Meteorite Analysis: STEP 2 EPMA and BSE Analysis

 EPMA & BSE - Electron Probe Micro Analysis and Backscatter Electron Imaging *We highly recommend a preliminary visual (photo) evaluation of a sample prior to submitting it for EPMA & BSE analysis. Many times we can identify common minerals and rock types, saving hundreds of dollars in analysis fees. Please note, most samples are not recommended for EPMA analysis. EPMA - Geochemical analysis of diagnostic elemental ratios within specific mineral grains. BSE - Petrographic analysis of mineral modal abundances, texture, and other petrological characteristics.  SAMPLE REQUIREMENTS, PROCESS & CONDITIONS OF ACCEPTANCE Send Geo Labs a representative sample of approximately 1 inch x 1 inch (25mm x 25mm) with a thickness of at least 1/8 inch (3-4mm). This  sample does not include, and will not be counted towards the 20 grams or 20% (whichever is less) donation sample amount required by Nomenclature Committee. See: donation requirements for submission and official approval. Samples larger than 6 inches by 6 inches (125mm x 125mm) will be subject to an additional sample prep fee of $100. The address for sample submission will be sent in the welcome email after the service has been purchased. Preferably the sample will be taken from the interior and not from the surface / outside of the stone.  SAMPLES WILL NOT BE RETURNED Accept the Client Code of Conduct We cannot provide refunds after the analysis process has started.  It is important that you provide Geo Labs with a working email for communication throughout the analysis process. Geo Labs cannot accept sample submissions without a working contact email for the submitter.    What you need to do: provide CCMS with an approximately 30 gram (or larger) representative sample from the main mass of the suspected meteorite. *After checkout, you will be sent an email with instructions for submitting your sample. Please note that samples will not be returned.  **IMPORTANT - you must provide a working email address, as this is the only way CCMS will be able to communicate with you regarding the status of your submission(s). Unfortunately the Colorado Center for Meteoritic Studies does not have the resources to discuss sample status over the phone. It is therefor critical that you provide CCMS with a valid email and update your email with CCMS should it change during the course of the analysis process. What we do: we will prepare the sample, perform diagnostic microprobe analysis to determine specific elemental ratios for olivine, pyroxenes, feldspars, and certain opaques to establish if the sample is a meteorite or not, and if it is a meteorite, exactly what type of meteorite it is. Summary of Standard Analysis & Classification Service Sample Prep - Making of one 25mm probe mount or thin section required for microprobe analysis. These are either discarded, or donated with the repository material for archival and future research if they used in the classification of the meteorite. Type Donation Processing & Management - According to the rules set forth by the Meteoritical Society, 20 grams or 20% of the total known weight of the specimens (TKW), whichever is less, must be donated to an approved repository in order to receive an official name, and have it published in the Meteoritical Bulletin. CCMS will verify, approve, and transfer the Type Donation to a Meteoritical Society approved repository. Microprobe Analysis - Specimen specific geochemical and petrographic analysis prescribed by the classifying researcher and the microprobe lab manager.  Classification - Initial determination establishing if the sample is a meteorite or not. If the sample is determined to be a meteorite, Geo Labs will determine exactly what type of meteorite. Write-up & Submission - If sample is a meteorite, CCMS will synthesize the analysis data into an accurate, well formed, and defensible classification writeup for submission to the Nomenclature Committee for approval, official name or DCA number, and publication in the Meteoritical Bulletin. Report - A customized comprehensive digital report of all data assets associated with the sample, analysis, and classification. There are times when it may be necessary to perform oxygen isotopic analysis, ICP MS, INAA, Raman, or additional microprobe analysis, in addition to the standard minimum electron microprobe analysis. All submissions slated for classification and submission to Nomenclature Committee for official name and publication in the Meteoritical Bulletin, require a minimum of EPMA analysis. In most cases this is sufficient.  *Please note that EPMA is done on a first come first serve basis. Geo Labs’ EPMA analysis can take up to 3 to 6 months to be completed and delivered from the date the sample is received (not the order date). At times of high volume this can be extended to by several months. We apologize for the inconvenience this may cause. If we have any questions about your sample or need to communicate something about it, we will email you directly. We cannot always respond to emails or phone calls in a timely manner with general inquiries, suppositions, hypothesis, or unique features concerning your sample(s) or the ongoing process of analysis.