U–Pb dating of zircons from PZ3–MZ igneous complexes of Transbaikalia by sector-field mass spectrometry with laser sampling: technique and comparison with SHRIMP

Abstract

U–Pb zircon dating by laser ablation and sector-field mass spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma (LA–SF-ICP-MS) is an accessible local method with easy sample preparation. At the Geological Institute, Ulan-Ude, this method was applied using a Thermo Scientific Element XR single-collector SF ICP mass spectrometer and a UP-213 (New Wave Research) laser ablation system. Measurements for standard zircons showed the error of dating less than 2%. The results of U–Pb LA–SF-ICP-MS dating of zircon from Late Paleozoic granitoids of western Transbaikalia confirm the overlapping of the time intervals of formation of the Barguzin (330–290 Ma), Chivyrkui (305–285 Ma), and Zaza (305–285 Ma) intrusive complexes.