LA-ICP-MS as a tool in the study of geodynamic processes: Analysis of Clinopyroxenes in Peridotites

The LA-ICP-MS technique (Laser Ablation-Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry) is an essential tool in geological research, providing a unique capability for precise and detailed analysis of minerals in igneous and metamorphic rocks. This method allows for "in situ" information on the chemical composition of specific minerals, significantly contributing to the study of the genesis of these rocks (Sylvester and Jackson, 2016). The ability to perform "in situ" multielemental analysis at a spatial resolution of several microns provides a comprehensive view of the spatial chemical composition of trace elements in minerals, which is essential for tracking the evolution of magmas and metamorphic processes. This analytical approach enables the identification of specific geochemical patterns that shed light on thermal history, fractional crystallization, and other relevant processes. The minimal sample preparation required for LA-ICP-MS simplifies the analytical process, reducing the risk of contamination and allowing for direct analysis of minerals in their original context. As an example, this work presents the results of clinopyroxene analysis in a thin section of a harzburgite with a pyroxenitic vein from the Loma Caribe Peridotite in the Dominican Republic