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High Resolution Stepped‐Combustion Mass Spectrometry: Application to the Detection and Analysis of Fine‐Grained Diamond in Meteorites and Rocks
Author(s) -
Boyd Stuart R.,
Wright Ian P.,
Alexander Conel M.O'D.,
Pillinger C.T.
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
geostandards newsletter
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1751-908X
pISSN - 0150-5505
DOI - 10.1111/j.1751-908x.1998.tb00546.x
Subject(s) - diamond , meteorite , mass spectrometry , combustion , analytical chemistry (journal) , extraction (chemistry) , kimberlite , resolution (logic) , chemistry , materials science , chromatography , geology , astrobiology , mantle (geology) , metallurgy , physics , organic chemistry , artificial intelligence , computer science , paleontology
An analytical system and operating protocol are described for high resolution, stepped‐combustion mass spectrometry, designed for the extraction, purification, quantification and isotopic analysis of light elements (e.g. C and N) in fine‐grained reduced components (e.g. diamond) which have been chemically extracted from natural samples (e.g. meteorites). Specifically, a simple model has been developed for the extraction of diamond from meteorite and its analysis by high resolution stepped heating under an atmosphere of oxygen. Changes in the pressure of oxygen within the range 1.3 to 12kPa (10 to 90 torr) were not found to have any detectable effect on the combustion. Results obtained by this procedure were compared with those predicted by a model and excellent agreement was found, taking into account the limitations of this approach. Results of a preliminary attempt to find fine‐grained diamond in a lamproite are outlined.