Multi-Element Composition
Measure multiple selected elements within a suitable prepared analytical sample.
Gold Testing Method
ICP-OES Analysis
Quantitative Multi-Element Analysis for Prepared Samples
ICP-OES provides quantitative multi-element analysis from an appropriately prepared analytical sample.
It is useful where the testing requirement calls for measurement of multiple selected elements rather than rapid surface screening alone.
Bilex confirms method availability, the accepted sample form and the analytical scope after reviewing the material and intended use of the result.
Bilex Sample Handling
What Is ICP-OES?
Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES), also called ICP-AES, is an instrumental technique used to determine concentrations of selected elements in a prepared sample.
A suitable prepared sample is introduced into a high-temperature plasma. Excited atoms and ions emit light at characteristic wavelengths. Measurement of those emissions, against an applicable analytical calibration, provides quantitative information for the elements covered by the method.
ICP-OES is not a scanner for an intact bullion bar. Sampling and preparation occur before instrumental measurement, and the analytical portion is not preserved in its original form.
Applications
Where ICP-OES Analysis Is Used
Doré Characterisation
Support detailed elemental analysis of properly sampled and prepared doré material.
Impurity Profile
Quantify selected alloying or impurity elements where the method and concentration range are appropriate.
Refinery & Process Samples
Analyse suitable prepared refinery or process material within an agreed scope.
Ore & Concentrates
Provide quantitative multi-element information after representative sampling and suitable preparation.
Suitable material
Materials and Sample Forms
- Doré-derived analytical samples
- Refinery and process samples
- Precious-metal alloys
- Prepared gold-bearing ore
- Prepared concentrates
- Representative material sampled from bullion where appropriate
Before testing
Sample Requirements
- ICP-OES requires an analytical sample in a form suited to the confirmed procedure; an intact bar is not placed directly into the instrument.
- The material, expected concentrations and requested elements affect preparation and method selection.
- The analytical result describes the prepared sample tested. Applying it to a wider bar, parcel or lot depends on the sampling relationship.
- Bilex confirms the required quantity, preparation route and whether any retained portion is needed before testing.
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
- Quantitative measurement of multiple selected elements
- Useful for detailed composition and impurity questions
- Applicable to suitable prepared mineral, refinery and alloy samples
- Can form part of a wider precious-metals analytical workflow
Scope
Limitations to Understand
- Requires method-appropriate sampling and preparation
- Does not preserve the analytical portion in its original state
- Suitability depends on matrix, concentration range and requested analytes
- Does not remove the need for representative sampling
- Is not automatically interchangeable with Fire Assay
Method selection
How This Method Relates to Other Tests
ICP-OES vs XRF
XRF generally provides rapid, normally non-destructive elemental information from selected surface regions. It is useful for screening and comparing areas of a suitable item.
ICP-OES provides quantitative multi-element information from a prepared analytical sample. The methods answer different questions, so neither should be described as universally more accurate.
ICP-OES and Fire Assay
Fire Assay uses a precious-metal collection and separation procedure on a representative analytical portion. ICP-OES is an instrumental measurement technique.
They should not automatically be treated as interchangeable. In some workflows, instrumental spectroscopy may be used as the measurement finish after appropriate collection or preparation.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ICP-OES measure?
It measures concentrations of selected elements in an appropriately prepared analytical sample using the characteristic light emitted by excited atoms and ions in a plasma.
Can ICP-OES measure gold?
Gold can be measured where the preparation, calibration, concentration range and validated analytical procedure are appropriate. Suitability must be confirmed for the specific sample.
Can ICP-OES analyse doré or bullion?
It may analyse a representative prepared sample derived from suitable doré or bullion. It does not scan an intact bar, and the result cannot represent a wider lot without a defensible sampling relationship.
Does ICP-OES damage the sample?
The analytical portion requires preparation and is not preserved in its original state. Bilex should confirm the sampling and preparation requirements before material is altered.
Can ICP-OES replace Fire Assay?
Not automatically. The appropriate approach depends on the material, analytical question, concentration range, preparation and reporting requirement.
Related services
Compare Supporting Methods
AAS Analysis
Compare targeted element determination with multi-element ICP-OES analysis.
ICP-MS Analysis
Review high-sensitivity trace-element measurement for suitable prepared samples.
Fire Assay
Understand representative prepared-sample gold determination and destructive-test limits.
XRF Analysis
Compare prepared-sample ICP-OES analysis with rapid surface-region screening.
Discuss the sample
Discuss ICP-OES 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.