Research Facilities and Laboratories
Our department houses one of best research facilities in the country. Our facilities are multidisciplinary utilized by colleagues in geology, archaeology, biology and planetary sciences throughout the country.
Multicollector ICP-MS
The multi-collector ICP-MS Facility is equipped with two Nu Instruments MC-ICP-MS instruments, a Plasma3 (installed 2023) and an upgraded NuPlasma HR (installed 2007, upgraded 2023).
Stable Isotope Lab
The stable isotope laboratory has a number of extraction lines for the measurement of stable isotope ratios of O, C, and H in rock (silicates and carbonates), mineral and water samples.
UCT Electron Probe Facility
Unlocking the Potential of Electron Microscopy
Quadrupole ICP-MS
The ICP-MS facility is able to analyse a wide range of trace elements (Li to U, excluding elements such as H, C, O, N, and noble gases).
X-ray Fluorescence
The XRF Facility houses an Panalytical Axios XRF spectrometer and is set up to analyse a wide range of major and trace elements in prepared solid materials.