No unexpected values are found in these data. Users should note that the data tables are released in Comma Separated Values format (.csv) which present the data with the correct number of significant figures; however, some software programs may alter the values and truncate trailing zeroes.
Source_Information:
Source_Citation:
Type_of_Source_Media: pdf file
Source_Time_Period_of_Content:
Time_Period_Information:
Single_Date/Time:
Calendar_Date: 2023
Source_Currentness_Reference: See Supplemental Info
Source_Citation_Abbreviation: Analytical Methods A2Z
Source_Contribution:
File included with this data release including specific laboratory methodology for geochronologic sample processing.
Source_Information:
Source_Citation:
Citation_Information:
Originator: Black, L.P.
Originator: Kamo, S.L.
Originator: Allen, C.M.
Originator: Davis, D.W.
Originator: Aleinikoff, J.N.
Originator: Valley, J.W.
Originator: Mundil, R.
Originator: Campbell, I.H.
Originator: Korsch, R.J.
Originator: Williams, I.S.
Originator: Foudoulis, C.
Publication_Date: 2004
Title:
Improved 206Pb/238U microprobe geochronology by the monitoring of a trace-element-related matrix effect; SHRIMP, ID–TIMS, ELA–ICP–MS and oxygen isotope documentation for a series of zircon standards
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: journal article
Series_Information:
Series_Name: Chemical Geology
Issue_Identification: 2051-2):115-140
Publication_Information:
Publication_Place: online
Publisher: Elsevier
Other_Citation_Details:
Black, L.P., Kamo, S.L., Allen, C.M., Davis, D.W., Aleinikoff, J.N., Valley, J.W., Mundil, R., Campbell, I.H., Korsch, R.J., Williams, I.S., and Foudoulis, C., 2004, Improved 206Pb/238U microprobe geochronology by the monitoring of a trace-element-related matrix effect; SHRIMP, ID–TIMS, ELA–ICP–MS and oxygen isotope documentation for a series of zircon standards. Chemical Geology 205(1-2):115-140,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemgeo.2004.01.003
Online_Linkage: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemgeo.2004.01.003
Type_of_Source_Media: publication
Source_Time_Period_of_Content:
Time_Period_Information:
Single_Date/Time:
Calendar_Date: 2004
Source_Currentness_Reference: publication date
Source_Citation_Abbreviation: Black et al., 2004
Source_Contribution:
Isotope age offsets and elemental abundances in geochronological analyses.
Source_Information:
Source_Citation:
Citation_Information:
Originator: Chang, Z.
Originator: Vervoort, J.D.
Originator: McClelland, W.C.
Originator: Knaack, C.
Publication_Date: 2006
Title: U-Pb dating of zircon by LA-ICP-MS
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: journal article
Series_Information:
Series_Name: Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems
Issue_Identification: 7(5):Q05009
Publication_Information:
Publication_Place: online
Publisher: American Geophysical Union
Other_Citation_Details:
Chang, Z., Vervoort, J.D., McClelland, W.C., and Knaack, C., 2006, U-Pb dating of zircon by LA-ICP-MS. Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems 7(5):Q05009,
https://doi.org/10.1029/2005GC001100
Online_Linkage: https://doi.org/10.1029/2005GC001100
Type_of_Source_Media: publication
Source_Time_Period_of_Content:
Time_Period_Information:
Single_Date/Time:
Calendar_Date: 2006
Source_Currentness_Reference: publication date
Source_Citation_Abbreviation: Chang et al., 2006
Source_Contribution: Techniques for geochronological dating of zircons.
Source_Information:
Source_Citation:
Citation_Information:
Originator: Gehrels, G.E.
Originator: Valencia, V.A.
Originator: Ruiz, J.
Publication_Date: 2008
Title:
Enhanced precision, accuracy, efficiency, and spatial resolution of U-Pb ages by laser ablation–multicollector–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: journal article
Series_Information:
Series_Name: Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems
Issue_Identification: 9(3):Q03017
Publication_Information:
Publication_Place: online
Publisher: American Geophysical Union
Other_Citation_Details:
Gehrels, G.E., Valencia, V.A., and Ruiz, J., 2008, Enhanced precision, accuracy, efficiency, and spatial resolution of U-Pb ages by laser ablation–multicollector–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry. Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems 9(3):Q03017,
https://doi.org/10.1029/2007GC001805
Online_Linkage: https://doi.org/10.1029/2007GC001805
Type_of_Source_Media: publication
Source_Time_Period_of_Content:
Time_Period_Information:
Single_Date/Time:
Calendar_Date: 2008
Source_Currentness_Reference: publication date
Source_Citation_Abbreviation: Gehrels et al., 2008
Source_Contribution:
Outlines advances in geochronology measurements and analysis processes.
Source_Information:
Source_Citation:
Citation_Information:
Originator: Kuiper, K.F.
Originator: Deino, A.
Originator: Hilgen, P.J.
Originator: Krijgsman, W.
Originator: Renne, P.R.
Originator: Wijbrans, J.R.
Publication_Date: 2008
Title: Synchronizing rock clocks of Earth history
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: journal article
Series_Information:
Series_Name: Science
Issue_Identification: 320(5875):500-504
Publication_Information:
Publication_Place: online
Publisher: American Association for the Advancement of Science
Other_Citation_Details:
Kuiper, K.F., Deino, A., Hilgen, P.J., Krijgsman, W., Renne, P.R., and Wijbrans, J.R., 2008, Synchronizing rock clocks of Earth history. Science 320(5875):500-504,
https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1154339
Online_Linkage: https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1154339
Type_of_Source_Media: publication
Source_Time_Period_of_Content:
Time_Period_Information:
Single_Date/Time:
Calendar_Date: 2008
Source_Currentness_Reference: publication date
Source_Citation_Abbreviation: Kuiper et al., 2008
Source_Contribution: Calibration constraints for standards used in geochronology.
Source_Information:
Source_Citation:
Citation_Information:
Originator: Lanphere, M.A.
Originator: Baadsgaard, H.
Publication_Date: 2001
Title:
Precise K–Ar, 40Ar/39Ar, Rb–Sr and U/Pb mineral ages from the 27.5 Ma Fish Canyon Tuff reference standard
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: journal article
Series_Information:
Series_Name: Chemical Geology
Issue_Identification: 175(1-2):653-671
Publication_Information:
Publication_Place: online
Publisher: Elsevier
Other_Citation_Details:
Lanphere, M.A. and Baadsgaard, H., 2001, Precise K–Ar, 40Ar/39Ar, Rb–Sr and U/Pb mineral ages from the 27.5 Ma Fish Canyon Tuff reference standard. Chemical Geology 175(1-2):653-671,
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0009-2541(00)00291-6
Online_Linkage: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0009-2541(00)00291-6
Type_of_Source_Media: publication
Source_Time_Period_of_Content:
Time_Period_Information:
Single_Date/Time:
Calendar_Date: 2001
Source_Currentness_Reference: publication date
Source_Citation_Abbreviation: Lanphere and Baadsgaard, 2001
Source_Contribution:
Calibration and correction for a specific geochronology standard.
Source_Information:
Source_Citation:
Citation_Information:
Originator: Paces, J.B.
Originator: Miller, J.D.
Publication_Date: 1993
Title:
Precise U-Pb ages of Duluth Complex and related mafic intrusions, northeastern Minnesota: Geochronological insights to physical, petrogenetic, paleomagnetic, and tectonomagmatic processes associated with the 1.1 Ga Midcontinent Rift System
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: journal article
Series_Information:
Series_Name: Journal of Geophysical Research
Issue_Identification: 98(B8):13997-14013
Publication_Information:
Publication_Place: online
Publisher: American Geophysical Union
Other_Citation_Details:
Paces, J.B. and Miller, J.D., 1993, Precise U-Pb ages of Duluth Complex and related mafic intrusions, northeastern Minnesota: Geochronological insights to physical, petrogenetic, paleomagnetic, and tectonomagmatic processes associated with the 1.1 Ga Midcontinent Rift System. Journal of Geophysical Research 98(B8):13997-14013,
https://doi.org/10.1029/93JB01159
Online_Linkage: https://doi.org/10.1029/93JB01159
Type_of_Source_Media: publication
Source_Time_Period_of_Content:
Time_Period_Information:
Single_Date/Time:
Calendar_Date: 1993
Source_Currentness_Reference: publication date
Source_Citation_Abbreviation: Paces and Miller, 1993
Source_Contribution:
Timing constraints and age standard correlations for existing geochronological analyses.
Source_Information:
Source_Citation:
Citation_Information:
Originator: Paton, C.
Originator: Woodhead, J.D.
Originator: Hellstrom, J.C.
Originator: Hergt, J.M.
Originator: Greig, A.
Originator: Maas, R.
Publication_Date: 2010
Title:
Improved laser ablation U-Pb zircon geochronology through robust downhole fractionation correction
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: journal article
Series_Information:
Series_Name: Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems
Issue_Identification: 11(3):Q0AA06
Publication_Information:
Publication_Place: online
Publisher: American Geophysical Union
Other_Citation_Details:
Paton, C., Woodhead, J.D., Hellstrom, J.C., Hergt, J.M., Greig, A., and Maas, R., 2010, Improved laser ablation U-Pb zircon geochronology through robust downhole fractionation correction. Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems 11(3):Q0AA06,
https://doi.org/10.1029/2009GC002618
Online_Linkage: https://doi.org/10.1029/2009GC002618
Type_of_Source_Media: publication
Source_Time_Period_of_Content:
Time_Period_Information:
Single_Date/Time:
Calendar_Date: 2010
Source_Currentness_Reference: publication date
Source_Citation_Abbreviation: Paton et al., 2010
Source_Contribution:
Data models and systems for enhanced geochronology data reduction and reporting analysis.
Source_Information:
Source_Citation:
Citation_Information:
Originator: Renne, P.R.
Originator: Swisher, C.C.
Originator: Deino, A.L.
Originator: Karner, D.B.
Originator: Owens, T.L.
Originator: DePaolo, D.J.
Publication_Date: 1998
Title:
Intercalibration of standards, absolute ages and uncertainties in 40Ar/39Ar dating
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: journal article
Series_Information:
Series_Name: Chemical Geology
Issue_Identification: 145(1-2):117-152
Publication_Information:
Publication_Place: online
Publisher: Elsevier
Other_Citation_Details:
Renne, P.R., Swisher, C.C., Deino, A.L., Karner, D.B., Owens, T.L., and DePaolo, D.J., 1998, Intercalibration of standards, absolute ages and uncertainties in 40Ar/39Ar dating. Chemical Geology 145(1-2):117-152,
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0009-2541(97)00159-9
Online_Linkage: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0009-2541(97)00159-9
Type_of_Source_Media: publication
Source_Time_Period_of_Content:
Time_Period_Information:
Single_Date/Time:
Calendar_Date: 1998
Source_Currentness_Reference: publication date
Source_Citation_Abbreviation: Renne et al., 1998
Source_Contribution:
Standards, uncertainties, decay constants, and error considerations for Ar geochronology.
Source_Information:
Source_Citation:
Citation_Information:
Originator: Stacey, J.S.
Originator: Kramers, J.D.
Publication_Date: 1975
Title:
Approximation of terrestrial lead isotope evolution by a two-stage model
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: journal article
Series_Information:
Series_Name: Earth and Planetary Science Letters
Issue_Identification: 26(2):207-221
Publication_Information:
Publication_Place: online
Publisher: Elsevier
Other_Citation_Details:
Online_Linkage: https://doi.org/10.1016/0012-821X(75)90088-6
Type_of_Source_Media: publication
Source_Time_Period_of_Content:
Time_Period_Information:
Single_Date/Time:
Calendar_Date: 1975
Source_Currentness_Reference: publication date
Source_Citation_Abbreviation: Stacey and Kramers, 1975
Source_Contribution: Revised decay constants and models for isotope geochronology
Source_Information:
Source_Citation:
Citation_Information:
Originator: Steiger, R.H.
Originator: Jäger, E.
Publication_Date: 1977
Title:
Subcommission on geochronology: Convention on the use of decay constants in geo- and cosmochronology
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: journal article
Series_Information:
Series_Name: Earth and Planetary Science Letters
Issue_Identification: 36(3):359-362
Publication_Information:
Publication_Place: online
Publisher: Elsevier
Other_Citation_Details:
Steiger, R.H. and Jäger, E., 1977, Subcommission on geochronology: Convention on the use of decay constants in geo- and cosmochronology. Earth and Planetary Science Letters 36(3):359-362,
https://doi.org/10.1016/0012-821X(77)90060-7
Online_Linkage: https://doi.org/10.1016/0012-821X(77)90060-7
Type_of_Source_Media: publication
Source_Time_Period_of_Content:
Time_Period_Information:
Single_Date/Time:
Calendar_Date: 1977
Source_Currentness_Reference: publication date
Source_Citation_Abbreviation: Steiger and Jäger, 1977
Source_Contribution: Standard decay constants and isotope abundances
Source_Information:
Source_Citation:
Citation_Information:
Originator: Zhang, M.
Originator: Ewing, R.C.
Originator: Boatner, L.A.
Originator: Salje, E.K.H.
Originator: Weber, W.J.
Originator: Daniel, P.
Originator: Zhang, Y.
Originator: Farhan, I.
Publication_Date: 2009
Title:
Pb* irradiation of synthetic zircon (ZrSiO4): Infrared spectroscopic study – Reply
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: journal article
Series_Information:
Series_Name: American Mineralogist
Issue_Identification: 94(5-6):856-858
Publication_Information:
Publication_Place: online
Publisher: GeoScienceWorld
Other_Citation_Details:
Zhang, M., Ewing, R.C., Boatner, L.A., Salje, E.K.H., Weber, W.J., Daniel, P., Zhang, Y., and Farhan, I., 2009, Pb* irradiation of synthetic zircon (ZrSiO4): Infrared spectroscopic study – Reply. American Mineralogist 94(5-6):856-858,
https://doi.org/10.2138/am.2009.542
Online_Linkage: https://doi.org/10.2138/am.2009.542
Type_of_Source_Media: publication
Source_Time_Period_of_Content:
Time_Period_Information:
Single_Date/Time:
Calendar_Date: 2009
Source_Currentness_Reference: publication date
Source_Citation_Abbreviation: Zhang et al., 2009
Source_Contribution: Comparisons of zircon references and spectroscopy applications.
Source_Information:
Source_Citation:
Citation_Information:
Originator: Slama, J.
Originator: Kosler, J.
Originator: Condon, D.J.
Originator: Crowley, J.L.
Originator: Gerdes, A.
Originator: Hanchar, J.M.
Originator: Horstwood, M.S.A.
Originator: Morris, G.A.
Originator: Nasdala, L.
Originator: Norberg, N.
Originator: Schaltegger, U.
Originator: Schoene, B.
Originator: Tubrett, M.N.
Originator: Whitehouse, M.J.
Publication_Date: 2008
Title:
Plešovice zircon — A new natural reference material for U–Pb and Hf isotopic microanalysis
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: journal article
Series_Information:
Series_Name: Chemical Geology
Issue_Identification: 249(1-2):1-35
Publication_Information:
Publication_Place: Online
Publisher: Elsevier
Other_Citation_Details:
Slama, J., Kosler, J., Condon, D.J., Crowley, J.L., Gerdes, A., Hanchar, J.M., Horstwood, M.S.A., Morris, G.A., Nasdala, L., Norberg, N., Schaltegger, U., Schoene, B., Tubrett, M.N., and Whitehouse, M.J., 2008, Plešovice zircon — A new natural reference material for U–Pb and Hf isotopic microanalysis. Chemical Geology 249(1-2):1-35,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemgeo.2007.11.005
Online_Linkage: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemgeo.2007.11.005
Type_of_Source_Media: publication
Source_Time_Period_of_Content:
Time_Period_Information:
Single_Date/Time:
Calendar_Date: 2008
Source_Currentness_Reference: publication date
Source_Citation_Abbreviation: Slama et al., 2008
Source_Contribution:
Reference material additions to aid in calibration techniques for zircon analyses.
Source_Information:
Source_Citation:
Citation_Information:
Originator: Paton, C.
Originator: Hellstrom, J.
Originator: Paul, B.
Originator: Woodhead, J.
Originator: Hergt, J.
Publication_Date: 2011
Title:
Iolite: Freeware for the visualisation and processing of mass spectrometric data
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: publication
Series_Information:
Series_Name: Journal of Atomic Spectrometry
Issue_Identification: 26:2508-2518
Publication_Information:
Publication_Place: Online
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry
Other_Citation_Details:
Paton, C., Hellstrom, J., Paul, B., Woodhead, J., and Hergt, J., 2011, Iolite: Freeware for the visualisation and processing of mass spectrometric data. Journal of Atomic Spectrometry 26:2508-2518,
https://doi.org/10.1039/C1JA10172B
Online_Linkage: https://doi.org/10.1039/C1JA10172B
Type_of_Source_Media: publication
Source_Time_Period_of_Content:
Time_Period_Information:
Single_Date/Time:
Calendar_Date: 2011
Source_Currentness_Reference: publication date
Source_Citation_Abbreviation: Paton et al., 2011
Source_Contribution:
Describes the utility and capabilities of mass spectrometry software suite for data analysis.
Source_Information:
Source_Citation:
Citation_Information:
Originator: Mattinson, J.M.
Publication_Date: 2010
Title:
Analysis of the relative decay constants of 235U and 238U by multi-step CA-TIMS measurements of closed-system natural zircon samples
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: journal article
Series_Information:
Series_Name: Chemical Geology
Issue_Identification: 275(3-4):186-198
Publication_Information:
Publication_Place: online
Publisher: Elsevier
Other_Citation_Details:
Mattinson, J.M., 2010, Analysis of the relative decay constants of 235U and 238U by multi-step CA-TIMS measurements of closed-system natural zircon samples. Chemical Geology 275(3-4):186-198,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemgeo.2010.05.007
Online_Linkage: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemgeo.2010.05.007
Type_of_Source_Media: publication
Source_Time_Period_of_Content:
Time_Period_Information:
Single_Date/Time:
Calendar_Date: 2010
Source_Currentness_Reference: publication date
Source_Citation_Abbreviation: Mattinson, 2010
Source_Contribution: Value corrections for U-Pb geochronology.
Source_Information:
Source_Citation:
Citation_Information:
Originator: Donelick, R.A.
Originator: O'Sullivan, P.B.
Originator: Ketcham, R.A.
Publication_Date: 2005
Title: Apatite Fission-Track Analysis
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: journal article
Series_Information:
Series_Name: Reviews in Mineralogy and Geochemistry
Issue_Identification: 58(1):9–94
Publication_Information:
Publication_Place: online
Publisher: Mineralogical Society of America
Other_Citation_Details:
Online_Linkage: https://doi.org/10.2138/rmg.2005.58.3
Type_of_Source_Media: publication
Source_Time_Period_of_Content:
Time_Period_Information:
Single_Date/Time:
Calendar_Date: 2005
Source_Currentness_Reference: publication date
Source_Citation_Abbreviation: Donelick et al., 2005
Source_Contribution:
Discussions of data collection methods for apatite fission-track analyses
Process_Step:
Process_Description:
(Apatite to Zircon, Inc.) Zircons were separated from their host rocks using conventional mineral separation methods and sectioned in an epoxy grain mount along with grains of internationally accepted standard zircon (FC-1, a ~1100-Ma zircon standard), and brought to a very high polish. The grains were examined using a stage- mounted cathodoluminescence imaging setup that makes it possible to detect the presence of altered zones or inherited cores within the zircon. The highest quality portions of each grain, free of alteration, inclusion, or cores, were selected for analysis. The surface of the mount was then washed for ~10 minutes with dilute nitric acid and rinsed in ultraclean water. Analyses were carried out using a New Wave 213nm Nd-YAG laser coupled to a Thermo Finnigan Element2 high resolution ICP-MS (inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer). Ablation took place within a New Wave “Supercell” ablation chamber, which was designed to achieve very high efficiency entrainment of aerosols into the carrier gas. Helium was used as the carrier gas for all experiments, and gas flow rates, together with other parameters such as torch position, were optimized before beginning a series of analyses. We typically used a 25-micron spot with 60 percent laser power and did line scans rather than spot analyses to avoid within-run elemental fractions. Each analysis consisted of a 7-second background measurement (laser off) followed by a ~28-second data acquisition period with the laser firing. A typical analytical session consisted of four analyses of the standard zircon, followed by four analyses of unknown zircons, two standards, four unknowns, and so forth, and finally four standard analyses. Data were reduced using the GLITTER software package developed by the GEMOC group at Macquarrie University, which subtracts background measurements, propagates analytical errors, and calculates isotopic ratios and ages. This application generated a time-resolved record of each laser shot. For detrital zircon samples, 60-100 grains were analysed.
Process_Date: 2012
Process_Step:
Process_Description:
(Apatite to Zircon, Inc.) Mineral separates were obtained at the laboratories of Apatite to Zircon, Inc., in Viola, Idaho. Lithium polytungstate and a centrifuge were used in place of the conventional Wilfley table, thus guarding against loss of zircon grains that might inadvertently be washed away, undetected, in the conventional method. Zircons (both standards and unknowns) were then mounted in 1-cm2 epoxy wafers and ground down to expose internal grain surfaces before final polishing. Grains, and the locations for laser spots on these grains, were selected for analysis from all sizes and morphologies present using transmitted light with an optical microscope at a magnification of x 2000. This approach is used instead of cathodoluminescence 2-D imaging because it allows the recognition and characterization of features below the surface of individual grains, including the presence of inclusions and the orientation of cracks, which could otherwise result in spurious isotopic counts.
Process_Date: 2009
Process_Step:
Process_Description:
(Apatite to Zircon, Inc.) Isotopic analyses were performed with a New Wave UP-213 laser ablation system in conjunction with a ThermoFinnigan Element2 single collector double-focusing magnetic sector inductively coupled plasma- mass spectrometer (LAICP-MS) in the GeoAnalytical Lab at Washington State University. In comparison to a quadropole ICP-MS, the Element2 has flat-top peaks and higher sensitivity, resulting in larger Pb signals, better counting statistics, and more precise and accurate measurement of isotopic ratios. For all analyses (both standard and unknown), the diameter of the laser beam was set at 20 µm and the laser frequency was set at 5 Hz, yielding ablation pits ~10-15 µm deep. He and Ar gas were used to deliver the ablated material into the plasma source of the mass spectrometer. Each analysis of 250 cycles took approximately 30 seconds to complete and consisted of a 6-second integration on peaks with the laser turned off (for background measurements) followed by a 25-second integration with the laser firing. A delay of as much as 30 seconds occurred between analyses in order to purge the previous analysis and prepare for the next. The isotopes measured included 202Hg, 204(Hg + Pb), 206Pb, 207Pb, 208Pb, 232Th, 235U, and 238U. The Element2 detector was set at analog mode for 232Th and 238U and at pulse counting mode for all other isotopes. Common Pb correction was made by using the measured 204Pb content and assuming an initial Pb composition from Stacey and Kramers (1975). Interelement fractionation of Pb/U is generally <20 percent, whereas fractionation of Pb isotopes is generally <5 percent. At the beginning of each LA-ICP-MS session, zircon reference materials (Peixe and FC1) were analyzed until fractionation was stable and the variance in the measured 206Pb/238U and 207Pb/206Pb ratios was at or near 1 percent. In order to correct for interelement fractionation during the session, these standards were generally reanalyzed after each 15-25 unknowns. Fractionation also increases with depth into the laser pit. The accepted isotopic ratios were accordingly determined by least-squares projection through the measured values back to the initial determination.
Process_Date: 2009
Process_Step:
Process_Description:
(Apatite to Zircon, Inc.) Mineral separates were obtained, and lithium polytungstate and a centrifuge were used in place of the conventional Wilfley table, thus guarding against loss of zircon grains that might inadvertently be washed away, undetected, in the conventional method. Zircons (both standards and unknowns) were then mounted in 1-cm2 epoxy wafers and ground down to expose internal grain surfaces before final polishing. Grains, and the locations for laser spots on these grains, were selected for analysis from all sizes and morphologies present using transmitted light with an optical microscope at a magnification of x 2000. This approach is used instead of cathodoluminescence 2-D imaging because it allows the recognition and characterization of features below the surface of individual grains, including the presence of inclusions and the orientation of cracks, which could otherwise result in spurious isotopic counts.
Data were collected for the following isotopic masses: 202Hg, 204Hg+204Pb, 206Pb, 207Pb, 208Pb, 232Th, 235U, and 238U (250 data scans over 30 s) followed by 28Si and 91Zr (5 data scans over 4 s). The instruments used were a New Wave YAG 213 nm laser ablation (LA) system in line with a Finnigan Element2 magnetic sector, inductively coupled plasma, mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) at the Washington State University Geoanalytical Laboratory in Pullman, Washington, U.S.A. (e.g., Chang et al., 2006). All analyses were performed using a 20 µm spot. Following approximately 6 s of background data collection, laser ablation commenced and data were collected for the ablated material. Ablated material was transported to the plasma line using He; Ar was the plasma gas.
Zircon reference material for which independently accepted ages are published were designated as primary, secondary, and tertiary for purposes of U-Pb age calibration depending on the anticipated age of the unknowns. Two primary and two secondary standard spots were analyzed prior to and following each group of ~25-30 tertiary standards and/or unknown sample spots. Five spots of each tertiary standard were analyzed near the beginning and again near the end of the session.
Process_Date: 2009
Process_Step:
Process_Description:
(Apatite to Zircon, Inc.) Apatite, AFT grain mounts were polished to expose internal grain surfaces and etched in 5.5 N HNO3. Spontaneous fission tracks were counted in unpolarized light at 2000x magnification. The 238U concentrations from grain surfaces were measured on a Thermo Element2 HR-ICP-MS equipped with a New Wave ND-YAG 218nm laser ablation system. The fission track ages were calculated using: (a) the ratio of the density of natural fission tracks present in the grain to the amount of 238U present, and (b) a modified version of the radioactive decay equation that includes a LA-ICPMS zeta calibration factor (Donelick and others, 2005). After age analysis, apatite fission track lengths were measured and characterized.
Process_Date: 2009