Services and Capabilities
Consulting, interpretation and analytical strategy in isotope and trace element geochemistry.
SPICe Lab supports researchers, companies and public institutions that need to transform geochemical data into decisions. At this stage, our work focuses on consulting, data interpretation and project design, with laboratory measurements conducted through collaborating institutions in Chile and abroad.
What we can offer today
The services described below are available immediately and can be tailored to research, exploration or monitoring contexts in environment, agriculture and mineral resources:
Geochemical consulting
For evaluating whether isotopes and trace elements can help answer your questions.
Data interpretation
Analysis of isotopic and elemental data from waters, soils, carbonates and mineral systems.
Project design
Sampling strategies for field campaigns, monitoring networks and experimental studies.
Report review
Interpretation of laboratory reports, basic verification, uncertainty emphasis and quality evaluation.
Technique selection
Advisory on techniques (ICP-MS, MC-ICP-MS, LA-ICP-MS) and recommendation on where to run analyses.
Data reporting
Analysis, visualization and writing for articles, theses, internal reports or decision-making.
Laser microanalysis
Consulting on laser ablation, method development, mapping strategies and QA/QC approaches.
Analytical measurements & partner laboratories
Most analytical work associated with SPICe Lab projects is currently conducted at established international laboratories and other collaborating facilities. Rather than duplicating infrastructure, we focus on:
- Identifying the most appropriate laboratory and analytical approach for your samples.
- Supporting correct sample preparation and documentation.
- Coordinating analytical runs where applicable.
- Interpreting results in the specific context of your project.
As SPICe Lab's own facilities are installed in southern Chile, internal analytical capabilities will be added to complement this network and respond to regional needs.
Key focus areas
SPICe Lab is developing around several application areas where isotopes and trace elements are particularly powerful tools:
Critical Materials
Li, rare earths, strategic mineralsGeochemical fingerprints, exploration support and process monitoring in brines, ores and process streams.
Agriculture & Soils
Nutrient cycles, soil–plant interactions, fertilizer use and land-use impacts observed through elemental and isotopic signatures.
Environmental Isotopes
Tracing water pathways, contamination sources and pollutant behavior in watersheds and aquifers.
Carbonate Systems
Use of carbonate cements, speleothems and other minerals as archives of environmental and diagenetic processes.
Laser Ablation
Spatially resolved elemental data at grain or crystal scale to reveal growth histories and fluid–rock interaction.
U–Th Geochronology
Planned capabilityCurrently performed at international laboratories, with SPICe Lab support in sample selection, data evaluation and age interpretation.
How a collaboration typically works
Every project is different, but most collaborations follow a similar structure:
Initial Conversation
Your questions, available data and constraints are clarified.
Background Review
Existing information and previous datasets are compiled and evaluated.
Proposal & Scope
You receive a clear outline of tasks, timelines and expected outcomes.
Implementation
Consulting, data analysis and laboratory coordination, as agreed.
Reporting & Follow-up
Results are presented in a useful format and open to future revisits.
Let's talk about your project
If you're considering a new project, have existing data that requires interpretation, or want to explore how isotopes and trace elements can add value to your work, we would be delighted to talk.