Hi,
I have a batch of synthetic ruby that I would like to perform ICP-MS analysis on in order to verify the relative abundance of chromium incorporated into the sample. I have been unable to find a suitable reference for dissolution of the sample material in the literature (a few journals not accessible for me). If anyone knows of a suitable way to dissolve this sort of sample, it would be great to find out.
Best wishes,
Martin
A classical text on the analysis of minerals is Hillebrand's "Applied Inorganic Analysis" (quite old but very useful reference). It contains methods for dissolving difficult minerals by basic fluxes of alkalis. Search the index under corundum rather than the gems name. Dissolving minerals/gems like these would not be easy.
Alternatively, if just a comparison is needed for Al: Cr atomic ratio, you may try X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy of ground ruby, if available. This will require no sample preparation (non-destructive analysis). The only drawback would be surface information rather than the bulk but you still have a comparison from batch to batch.
Martin,
It took less than 10 seconds to type' dissolution of ruby' into Google and get several good references. Can't you type and read??
It is extremely difficult to dissolve rubies. This sample treatment should be done by the alkaline fusion in platinum crucible. Try non-destructive XRF or LA-ICP-MS option instead.
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