LA-ICP-MS (Laser Ablation—Inductively Coupled Plasma—Mass Spectrometry) is an analytical technique used to determine the elemental and isotopic composition of solid materials. The technique enables precise measurement of trace and ultra-trace elements, often at ppm to ppb levels. Major advantages of LA-ICP-MS include minimal sample preparation, high sensitivity, rapid analysis, and the ability to perform spatially resolved microanalysis with limited sample destruction.
This method is widely applied in geochemistry, materials science, environmental studies, and gemology. In gemology, it is used to determine trace element composition for source determination of gemstones such as emerald, corundum, and pearl; to detect some treatments, such as beryllium (Be) diffusion, and to distinguish natural from synthetic gemstones.
