Natural Zircon Research Articles

Synthesis of magnetic zirconium oxide-iron oxide nanoparticles composite using chemical precipitation process for Pb (II) adsorption

The exploration and utilization of natural raw zircon minerals in Indonesia, particularly in Central Kalimantan, remain largely untapped in their potential as high-tech and commercially valuable substances with eco-friendly properties, particularly in water and industrial wastewater treatment. The primary objective of this research is to enhance the development and synthesis of natural raw zircon minerals by converting them into zirconium oxide and integrating them with magnetic nanoparticles. The magnetic nanoparticle composite material for zirconium oxide (MNP@ZrO2) was synthesized using the chemical co-precipitation method. Zirconium and its oxides have gained significant application in water and wastewater treatment in recent years. Through chemical co-precipitation processes (MNP@ZrO2), the natural raw zircon minerals were transformed into zirconium oxides and combined with magnetic nanoparticles due to their exceptional potential as effective adsorbents for anions and cations in water and industrial treatment processes. In the utilization of Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), magnetic nanoparticles with a diameter of less than 50 nm emerged on the surface of the zirconium crystals within the magnetic nanoparticle composites. X-ray diffraction (X-RD) analysis indicated that the treatment of zirconium minerals resulted in 11.19% decrease in the Crystallinity Index and a significant reduction of 98% in silica content. By maintaining a pH level of approximately 7 ± 0.2 over 360 min with a stirring rate of 150 rpm, and at ambient temperature, the optimal conditions for Pb (II) adsorption were achieved with the adsorption capacity of 68.98 mg/g using MNP@ZrO2 as adsorbent. The successful synthesis of magnetic zirconium oxide-iron oxide nanoparticles at various pH levels using the chemical co-precipitation process has facilitated a comprehensive assessment of their performance in Pb (II) adsorption.

Spectroscopic insights on defects in self-irradiated natural Zircon: A natural analogue for slag host matrix for Zr-metallic wasteform

Zircon is a proposed slag host matrix associated with the metallic wasteform route developed for Zr-hull management. This study de-alienates the nature of radiation damage in Zr- and Si- sublattice in self-irradiated zircon matrices under long term of geological times using a natural analogue approach. To address this, self-irradiated reddish-brown zircon from Tamil Nadu, India was characterized using spectroscopic techniques such as X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectroscopy and Photoluminescence (PL) combined with Monte Carlo Based SRIM calculations. The observations revealed that the “as-received” zircon showed significant radiation damage primarily in the Si-sublattice (Si-O-Si linkages) while retaining its crystallinity, indicating a high degree of radiation resistance. The accumulated alpha-dose and displacements per atom (dpa) were evaluated to be 0.59 × 1018 decays/g and 0.019, respectively using RAMAN and SRIM calculations. Photoluminescence studies reveal that after annealing at 1673 K for 96 h, there was a partial recovery of radiation defects and a decrease in Si-O-Si bonds, although defects from dopant atoms remained unchanged. The damage observed is correlated with the nature of atomic bonding in Si-O and Zr-O bonds. The conclusions drawn suggest that zircon demonstrates considerable durability and selective recovery from radiation damage, making it a promising candidate for radioactive waste management.

Uranium oxidation states in zircon and other accessory phases

Zircon and other U-bearing accessory phases are important time-capsules for studying the evolution of Earth and other planetary bodies as these minerals can record both temporal and compositional information regarding their host rocks. In silicate melts, uranium can occur in either the UIV, UV, or UVI valence state and its redox sensitive nature could, in principle, allow for information on magma oxygen fugacity (ƒO2) to be gleaned from U-bearing phases provided they can incorporate multivalent U during crystallization. Currently, however, little is known regarding the details of how U is speciated in these minerals.In this study, we conducted conventional X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy at the U M4-edge on a set of natural zircon (n = 140), titanite (n = 9), apatite (n = 7), baddeleyite (n = 7), and garnet (n = 2) samples to determine the oxidation state of U in these crystals. We also collected U L3-edge spectra for select zircon samples to investigate the bonding environment of U using extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) analysis. The effects of crystallographic orientation and radiation damage on zircon U M4-edge spectra are found to be minimal compared to the magnitude of the peak shifts associated with U oxidation state. We find that titanite and garnet contain only tetravalent U, while zircon, apatite, and baddeleyite can contain U of variable valence. Of these phases, zircon shows the greatest variability, with white-line energy, Ewl (i.e., peak absorbance) covering a range of >2.0 eV between grains: i.e., the entire energy range expected between pure UIV and pure UVI species. Moreover, a correlation is observed between the Ewl of zircon U M4-edge spectra (i.e., relative proportions of UIV, UV, UVI) and the ƒO2 of their host rocks. Our results thus establish U oxidation states in zircon as a powerful new tracer of magma redox. Since XANES is non-destructive and can be performed in situ, this technique can be utilized alongside other microanalytical methods (e.g., LA-ICPMS, SIMS) to further expand the breadth of information that can be extracted from single mineral grains.

Structural and optical characterizations of zircon and zirconia nanopowders derived from zircon sands

This study explores the structural and optical properties of zircon (ZrSiO4) and zirconia (ZrO2) nanopowders using two types of natural Indonesian zircon sands. The former powders were synthesized through dissolution and non-dissolution methods, while the latter powders were synthesized using alkali fusion and co-precipitation techniques. x-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis revealed a reduction in impurities post-synthesis. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analyses indicated that the dissolution process yielded pure zircon, whereas the non-dissolution method resulted in the presence of minor additional phases. For zirconia, all samples exhibited a tetragonal phase, albeit with varying structures. Optical properties were investigated using UV–vis spectroscopy, which showed that both materials exhibit high absorption in the ultraviolet region, with slight differences in wavelengths peak. Consequently, zircon and zirconia demonstrated similar band gap energies ranging from 3.76 to 3.95 eV and 3.99 to 4.06 eV, respectively. Photoluminescence testing further revealed identical emission peaks 350 nm for both materials, highlighting their comparable optical characteristics. This study provides valuable understandings into the synthesis and optical properties of zircon and zirconia nanopowders derived from Indonesian zircon sands, emphasizing their potential applications in various optical and electronic fields.

Comparison of TL characteristics of natural quartz and zircon.

The dosimetry of different minerals is carried out to investigate the dose received by the population in case of a nuclear accident. Retrospective dosimetry is a field where there is a continuous search to find new materials. Beach sand minerals, namely quartz and zircon, were exposed to beta and gamma radiation and studied separately. A comparison of the thermoluminescence (TL) output of different peaks of quartz for beta and gamma was studied. Comparison of quartz peaks with the TL output of zircon peaks was carried out. TL output for a constant dose of gamma is always higher compared to the TL output received due to beta.

Local Structure, Structural, Vibrational, and Optical Properties of Natural Zircon

Structural properties of Indian metamict single zircon crystals are studied by comparing their properties with those of synthetic zircon synthesized via solid‐state reaction method, which serves as the standard. X‐Ray diffraction (XRD) data reveal changes in lattice parameters and the presence of strain, metamictization, etc. It is found that the degree of crystallinity is ≈63.8% indicating the simultaneous presence of crystalline and disordered regions. These changes are likely due to the presence of several radioactive/nonradioactive elements. The presence of such elements is observed and the sample composition is analyzed through total reflection X‐Ray fluorescence. XRD crystallographic data are further utilized as input for analyzing X‐Ray absorption spectroscopy data recorded around Zr central absorbing atom. X‐Ray absorption near‐edge structure shows slight modification in the white line feature and some disorder compared to the synthetic one. Reduced coordination number observed from extended X‐Ray absorption fine structure suggests the presence of disorder in local structure. Micro‐Raman spectroscopy indicates that crystalline behavior varies across different locations, suggesting that the sample has undergone varying degrees of metamictization, confirming a nonuniform distribution of elements. The work documents and analyses structural evolution within isolated silica tetrahedron network in association of Zr4+ cation as a function of self‐irradiation and recovery over millions of years and correlating the same with optical properties.

Characterization and Stability of ZrO2-SiO2 Nanofluids from Local Minerals Indonesia as Green Nanofluids to Application Radiator Cooling System

In the last few years, there has not been much research on green nanofluids that come from material resources such as parts of palm oil and natural zircon sand. Green nanofluids need to be developed to improve heat transfer performance. The characterization of nanoparticles made from the synthesis process and the stability of ZrO2-SiO2 Nanofluids-W/EG, different volume concentrations were investigated. The experiments carried out were characterization of nanoparticles using SEM and FTIR, the stability of green nanofluid was investigated for a volume concentration of 0.1-0.3%, using UV-Vis, Zeta potential and sedimentation observation. The results show that the size of Nano-Zircon particles of 32.984-38.465 nm and Silicate nanoparticles with of 44.002-50.444 nm. The stability of ZrO2-SiO2 Nanofluids-W/EG made with the UV-Vis method is stable up to 30 days after preparation with a sonication time of 2 hours with a value of 70-80%. The zeta potential evaluation performed for green ZrO2-SiO2 Nanofluids-W/EG obtained a value of 45.37 mV with good stability classification. Sedimentation from this visual observation obtained the absence of agglomeration after 30 days.

Thermoelastic properties of non-metamict zircon

Abstract The thermoelastic properties and thermal expansion of natural single-crystal zircon without detectable radiation damage were determined in the temperature range between 100 and 1650 K on five samples from Cambodia, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania. Up to about 1500 K, the results are in excellent agreement and fully reversible. The average adiabatic elastic stiffness coefficients at room temperature in GPa are c11 = 426.8(6), c12 = 68.1(4), c13 = 152.0(4), c33 = 490.8(9), c44 = 113.1(2), and c66 = 49.0(1). Polycrystalline averaging for the aggregate bulk and shear modulus (Voigt-Reuss-Hill average) yields K = 229.3(4) GPa and G = 109.3(1) GPa. From 293 to 1573 K, the elastic stiffnesses soften almost linearly with the temperature coefficients in MPa/K: dc11/dT = –45.36(7), dc12/dT = –2.03(7), dc13/dT = –9.59(7), dc33/dT = –42.85(12), dc44/dT = –9.60(3), and dc66/dT = –2.19(1). Below room temperature, the behavior of the cij is nonlinear, with decreasing absolute values of the temperature coefficients. Above about 1500 K, a temperature- and time-dependent irreversible elastic stiffening accompanied by an increasing ultrasound dissipation was observed in all samples. These anomalies are interpreted to be the consequence of increased dislocation densities.

Pb diffusion in perfect and defective zircon for thermo/petro-chronological investigations: An atomistic approach

Factors that affect the diffusion of lead (Pb) in zircon are still a debatable issue amongst geochronologists. These are anisotropy, chemical composition, metamictization, radiation damage, and defects such as vacancy and Frenkel pairs. Careful investigations of such effects require a detailed description at atomic levels. This study focuses on the details of Pb diffusion pathways (anisotropy) at the atomic scale level in perfect zircon lattices for the better understanding of thermo/petro-chronological problems in geosciences. The applications of Density Functional Theory (DFT) combined with both the Nudged Elastic Band (NEB) method and Transition State Theory (TST) together with Kinetic Monte Carlo (KMC) simulations provide a reasonable estimate of the activation energy and diffusion of lead (Pb) in a perfect zircon lattice. Results of the tested methodology give the diffusion co-efficient of anisotropic nature in perfect zircon i.e. the activation energies and frequency factors (D0) along the z-axis [001] is 687 kJ/mol and 4.16×10−3cm2/sec, along zx-axis [101]/[011] is 1331 kJ/mol and 8.57×10−4cm2/sec and along the x-axis is 5810 kJ/mol and 8.57×10−4cm2/sec respectively. The Closure temperatures for Pb in perfect zircon lattices are reasonably high for an effective grain size of 60 μm and a cooling history of 10 °C/Ma. This study also demonstrates that the closure temperature is affected not only by the geometry of a given grain, but also by defects and radiation damage. Furthermore, the calculated closure temperatures show poor calibrations with previous experiments of Pb diffusion in natural zircon, implying that radiation damage and vacancies are causing the reduction in Pb diffusion. Therefore, the gap between the computed and experimental results may probably be due to the change in the chemistry of each zircon crystal used in the experiments. This study is useful in characterizing the effect of individual entities on Pb diffusion in zircon, showing good agreement with experiments, and indicating the applicability of DFT + NEB+TST + KMC methods for characterization of Pb diffusion in perfect zircon.

Exploring the CAM18 Crystal as a Potential Reference Material for U–Pb Analysis of Zircon

In the process of in situ zircon U–Pb dating, it is an effective means to overcome the matrix effect by using a matrix-matched external reference material. However, the limited number of available zircon reference materials still makes it difficult to meet the research needs. In this paper, we performed a preliminary analysis of the gemological characteristics, trace elements and U–Pb ages of natural zircon CAM18 to assess its suitability as a reference material for laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) U–Pb dating. This tawny, gem-quality zircon has no visible inclusions and weighs approximately 0.55 g. Its density, full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the Raman peak and alpha flux (Dα) indicate that the sample has suffered mild-to-moderate radiation damage without any thermal treatment. The LA-ICP-MS U–Pb dating results reveal that the trace elements content and U–Pb ages of the sample are fairly homogeneous at the 50 μm scale, and there is no obvious loss of radiogenic Pb. The 206Pb/238U age (571.0 ± 3.0 Ma, 2s) and 207Pb/235U age (573.4 ± 6.0 Ma, 2s) are consistent within the analytical uncertainty, and the calculated concordia age is 571.4 ± 1.4 Ma (2s, n = 20). The variation in the 206Pb/238U ages is small, with a measurement repeatability of 0.46% (RSD), which is within the uncertainty of the age accuracy obtained by LA-ICP-MS. The oscillatory zoning, Th/U ratio (0.2) and chondrite-normalized rare-earth element (REE) pattern imply a magmatic origin of zircon CAM18. The Ti-in-zircon temperature ranges from 714 to 742 °C, and the oxygen fugacity ranges from ΔFMQ−2.87 to ΔFMQ−3.17, suggesting that it is crystallized in a reducing environment. All the results show that zircon CAM18 may has great potential in LA-ICP-MS U–Pb dating.

Thermoluminescence dosimetric characteristics of natural zircon

The dosimetric characteristics were studied for natural zircon extracted from beach sand of grain size 106 micron to assess whether it can be used as a retrospective dosimeter. Zircon was extracted from the beach sand of Tirunelveli district, Tamilnadu. By analyzing the TL peaks between the room temperature and 450°C it was found to consist of two low temperature peaks (LTP) at 99 and 128°C and the high temperature broad peak (HTP) at 270°C when read at a heating rate of 5°C/sec. The initial rise method, Tm–Tstop, various heating rate method (VHR), Beta dose response and fading studies were carried out for the HTP. From the initial rise method the activation energy levels were found to vary from 0.8 to 1.6 eV. By the Tm–Tstop method it was found that the high temperature broad peak (HTP) at 270°C was a superposition of 6 TL peaks. The Im− Tm dependence curve was plotted and the value of the kinetic order was found to be 1.3. Beta irradiation between the dose levels 0.5 Gy to 100 Gy was used to study the linearity of dose response. It's observed that the zircon sample shows linear dose response up to 100 Gy of beta dose. Fading of the high temperature peak within 1 hour under bright sunlight was found to be ∼21% and after 24 hours the sample exhibited a fading of 47%. Repeatability test were also carried out for the HTP.

Влияние стимуляторов на всхожесть семян и рост сеянцев сосны обыкновенной (Pinus sylvestris L.)

Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) is a potential introduced plant that can be used for reforestation in the southern part of Primorsky Krai. This plant is valuable for water regulation and mountain strengthening. It is widely used in the national economy. However, the growing area of the stands reduces with logging. It is possible to speed up the regeneration process by applying growth stimulants. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of natural (Zircon, Ekopin, Ribav-Extra) and synthetic (Krezatzin, Epin-Extra) growth stimulants on seed germination and biometric parameters of annual and biennial Scots pine seedlings (height, root collar diameter, length of root lobes, and biomass). Before cultivation, the seeds were soaked for 1 hour in a solution of KMnO4 (0.5 %) followed by 20 hours in growth stimulant solutions with concentrations 1.4·10–3 ml/l. The control group was presented with seeds without stimulant treatment. The soil germination was controlled on day 15. It was also determined the effectiveness of the stimulants as root top dressing for annual and biennial seedlings. The concentrations of the solutions were 0.2 and 0.1 ml/l with water as a solvent. The referentce group was seedlings without fertilization. Krezatzin, Ribav-Extra, and Ecopin had a significant impact on seed germination (92.7–94.0 %), exceeding the control group by 5.7–7.2 %. Krezatzin, Ribav-Extra, Zircon and Ecopin were most effective for Scots pine seedlings. In the first year of growth, seedling height increased by 20.3–43.5 %, root collar diameter by 22.2–38.9 %, root lobe length by 23.5–52.9 %. In the second year, these indicators exceeded the control group by 18.4–75.5, 2.9–11.8 and 15.0–36.1 %, respectively. The biomass of biennial seedlings increased by 63.7–185.2 % compared to the control group with the use of these stimulants. The solution concentration of 0.1 ml/l was more effective. The biennial seedlings grown using the stimulants as root top dressing according to biometric indicators meet the requirements of the Reforestation Regulations 2020, significantly exceeding the values specified in them. These seedlings can be used for planting woodlands and landscaping in populated areas. For citation: Ostroshenko V.Yu., Ostroshenko L.Yu. Influence of Growth Stimulants on Seed Germination and Seedlings Growth of Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris L.). Lesnoy Zhurnal = Russian Forestry Journal, 2023, no. 4, pp. 93–104. (In Russ.). https://doi.org/10.37482/0536-1036-2023-4-93-104

Quantification of radiation damage in natural and synthetic zircon by Raman spectroscopy: application to low-temperature thermochronology

Quantification of radiation damage in natural and synthetic zircon by Raman spectroscopy: application to low-temperature thermochronology

A REE-based zircon geothermometer based on improved lattice strain modeling of zircon-melt REE partition coefficients

Several methods for tracing geological processes based on the rare earth element (REE) concentrations in zircon have been proposed in recent years. Application of these methods requires quantitative knowledge of the partition coefficients (D) for the REE between zircon and co-existing phases, which may be melt, fluid, or other minerals. Precisely determining the DREE of zircon, however, is challenging. This is especially true for the light rare earth elements, which generally occur in very low concentrations in zircon. This difficulty can be overcome by modeling DREE using a prediction function based on the crystal lattice strain model. The prediction function is defined by three empirically derived lattice strain parameters: the apparent Young's Modulus E of the Zr site in which the REE resides; the ionic radius r0 of a (fictive) REE optimally fitting into this site; and the maximum partition coefficient D0 of this optimally fitting REE. In principle, these three parameters can be determined by fitting the prediction function to sets of measured DREE. The ionic radii of the REE, however, are all larger than r0 for zircon, commonly resulting in strain model fits yielding physically unrealistic values of r0, in particular. Here, we use a compilation of zircon-melt REE partition coefficients from the literature to establish a new empirical relationship between r0 and E, which is used as an additional constraint during lattice strain model curve fitting. Lattice strain parameters for literature DREE data sets of natural and synthetic zircon samples are calculated using our constraint resulting in a new parametrization of the inverse temperature dependence of D0. This parametrization enables quantitative estimates of REE-based crystallization temperatures of magmatic zircons, complementing estimates based on Ti-in-zircon geothermometry.

Structures and electric properties of PANI/polymorphic-ZrO2 composites.

A polyaniline/zirconia (PANI/ZrO2) composite has been successfully synthesized using an in situ method with HCl used as a doping agent, SDBS as a surfactant and APS as an oxidant. The filler variations were comprised of various phases, which are amorphous, tetragonal, monoclinic and a mixture of tetragonal-monoclinic and varied volumes of 0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10%. Amorphous, tetragonal and a mixture of tetragonal-monoclinic ZrO2 were obtained from purifying natural zircon sand (ZrSiO4), while monoclinic ZrO2 was obtained from commercial materials. The structure characterisation was performed using X-ray diffraction and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR). The morphology was observed using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The electrical properties of impedance, dielectric constant and dielectric losses, and electrical conductivity were characterised using Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). The research results showed that the filler phase had an effect towards the electrical properties of PANI/ZrO2. The impedance of PANI as well as PANI/ZrO2 showed a constant phase element (CPE) behaviour with impedance values of 9.87, 9.16, 13.31, and 79.59 kΩ for the composites with amorphous filler, monoclinic filler, tetragonal filler, and tetragonal-monoclinic filler, respectively. The dielectric constant and dielectric losses decreased with the increasing amount of ZrO2 filler. The AC conductivity of PANI/ZrO2 was found to be lower when compared to PANI for all of the filler phases and volume fractions.

SA01: a new potential reference material for zircon in situ (U–Th)/He and U–Pb double dating

A new natural zircon SA01 was introduced as a potential in situ (U–Th)/He and U–Pb double dating reference material with both ages highly reproducible.

Fluorination of zircon using ammonium bifluoride to produce ZrF4

In this work, the thermal and microstructural analysis of the reaction pathways of natural zircon with ammonium bifluoride (NH4HF2) under N2 gas were investigated from room temperature to 850 °C using thermogravimetry (TGA), scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results indicate that the fluorination of zircon to form (NH4)3ZrF7 and (NH4)2SiF6 initiates with the melting of NH4HF2. With the increment of temperature, the departure of H2O/NH3 and NH4HF2 occurs below 175 °C. Subsequently, (NH4)3ZrF7 releases NH4F to form (NH4)2ZrF6 at 246.5 °C and (NH4)2SiF6 sublimes mainly at 280 °C. Finally, (NH4)3ZrF6 releases all NH4F at 330 °C to form ZrF4, which sublimes at ∼700 °C. Based on the above results, a pilot test in kilogram scale was performed and high purity ZrF4 could be produced under the optimal conditions.

Ban‐1 Zircon: A New Natural Zircon Reference Material for LA‐MC‐ICP‐MS Zr and Hf Isotopic Determinations

New zircon reference materials for in situ zircon radiogenic Hf isotope and stable Zr isotopic determinations made by laser ablation multi‐collector inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry (LA‐MC‐ICP‐MS) are required due to high data productivity and consequently high reference material consumption rate. This study examines a new natural zircon for Zr isotope ratios by double spike thermal ionisation mass spectrometry (TIMS), and for Hf isotopes by bulk solution nebuliser (SN)‐MC‐ICP‐MS with both Zr and Hf determined by LA‐MC‐ICP‐MS. A total of five zirconium isotope measurements from drilled zircons, determined by TIMS, yield a mean δ94/90ZrIPGP‐Zr value of ‐0.09 ± 0.06‰ (2s). Five and eight hafnium isotope measurements for powders from the drilled zircons and Ban‐1‐4 by SN‐MC‐ICP‐MS, yield mean 176Hf/177Hf ratios of 0.282985 ± 0.000011 (2s) and 0.282982 ± 0.000007 (2s), respectively. The mean δ94/90ZrIPGP‐Zr value and 176Hf/177Hf ratio determined by LA‐MC‐ICP‐MS analyses are ‐0.06 ± 0.09‰ (2s, n = 504) and 0.282985 ± 0.000035 (2s, n = 327), respectively. The isotopic homogeneities suggest that the Ban‐1 zircon is a suitable reference material for microbeam Zr and Hf isotopic measurements.

Raman-XPS Spectroscopy, REE Chemistry, and Morphological Studies of Detrital Zircon and Monazite – Implications for Metamict State and Provenance

Abstract A combination of advanced characterisation techniques was applied to study the structure, chemistry, and surface morphological features of detrital zircon and monazite grains from the coasts of Varkala and Kovalam situated in the south-west part of India, showing implications to their metamict state, Rare Earth Element (REE) chemistry, and provenance. Raman, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Ultraviolet-Visible-near- IR (UV-Vis-NIR) spectroscopic techniques were used to detect the disorder in crystal structure due to self irradiation damage. The rare earth, radioactive, and trace elements present in these minerals were identified using high resolution inductively coupled mass spectrometer (HR-ICP-MS). These studies are also complimented by scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis for understanding the morphological features. The present study depicts a low degree of metamictization in natural detrital zircon and monazite grains with information regarding their REE chemsitry and the surface morphological changes that occurred due to mechanical impacts caused during transportation and deposition. These vivid datasets of information facilitate the mining industry and scientific community for determining their grades.

New Quartz And Zircon Si Isotopic Reference Materials For Precise And Accurate SIMS Isotopic Microanalysis

Here we report the Si isotope compositions of four potential reference materials, including one fused quartz glass (Glass-Qtz), one natural quartz (Qinghu-Qtz), and two natural zircons (Qinghu-Zir and Penglai-Zir), suitable for in-situ Si isotopic microanalysis. Repeated SIMS (Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry) analyses demonstrate that these materials are more homogeneous in Si isotopes (with the spot-to-spot uncertainty of 0.090-0.102‰), compared with the widely used NIST RM 8546 (previously NBS-28) quartz standard (with the spot-to-spot uncertainty poorer than 0.16‰). Based on the solution-MC-ICP-MS determination, the recommended 𝛿30Si values are −0.10 ± 0.04 ‰ (2SD), −0.03 ± 0.05 ‰ (2SD), −0.45 ± 0.06 ‰ (2SD), and −0.34 ± 0.06 ‰ (2SD), for Glass-Qtz, Qinghu-Qtz, Qinghu-Zir, and Penglai-Zir, respectively. Our results reveal no detectable matrix effect on SIMS Si isotopic microanalysis between the fused quartz glass (Glass-Qtz) and natural quartz (Qinghu-Qtz) standards. Therefore, we propose that this synthetic quartz glass may be used as an alternative, more homogenous standard for SIMS Si isotopic microanalysis of natural quartz samples.