Determination of major elements in igneous rocks using microwave plasma atomic emission spectrometry (MP-AES)

An analytical method for sample preparation of igneous rocks and subsequent determination of Si, Na, K, Ca, Mg, Al, Fe, Mn, Ba, Sr, and Ti by means of microwave induced emission spectrometry (MP-AES) was developed and validated. The proposed sample preparation procedure avoids the use of perchloric acid and provided accurate results even for silicon determination using an acid digestion with hydrofluoric acid. The determination of major elements in rocks is required for the design of classification diagrams that provides relevant information for geochemical analysis. • MP-AES showed to be an adequate technique to measure major and some trace elements that are relevant for classification of igneous rocks. • This method is in better agreement with the principles of the Green Analytical Chemistry and constitutes a reliable alternative to classical analytical and tedious procedures used for geochemical analysis. • The methodology was successfully applied to chemical classification of rocks from Valle Chico (Uruguay) using a Total Alkali-Silica Diagram (TAS).