Trace-element analysis and radiometric dating by inductively coupled plasma–tandem mass spectrometry: Approaches and applications to metallogeny.

[Display omitted] • Overview of ultra-trace-element analysis by ICP–MS/MS in metallogeny studies. • First review of in situ dating of β-decay systems by LA–ICP–MS/MS. • Different modes that provide interference-free conditions of ICP–MS/MS. • Future applications of (LA)–ICP–MS/MS in metallogeny. Inductively coupled plasma–tandem mass spectrometry (ICP–MS/MS) has rapidly established itself as a method for interference-free trace-element and isotope ratio analyses and has broad applications in geochemistry and geochronology, which are essential for understanding ore formation processes and the source of fluids and metals. Connect ICP–MS/MS to a laser ablation (LA) system, in situ interference-free trace-element data from ore and gangue minerals can be obtained, providing an effective vector approach to mineral exploration. LA–ICP–MS/MS also provides an unprecedented method for in situ dating of β-decay radiogenic isotope systems, which have isobaric interferences between daughter and parent isotopes that mean their ratios cannot be measured using a single quadrupole ICP–MS. In this review, we elucidate the main differences between single quadrupole ICP–MS and ICP–MS/MS, and describe the different approaches (on-mass and mass-shift) that allow interference-free analyses. We review advances in ICP–MS/MS methodology for trace-element (mainly REEs, noble metals and halogens) analyses and laser-based in situ U–Pb (with 204Pb correction), 87Rb–87Sr, 176Lu–176Hf, and 187Re–187Os dating of minerals based on publications from January 2012 to July 2023. We also speculate on future applications of the LA–ICP–MS/MS technique in metallogeny. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]