Major Elements

Geological major elements are defined as those elements that compose 95% of the earth's crust. They are Si, Al, Ca, Mg, Na, K, Ti, Fe, Mn and P. Major element (whole rock) geochemistry has traditionally been done by X-ray fluorescence (XRF) but such analysis can now be performed by inductively coupled plasma (ICP) technologies. Throughout our global laboratory network, SGS has the extensive expertise and equipment needed to analyze this suite by any method.

SGS experts can help you determine what method is best for your samples, taking into consideration:

• The concentration of the target elements in your sample
• The presence of sulfide minerals that can cause extensive damage to XRF sample preparation equipment
• The limit of detection you require
• The accuracy and precision you require

SGS offers the following packages for major element analysis: