be able to document something of the secondary activity which has befallen the sample of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Planetary Sciences Unit, Department of Earth Sciences, The Open University, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes, MK7 6AA, UK

    Ian P. Wright

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  1. Ian P. Wright
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Earth Sciences, The Open University, Milton Keynes, MK7 6AA, UK

    Philip J. Potts

  2. Mineral Science Ltd, Chesham, HP5 2PZ, UK

    John F. W. Bowles

  3. Department of Earth Sciences, University of Cambridge, CB2 3EQ, UK

    Stephen J. B. Reed

  4. Analytical Geochemistry Group, British Geological Survey, Keyworth, Nottingham, NG12 5GG, UK

    Mark R. Cave

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© 1995 The Mineralogical Society

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Wright, I.P. (1995). Stable isotope ratio measurement using a laser microprobe. In: Potts, P.J., Bowles, J.F.W., Reed, S.J.B., Cave, M.R. (eds) Microprobe Techniques in the Earth Sciences. The Mineralogical Society Series, vol 6. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-2053-5_9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-2053-5_9

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-0-412-55100-0

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4615-2053-5

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