Analytical
The Analytical Laboratory established by the Geological Survey Department – predecessor to the GSMB – during the mid-nineteen fifties (Link 6) pioneered in the techniques of silicate analysis in Sri Lanka. Since then we have been providing quality analytical services to the industry and scientific research ventures for over six decades.
It is now an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory (see accreditation) that provides accurate and reliable chemical analyses of rocks, minerals, ores, groundwater, surface waters, industrial effluents and other miscellaneous materials using internationally accepted techniques and standards.
Since then we have been providing quality analytical services to the industry and scientific research ventures for over six decades.
It is now an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory (see accreditation) that provides accurate and reliable chemical analyses of rocks, minerals, ores, groundwater, surface waters, industrial effluents and other miscellaneous materials using internationally accepted techniques and standards.
Main functions
Basic and advanced chemical analysis in the following fields:
- Samples generated from Geological and Geochemical Mapping, Geophysical, Ground and surface water investigations and Research
- Raw Materials Testing for Mineral Based and other industries
- Water Quality Testing
- Environmental Quality Assessment
This laboratory has been a training facility for university undergraduates, postgraduates and scientific officers from relevant public sector establishments.
Key Analytical Equipment
- Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer with flame, furnace and hydride generation techniques to determine more than 25 major, minor and trace elements.
- Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrophotometer to determine minor, trace and some rare earth elements.
- Wavelength Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometer to determine major, minor and trace elements without sample destruction.
- UV-Visible Spectrophotometer and Ion analyzer to analyse anions such as phosphates, fluorides, chlorides, nitrates, etc.
- Mercury Analyser to analyse for Hg and rocks.
- Other available equipment includes furnaces and devices to measure pH, dissolved oxygen, conductivity/salinity/TDS, etc.
Why we are special?
- Reliability: Reliable services are provided to customers
- Efficiency: Punctual delivery of Reports.
- Affordability: Comparatively low rates
- Reputation: GSMB laboratories are accepted as the Standard Reference Laboratory for analysis of rocks, minerals, ores, groundwater, surface waters, industrial effluents and other miscellaneous materials.
List of tests performed and fees levied
Package |
Constituent determined |
Fee (LKR. without VAT.) |
|
Silicate and Mineral Sand analysis |
SiO2, Al2O3, FeO, Fe2O3, MnO, P2O5, TiO2, CaO, MgO, Na2O, K2O, H2O-, LOI |
For complete analysis |
12,000/= |
Water and Soil analysis |
pH, conductivity, total hardness, alkalinity, total dissolved solids, Suspended solids, colour, SiO2, Fe+2, Ca+2, Mg+2, Na+, K+, Cl-, SO4-2, PO4-, NO3- |
For complete analysis |
9,000/= |
Industrial minerals (dolomite, calcite, limestone) |
SiO2, Al2O3, FeO, Fe2O3, MnO, P2O5, TiO2, CaO, MgO, Na2O, K2O, H2O-, LOI |
For complete analysis |
9,000/= |
Iron Ore |
SiO2, Al2O3, FeO, Fe2O3, MnO, P2O5, TiO2, CaO, MgO, Na2O, K2O, H2O-, LOI |
For complete analysis |
12,000/= |
Graphite |
Carbon, Ash, Volatile, Moisture |
Carbon and Ash |
2,000/= |
Other Materials |
One constituent |
2,500/= |
Petrology
The Petrology Laboratory conducts accurate quantitative mineralogical and petrographic analyses of rocks, minerals, ores and allied materials using internationally accepted techniques and standards.
Main Functions
- Performs basic and advanced mineralogical and petrographic analyses of all samples generated from Geological Mapping, Mineral Exploration Projects and Geological research.
- Raw materials testing for the Mineral Based Industrial Sector.
- Identification and assaying of earth materials for the general public.
- Preparation of quality petrographic thin sections and polished sections of rocks, ores etc. using precision Logitech trim saws, lapping machines.
- Mineralogical and Textures analysis of thin sections and polished sections using research-grade petrographic microscopes.
- Microphotographs of thin sections.
- Mineral separations of sands, ores etc. using heavy liquid (gravity) separation method.
- Magnetic mineral separations using Frantz Isodynamic Separator.
- Particle size distribution analysis of sands, soils, clays etc. using B.S. sieves and pipette method for silt/clay grade material. Data presented as Histograms and cumulative curves.
- Analysis of particle size less than 60 microns
- Identification of minerals using physical and optical properties.
- Identification of mineral phases in carbonate rocks and in clays using the Differential Thermal Analysis technique (DTA).
Why are we special?
Staffed by trained and experienced personnel in the use of modern petrographic techniques and instruments set up to deliver accurate results and reports punctually at competitive rates, the GSMB petrology laboratory is accepted as standard reference in the field of petrographic analysis in Sri Lanka.