Sulfur Stable Isotopes

Sulphur stable isotopes.
Stable isotopes Terrestrial abundance (%) Common standards
32S and 34S 95.00 and 4.22 CDT (Canyon Diablo Troilite) or relative to SMOW sulfate
33S and 36S 0.75 and 0.02
CAUTION: Reported isotopic values for a sample will differ depending on the standard used

 

Of the four stable isotopes of sulfur, 34S and 32S are the most commonly used isotopes in ratio determinations. The ratio of 34S to 32S in a sample is usually measured relative to that in a standard, and expressed in parts-per-thousand (per mil):

δ34S (‰) = [{(34S/32S sample)/(34S/32S standard)} -1] x 1000

 The sulphur in a sample is converted to sulphur dioxide and passed into the isotope-ratio mass spectrometer. Bulk sulphur isotope determinations are most common, although it is possible to separate different fractions (native sulphur, pyrite and organic sulphur).

For further information see 'Isotope interpretation'.

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