Laboratories, Analytical Research, and Methods Development

USGS Argon Geochronology laboratory in Denver, CO. Photograph by USGS.

Our scientists conduct research to provide information about the genesis, characteristics, and deposit models for major mineral deposit types, to understand the geologic processes that concentrate known mineral resources at specific localities in the Earth's crust. This full spectrum of mineral resource science allows for a comprehensive understanding of the complete life cycle of mineral resources and materials.

Current Studies

• Analytical Chemistry
• Application of Plasma Ionization Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry
• Argon Geochronology
• Development and Validation of Hyperspectral Imager for Field and Lab Scanning
• Development of New Geochemical Reference Materials for Geochemical and Mineralogical Investigations Associated with Rare Earth Phosphate Deposits, Metalliferous Black Shales and Shale Gas Formations
• Frontier Geophysical Methods and Applications
• Isotope and Chemical Methods for Mineral and Geoenvironmental Assessments and Support of USGS Science Strategy
• Macro and Micro Analytical Methods Development
• Non-Traditional Stable Isotopes
• Radiogenic and Stable Isotope Methods
• SEM Microprobe Laboratories

Completed Studies

• Geophysical Methods Development
• Petrographic Laboratories
• Technique Development for In Situ U-Pb Dating and Pb-Sr Isotopic Analysis