Zircon M257 - a homogeneous natural reference material for the ion microprobe U-Pb analysis of zircon
We introduce and propose zircon M257 as a future reference material for the determination of zircon U-Pb ages by means of secondary ion mass spectrometry. This light brownish, flawless, cut gemstone specimen from Sri Lanka weighed 5.14 g (25.7 carats). Zircon M257 has TIMS-determined, mean isotopic ratios (2s uncertainties) of 0.09100 ± 0.00003 for 206pb/238U and 0.7392 ± 0.0003 for 207pb/235U. Its 206pb/238U age is 561.3 ± 0.3 Ma (unweighted mean, uncertainty quoted at the 95% confidence level); the U-Pb system is concordant within uncertainty of decay constants. Zircon M257 contains ∼ 840 μg g−1 U (Th/U ∼ 0.27). The material exhibits remarkably low heterogeneity, with a virtual absence of…
Zircon M127 - A Homogeneous Reference Material for SIMS U-Pb Geochronology Combined with Hafnium, Oxygen and, Potentially, Lithium Isotope Analysis
Faculty of Geosciences, Geography and Astronomy, University of Vienna; Beijing SHRIMP Centre, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences; European Commission [MEXC-CT-2005-024878]; FWF Austrian Science Fund [P20028-N10, P24448-N19]; U.S. National Science Foundation [EAR 1524336]
Microstructure-specific carbon isotopic signatures of organic matter from ∼3.5 Ga cherts of the Pilbara Craton support a biologic origin.
21 pages; International audience; The ∼3.5 Ga Dresser Formation from the North Pole Dome of the Pilbara Craton (Western Australia) contains some of the oldest evidence for life on Earth. Here, we present a detailed study of microstructure-specific carbon isotopic composition of organic matter (OM) preserved in Dresser Formation bedded cherts and hydrothermal chert vein using in situ Secondary-Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS). The OM in these rocks occurs mainly as clots that, together with minor fine OM layers and laminae, are considered primary textures formed prior to host rock lithification. Other than rare OM-rich stylolites, no evidence was found for later OM migration beyond the micromete…
Stable Isotope Transport and Contact Metamorphic Fluid Flow
Stable isotopes are a powerful tool for deciphering the fluid histories of metamorphic terranes. The nature of fluid flow, fluid sources, and fluid fluxes can be delineated in well-constrained studies. Observed isotopic gradients in metamorphic rocks and minerals can thus shed light on many processes involved in mass-transport including diffusion, recrystallization, fluid infiltration, volatilization, metasomatism, and heat flow. Modeling of fluid flow and mineral exchange kinetics offers greatly enhanced understanding of metamorphic processes that can be tested and refined by application of new micro-analytical techniques. This review will concentrate on the principles of stable isotope fl…
Further characterisation of the 91500 zircon crystal
This paper reports the results from a second characterisation of the 91500 zircon, including data from electron probe microanalysis, laser ablation inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) and laser fluorination analyses. The focus of this initiative was to establish the suitability of this large single zircon crystal for calibrating in situ analyses of the rare earth elements and oxygen isotopes, as well as to provide working values for key geochemical systems. In addition to extensive testing of the chemical and structural homogeneity of this sample, the occurrence of banding in 91500 in both backscattered electron and cathodolumines…