Articles | Volume 6, issue 1
https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-6-1-2024
© Author(s) 2024. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-6-1-2024
© Author(s) 2024. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Geochronological and geochemical effects of zircon chemical abrasion: insights from single-crystal stepwise dissolution experiments
Princeton University, Department of Geosciences, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, USA
Blair Schoene
Princeton University, Department of Geosciences, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, USA
Dawid Szymanowski
Princeton University, Department of Geosciences, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, USA
Institute of Geochemistry and Petrology, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
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Alyssa J. McKanna, Isabel Koran, Blair Schoene, and Richard A. Ketcham
Geochronology, 5, 127–151, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-5-127-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-5-127-2023, 2023
Short summary
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Acid leaching is commonly used to remove damaged portions of zircon crystals prior to U–Pb dating. However, a basic understanding of the microstructural processes that occur during leaching is lacking. We present the first 3D view of zircon dissolution based on X-ray computed tomography data acquired before and after acid leaching. These data are paired with images of etched grain surfaces and Raman spectral data. We also reveal exciting opportunities for imaging radiation damage zoning in 3D.
Sava Markovic, Jörn-Frederik Wotzlaw, Dawid Szymanowski, Joakim Reuteler, Peng Zeng, and Cyril Chelle-Michou
Geochronology, 6, 621–638, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-6-621-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-6-621-2024, 2024
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We present a pioneering method for high-precision U–Pb dating of individual growth zones in zircon. These micrometer zones in single grains can record key geological processes from magma priming prior to eruptions to planetary formation, yet dating them at high precision has so far been technically challenging. Our method employs two cutting-edge microbeam techniques to microsample these growth zones for high-precision dating, allowing us to tackle a number of outstanding research questions.
Chetan Nathwani, Dawid Szymanowski, Lorenzo Tavazzani, Sava Markovic, Adrianna L. Virmond, and Cyril Chelle-Michou
Geochronology Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-2024-25, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-2024-25, 2024
Revised manuscript under review for GChron
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We performed a statistical analysis of high precision U-Pb zircon age distributions. This reveals that volcanic and porphyry zircon age distributions are skewed to younger ages, whereas plutonic age distributions are skewed to older ages. We show that this is caused by truncation of zircon crystallisation by magma evacuation, rather than differences in magmatic flux. Our contribution has key implications for modelling of magma dynamics and eruption ages using zircon age distributions.
Marcel Guillong, Elias Samankassou, Inigo A. Müller, Dawid Szymanowski, Nathan Looser, Lorenzo Tavazzani, Óscar Merino-Tomé, Juan R. Bahamonde, Yannick Buret, and Maria Ovtcharova
Geochronology, 6, 465–474, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-6-465-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-6-465-2024, 2024
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RA138 is a new reference material for U–Pb dating of carbonate samples via laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. RA138 exhibits variable U–Pb ratios and consistent U content, resulting in a precise isochron with low uncertainty. Isotope dilution thermal ionization mass spectrometry analyses fix a reference age of 321.99 ± 0.65 Ma. This research advances our ability to date carbonate samples accurately, providing insights into geological processes and historical timelines.
Alyssa J. McKanna, Isabel Koran, Blair Schoene, and Richard A. Ketcham
Geochronology, 5, 127–151, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-5-127-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-5-127-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Acid leaching is commonly used to remove damaged portions of zircon crystals prior to U–Pb dating. However, a basic understanding of the microstructural processes that occur during leaching is lacking. We present the first 3D view of zircon dissolution based on X-ray computed tomography data acquired before and after acid leaching. These data are paired with images of etched grain surfaces and Raman spectral data. We also reveal exciting opportunities for imaging radiation damage zoning in 3D.
Blair Schoene, Michael P. Eddy, C. Brenhin Keller, and Kyle M. Samperton
Geochronology, 3, 181–198, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-3-181-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-3-181-2021, 2021
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We compare two published U–Pb and 40Ar / 39Ar geochronologic datasets to produce eruption rate models for the Deccan Traps large igneous province. Applying the same approach to each dataset, the resulting models agree well, but the higher-precision U–Pb dataset results in a more detailed eruption model than the lower-precision 40Ar / 39Ar data. We explore sources of geologic uncertainty and reiterate the importance of systematic uncertainties in comparing U–Pb and 40Ar / 39Ar datasets.
C. Brenhin Keller, Patrick Boehnke, Blair Schoene, and T. Mark Harrison
Geochronology, 1, 85–97, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-1-85-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-1-85-2019, 2019
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The oldest known minerals on Earth are Hadean (> 4.0 Ga) zircons from the Jack Hills, Australia. We present the first application to such Hadean zircons of stepwise chemical abrasion–isotope dilution–thermal ionization mass spectrometry with trace element analysis (stepwise CA-ID-TIMS-TEA). We examine the evolution in the U–Pb age and trace element chemistry of zircon domains accessed by successive chemical abrasion steps in the context of the geologic history of the Jack Hills zircons.
Related subject area
Longlived radio-isotope systems
µID-TIMS: spatially resolved high-precision U–Pb zircon geochronology
Chemical abrasion: the mechanics of zircon dissolution
High-precision ID-TIMS cassiterite U–Pb systematics using a low-contamination hydrothermal decomposition: implications for LA-ICP-MS and ore deposit geochronology
Multimethod U–Pb baddeleyite dating: insights from the Spread Eagle Intrusive Complex and Cape St. Mary's sills, Newfoundland, Canada
Highly accurate dating of micrometre-scale baddeleyite domains through combined focused ion beam extraction and U–Pb thermal ionization mass spectrometry (FIB-TIMS)
Stepwise chemical abrasion–isotope dilution–thermal ionization mass spectrometry with trace element analysis of microfractured Hadean zircon
Sava Markovic, Jörn-Frederik Wotzlaw, Dawid Szymanowski, Joakim Reuteler, Peng Zeng, and Cyril Chelle-Michou
Geochronology, 6, 621–638, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-6-621-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-6-621-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
We present a pioneering method for high-precision U–Pb dating of individual growth zones in zircon. These micrometer zones in single grains can record key geological processes from magma priming prior to eruptions to planetary formation, yet dating them at high precision has so far been technically challenging. Our method employs two cutting-edge microbeam techniques to microsample these growth zones for high-precision dating, allowing us to tackle a number of outstanding research questions.
Alyssa J. McKanna, Isabel Koran, Blair Schoene, and Richard A. Ketcham
Geochronology, 5, 127–151, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-5-127-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-5-127-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Acid leaching is commonly used to remove damaged portions of zircon crystals prior to U–Pb dating. However, a basic understanding of the microstructural processes that occur during leaching is lacking. We present the first 3D view of zircon dissolution based on X-ray computed tomography data acquired before and after acid leaching. These data are paired with images of etched grain surfaces and Raman spectral data. We also reveal exciting opportunities for imaging radiation damage zoning in 3D.
Simon Tapster and Joshua W. G. Bright
Geochronology, 2, 425–441, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-2-425-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-2-425-2020, 2020
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Cassiterite is the primary tin ore mineral and is associated with other elements needed for green technology. The mineral is deposited from hydrothermal fluids released from magmas. Because it is extremely acid resistant, there has been difficulty dissolving the mineral for isotopic analysis. To improve the understanding of the timing and models of formation processes, we use a novel method to dissolve and extract radiogenic isotopes of the uranium-to-lead decay scheme from cassiterite.
Johannes E. Pohlner, Axel K. Schmitt, Kevin R. Chamberlain, Joshua H. F. L. Davies, Anne Hildenbrand, and Gregor Austermann
Geochronology, 2, 187–208, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-2-187-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-2-187-2020, 2020
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Baddeleyite is commonly used for U–Pb dating, but textural complexities, alteration features and discordance often make age interpretation difficult. Based on this case study, we discuss strategies for obtaining more accurate baddeleyite ages by high-precision and high spatial resolution methods, including analytical challenges and discordance interpretation. An evaluation of microtextures allows us to distinguish among seven different types of baddeleyite–zircon intergrowths.
Lee F. White, Kimberly T. Tait, Sandra L. Kamo, Desmond E. Moser, and James R. Darling
Geochronology, 2, 177–186, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-2-177-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-2-177-2020, 2020
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The generation of highly precise and accurate ages requires crushing of the original sample so that individual mineral grains may be separated out for dating. Here, we use a focused ion beam to extract grains directly from a subset of a sample, effectively performing microsurgery to isolate individual crystals from the rock itself. This approach opens the door to high-precision dating for a variety of precious planetary materials that have previously been challenging to date.
C. Brenhin Keller, Patrick Boehnke, Blair Schoene, and T. Mark Harrison
Geochronology, 1, 85–97, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-1-85-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-1-85-2019, 2019
Short summary
Short summary
The oldest known minerals on Earth are Hadean (> 4.0 Ga) zircons from the Jack Hills, Australia. We present the first application to such Hadean zircons of stepwise chemical abrasion–isotope dilution–thermal ionization mass spectrometry with trace element analysis (stepwise CA-ID-TIMS-TEA). We examine the evolution in the U–Pb age and trace element chemistry of zircon domains accessed by successive chemical abrasion steps in the context of the geologic history of the Jack Hills zircons.
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Editor
U-Pb dating of zircon is the most widely used method in geochronology. This paper provides key new insights into the causes and extents of Pb-loss in zircon and how to deal with it to derived geologically significant and meaningful ages from zircon, not just dates. The approach and quantified method presented in this paper is an important step forward towards improvement of U-Pb zircon ages.
U-Pb dating of zircon is the most widely used method in geochronology. This paper provides key...
Short summary
Acid leaching is used to remove radiation-damaged portions of zircon crystals prior to U–Pb dating to improve the accuracy of datasets. We test how the temperature and duration of acid leaching affect geochronological and geochemical outcomes. We build a framework that relates radiation damage, zircon solubility, and Pb loss.
Acid leaching is used to remove radiation-damaged portions of zircon crystals prior to U–Pb...