Scheme of silicate analysis based on the lithium metaborate fusion followed by atomic-absorption spectrophotometry

Abstract

A procedure and results are given for the determination of Si, Al, Ti, Fe, Ca, Mg, K, Na and Mn in twelve standard silicate rocks of widely varying compositions. A comprehensive study has been made of potential interferences in order that the method should be applicable over a wide range of sample compositions. The lithium metaborate-nitric acid dissolution system is used to enable previously developed colorimetric and spectrographic procedures with similar parting solutions to be used for determining important silicate constituents that cannot be determined directly by atomic absorption.