The Isotope Geology Laboratory at Boise State University is a node in the EARTHTIME Network for the Calibration of Earth History. In the spirit of teamwork and cooperation fostered by the EARTHTIME Initiative, please take a look at our developing archive of analytical procedures used in the BSU IGL for isotope geochemistry and geochronology*.
*Disclaimer: While the information below represents the accumulated knowledge and practices used in the BSU IGL, the laboratory and affiliated staff are not responsible nor liable for errors of omission or otherwise. Procedures are always being refined, so these files are periodically updated.
Laboratory Supplies
- IGL lab supplies (docx) used in the IGL, last updated, 05/07/23
Laboratory Methods
- Mineral separations handbook (docx), last updated, 05/07/23
- General clean lab handbook (docx), last updated, 05/07/23
- Column chemistry handbook (docx), last updated, 05/07/23
- U-Th-Pb accessory mineral handbook (docx), last updated, 05/07/23
- Mass spectrometry handbook (docx), last updated, 05/07/23
- Silica gel emitter (docx) preparation and cleaning, last updated, 05/07/23
- Barite removal (docx) from mineral separates, last updated, 05/07/23
- Uranium oxide measurement and correction (docx) for 233U-235U spiked samples, last updated, 05/07/23
Shop Drawings & Instructions
- Making 50 µl (U-Pb) (docx) or 100 µl (Pbc) (docx) microcolumns for U-Pb ion chromatography
- Making a rotating carousel (docx) for holding microcolumns during chromatography
- Making a stem and puck holder (jpg) for “Ludwig”-type PFA microcapsules, for accessory mineral dissolution
- Making a polypropylene stand (jpg) for a double quartz sub-boiling still (still supplied by Allen Scientific Glass)
- Making a zircon air-abrader (jpg) (GSC/MIT style) (designed by Clark Isachsen, U. Arizona)
