GEOCHEMISTRY &
GEOCHRONOLOGY

Preparation

To obtain meaningful analytical results, it is imperative that sample collection and preparation be done properly.  ACTLABS can advise on sampling protocol for your field program if requested.  Once the samples arrive in the laboratory, ACTLABS will ensure that they are prepared properly.  As a routine practice with rock and core, the entire sample is crushed to a nominal minus 10 mesh (1.7 mm), mechanically split (riffle) to obtain a representative sample and then pulverized to at least 95% minus 150 mesh (106 microns).

As a routine practice, we will automatically use cleaner sand between each sample at no cost to the customer.  Quality of crushing and pulverization is routinely checked as part of our quality assurance program.  Randomization of samples in larger orders (>100) provides an excellent means to monitor data for systematic errors.  The data is resorted after analysis according to sample number.  Please request Code Random (additional $1.50/sample) if you prefer randomization.

Samples submitted in an unorganized fashion will be subject to a sorting surcharge and may substantially slow turnaround time.   Providing an accurate detailed sample list by e-mail will also aid in improving turnaround time and for Quality Control purposes.

Additional charges may apply for poorly organized batches.  Code CP2 - Sample list not provided for orders over 25 samples ($0.35/sample); Code CP3 - Sorting chaotic shipments ($0.60/sample).

Rock, Core and Drill Cuttings

Code

Description

Price (US)

Code RX1

crush up to 75% passing 2 mm, split (250 g) and pulverize (hardened steel) to 85% passing 75m (< 5 kg)

$9.50

Code RX1 Terminator

crush up to 90% passing 2 mm, split (250 g) and pulverize (hardened steel) to 85% passing 75m (< 5 kg)

$10.50

Code RX2

crush, split and pulverize with mild steel (100 g) (best for low contamination)

$10.00

Code RX3

oversize charge per kilogram (if required)

$2.25

Code RX4

pulverization only (mild steel) (coarse pulp or crushed rock)

$7.25

Code RX5

pulverize ceramic (100 g)                                              

$17.25

Code RX6

hand pulverize small samples (agate mortar & pestle)

$17.25

Code RX7

crush only (split)

$5.00

Code RX8

sample prep only surcharge, no analyses

$4.00

Code RX9

compositing (per composite)

$2.50

Code RX10

dry drill cuttings in plastic bags

$2.25

Code RX11

checking quality of pulps or rejects prepared by other labs and issuing report

$9.25

Note: Larger sample sizes than listed above can be pulverized at additional cost.

 

Pulverization Contaminants Added

(amount added depends on hardness of material and particle size required)

Mill Type

Contaminant Added

Mild Steel (best choice)

Fe (up to 0.2%)

Hardened Steel

Fe (up to 0.2%), Cr (up to 200 ppm), trace Ni, Si, Mn and C

Ceramic

Al (up to 0.2%), Ba, trace REE

Tungsten Carbide

W (up to 0.1%), Co, C, Ta, Nb and Ti

Agate

Si (up to 0.3%), Al, Na, Fe, K, Ca, Mg, Pb