Analytical techniques for tellurium stable isotopes and their geological applications: a review

Data from multiple-collector inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry and liquid chromatographic procedure have led to a significant improvement in precise and quick determination of Tellurium (Te) isotope compositions, thus promoting studies of these isotopes. This contribution provides a summary of recent advances in Te isotopes and their geological implications. Te is a chalcophile, lithophile and volatile element, with δ130/125Te varying from -4.12‰ to 2.15‰ which can be attributed to different processes. The Te isotope compositions (with an overall variation of 6.9‰) of chondrites are controlled by evaporation and condensation processes. Oxidation and reduction process can also cause Te isotopic fractionation (up to 4‰), and thus Te isotopes may act as proxies for redox conditions. Besides, liquid-liquid extraction, a process overlooked by many researchers, can cause 1.8‰ isotopic fractionation of Te and thus should be accounted for during the study of stable heavy isotopes. As the mechanism of Te isotope fractionation is further elucidated, Te isotopes may gain widely application on tracing sources of ore-forming materials, dating mineralization time, locating orebodies and so on. © 2020, Science Press. All right reserved.