Calibrating a Handheld LIBS for Li Exploration in the Barroso–Alvão Aplite-Pegmatite Field, Northern Portugal: Textural Precautions and Procedures When Analyzing Spodumene and Petalite

In pegmatites containing abundant petalite and spodumene, such as those from the Barroso–Alvão (BA) aplite-pegmatite field, calibrating a portable laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (pLIBS) equipment to identify analyze these minerals may be challenging. Forty-nine samples of spodumene + quartz were collected 22 aplite-pegmatites BA field sent for inductively coupled plasma-mass analysis. One calibration both has been proven impossible since almost all LIBS intensity ratios, including Li, overlapped on minerals. Thus, three calibrations developed: one qualitative distinguish two more quantitative, specifically made each mineral. The first only Fe it is sole element with ratios different enough Eleven lines created: Al, Si, Be, Na, P, K, Mn, Fe, Rb Cs; however, Si have consistent errors below 20%. Thin sections produced observed optical microscopy cathodoluminescence (CL) control purity mineral paragenesis samples. pellets also controlled cold CL crystals often present fine inclusions.