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.
Analytical purpose
What ICP-MS Analysis Can Help Determine
The method is selected from the material and the analytical question—not from a claim that one technology is best for every sample.
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 Materials
Suitability is confirmed against the sample form, expected composition and applicable analytical procedure.
- 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 & Preparation 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.
Main 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
Important Limitations
- 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
Compare Related Testing Methods
Different methods provide different kinds of evidence. Complementary testing may be appropriate where one result cannot answer the full question.
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.
A Result Represents the Sample Actually Tested
The analytical result describes the identified sample and stated method. Applying that result to a bar, parcel, shipment or multi-kilogram lot depends on whether the sampling procedure reasonably connects the tested sample to the defined material.
Testing does not by itself establish ownership, lawful origin, seller legitimacy, export authorisation or payment security.
Common questions
ICP-MS Analysis FAQ
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.
Gold Testing & Assaying
Related Testing Methods
Use these links to compare the evidence each method can provide before selecting an analytical approach.
010203
ICP-OES Analysis
Compare trace-level ICP-MS with quantitative multi-element optical emission analysis.
Learn MoreFire Assay
Review representative gold determination and analytical-portion requirements.
Learn MoreAAS Analysis
Explore targeted element determination for suitable prepared samples.
Learn MoreGold Testing Method
Discuss Your Sample Before Testing
Tell Bilex what material you have, what you need to establish, whether the item must remain intact and how the result will be used. The team will review method suitability and confirm the next step.
Method availability, equipment or partner-facility arrangement, sample requirements, timing and reporting scope are confirmed for the specific enquiry.