Separation scheme for the determination of alkali metals (K, Rb, Cs), alkaline earths (Sr, Ba) and rare earths (Ce, Nd, Sm, Eu) in silicate materials by isotopic dilution analysis.

A scheme is outlined for the separation of Li, K, Rb, Cs, Sr, Ba, Ce, Nd, Sm and Eu from silicate materials. The elements are separated by cation-exchange to provide groups suitable for mass spectrometric analysis, and are then further purified by anion-exchange. Results obtained by isotopic dilution analysis are reported for G-1, W-1, and the Harwell meteorite-in these measurements the alkali metals were determined separately from the other elements. Requirements are discussed for combining the procedures to form a more comprehensive method for use with a single sample.

Potassium-argon dating of the cape granite and a granitized xenolith at sea point.

Ages obtained by potassium-argon dating are reported for the total rock, light mineral fraction and heavy mineral fractions of the Cape Granite, and of a granitized xenolith derived from the Malmesbury sediments. These ages lie between 430 and 554 million years. The heavy mineral fractions from each rock type show the oldest age, 540 (granite) and 554 (xenolith) million years. These ages are interpreted as lower limits, and the granite age confirms the age of 553 million years found by rubidium-strontium dating. The coincidence of the ages of the different fractions of the granite and xenolith samples is discussed in the light of the different suggestions about the age of the Malmesbury sediments. The conclusion is reached that all pre-granitization history has been eliminated. The possibility of the use of argon retention as a measure of metamorphic activity is suggested.