A study of the isotopic abundance of boron from various sources

Abstract

The absolute ratio of 11B/10B has been determined for boron from different terrestrial sources with a precision of 0.2% (two standard errors) and a reproducibility of 0.2% (half-range). Values fall in the range 4.108 to 3.987 (i.e. 3% variation) and give a corresponding range in the boron atomic weight of 10.814 to 10.810 (0.04% variation). The absolute ratios are 7% lower than those reported by early workers, but are in accord with the results of recent investigations. Igneous rocks and boric acid are found to have high isotopic ratios, whereas Tokyo Bay water possesses a value for 11B/10B near the mean.