Trace Elements
Characterise selected elements at low or trace concentrations in suitable prepared samples.
Gold Testing Method
ICP-MS Analysis
High-Sensitivity Elemental & Trace Analysis
Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) provides high-sensitivity elemental measurement from an appropriately prepared analytical sample.
It is principally relevant when the testing question concerns selected elements at low or trace concentrations—not as a universal gold test for every material.
Bilex confirms method availability and suitability after reviewing the sample matrix, expected concentration and reporting requirement.
Bilex Sample Handling
How ICP-MS Works
Material introduced into the plasma is ionised. The resulting ions pass into a mass spectrometer, where they are separated and measured according to mass-to-charge characteristics. This permits selected elements to be quantified at low concentrations under a suitable procedure.
High instrumental sensitivity does not remove the need for correct sampling, clean preparation, interference control and a method appropriate to the matrix. A more sensitive instrument is not automatically the best choice for a routine bullion screening question.
ICP-MS measures an appropriately prepared analytical portion. It is not a non-destructive scanner for a complete bar, nugget parcel or multi-kilogram consignment.
Applications
Where ICP-MS Analysis Is Used
Impurity Analysis
Investigate selected impurities where the matrix and analytical range support ICP-MS.
High-Purity Material
Support specialised questions concerning appropriately prepared high-purity or refinery material.
Refinery Samples
Analyse identified prepared portions for defined low-concentration requirements.
Specialised Analysis
Address elemental questions that justify high-sensitivity mass-spectrometric measurement.
Suitable material
Materials and Sample Forms
- Appropriately prepared high-purity material
- Refinery and process samples
- Prepared precious-metal alloys
- Prepared mineral or concentrate samples
- Other samples with a defined trace-element requirement
Before testing
Sample Requirements
- The analytical portion must be prepared in a form suitable for the confirmed ICP-MS procedure.
- Expected concentration, matrix and potential interferences matter when deciding whether ICP-MS is appropriate.
- Trace-level work is particularly sensitive to contamination and sample identity, so preparation and handling must support the reporting objective.
- A result for one prepared portion does not automatically describe a wider lot; the sampling relationship remains fundamental.
Process
From Testing Question to Report
Define the Question
Describe the material, the result you need and how the information will be used.
Review Suitability
Bilex reviews the sample form, expected composition, required analytes and any restriction on alteration.
Agree the Scope
The method, representative sampling relationship, preparation requirements and reporting scope are confirmed before work begins.
Prepare & Analyse
An identified analytical sample is prepared and measured according to the applicable confirmed procedure.
Review the Result
The reported result is interpreted within the method, sample identity and limitations stated for the work.
What it contributes
Strengths
- High-sensitivity measurement of selected elements
- Useful for low and trace concentration requirements
- Supports specialised impurity characterisation
- Can form part of a carefully controlled analytical workflow
Scope
Limitations to Understand
- Often unnecessary for routine intact-bullion screening
- Requires appropriate preparation and contamination control
- Matrix effects and spectral interferences must be addressed by the method
- Does not eliminate sampling uncertainty
- Is not automatically the preferred technique for high gold concentrations
Method selection
How This Method Relates to Other Tests
ICP-MS vs ICP-OES
ICP-MS is commonly selected for high-sensitivity and trace-level elemental measurement. ICP-OES is often suited to quantitative multi-element work at other concentration ranges.
The expected concentration, matrix, elements requested and reporting objective determine which technique is appropriate.
ICP-MS, XRF and Fire Assay
XRF may suit rapid intact-item surface screening. Fire Assay may suit representative gold determination. ICP-MS may suit a defined trace-element question after preparation.
ICP-MS may also serve as an instrumental finish in certain Fire Assay workflows, but it does not itself remove the need for representative sampling or precious-metal collection where the procedure requires it.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ICP-MS?
ICP-MS is an instrumental technique that ionises a prepared sample in a plasma, separates ions by mass-to-charge characteristics and measures selected elements, often at low concentrations.
Can ICP-MS analyse gold?
It can analyse gold or associated elements where the sample preparation, concentration range, interferences and validated procedure are suitable.
When is ICP-MS useful in precious-metals testing?
It is most relevant for specialised high-sensitivity or trace-element questions in appropriately prepared material.
Is ICP-MS always better than ICP-OES?
No. Greater sensitivity does not make it the correct method for every sample. Concentration, matrix, analytes and intended use determine suitability.
Does ICP-MS replace Fire Assay?
Not automatically. It may be used as an instrumental finish in some workflows, while Fire Assay provides a precious-metal collection and separation procedure for a representative portion.
Related services
Compare Supporting Methods
Discuss the sample
Discuss ICP-MS Analysis
Tell us the material, available sample quantity and the information the result needs to establish.
The final method and sample requirements are confirmed after the material and testing objective have been reviewed.