Ion Microprobe Silver Isotopic Analysis in Native Silver

Abstract

Mass and energy spectra of native silver minerals from ore deposit Ducat were studied with the Cameca ims-4f ion microprobe. SIMS depth profiles of ¹⁰⁷Ag⁺ and ¹⁰⁹Ag⁺ secondary ions and ¹⁰⁹Ag⁺/¹⁰⁷Ag⁺ ratio were measured. The change of this ratio in studied minerals and difference of the shape of energy spectra of ¹⁰⁷Ag⁺ and ¹⁰⁹Ag⁺ secondary ions were found. It was revealed that these parameters depend on temperature conditions of minerals formation. A model explaining the observed effects is discussed.

Keywords:

• SIMS
• Isotopic ratio
• Native silver
• Sulfur-containing inclusions
• Secondary ion energy spectra (distributions)
• Computer modeling