Trace-element analysis and radiometric dating by inductively coupled plasma-tandem mass spectrometry: Approaches and applications to metallogeny

Inductively coupled plasma-tandem mass spectrometry (ICP-MS/MS) has rapidly established itself as a method for interference-free trace-element and isotope ratio analyses and has broad applications in geochemistry and geochronology, which are essential for understanding ore formation processes and the source of fluids and metals. Connect ICP-MS/MS to a laser ablation (LA) system, in situ interference-free trace-element data from ore and gangue minerals can be obtained, providing an effective vector approach to mineral exploration. LA-ICP-MS/MS also provides an unprecedented method for in situ dating of beta-decay radiogenic isotope systems, which have isobaric interferences between daughter and parent isotopes that mean their ratios cannot be measured using a single quadrupole ICP-MS. In this review, we elucidate the main differences between single quadrupole ICP-MS and ICP-MS/MS, and describe the different approaches (on-mass and mass-shift) that allow interference-free analyses. We review advances in ICP-MS/MS methodology for trace-element (mainly REEs, noble metals and halogens) analyses and laser-based in situ U-Pb (with 204Pb correction), 87Rb-87Sr, 176Lu-176Hf, and 187Re-187Os dating of minerals based on publications from January 2012 to July 2023. We also speculate on future applications of the LA-ICP-MS/MS technique in metallogeny.