Researchers interested in acquiring data in the laboratory can contact us for details. Please see the lab calendar for available dates.

Analysis Types

The laboratory is equipped for U-Th-Pb geochronology and/or trace-element geochemistry. U-Th-Pb isotopes can be  measured using a Nu Plasma 3 multi-collector ICP-MS. Trace elements can be measured using an Agilent 7700x quadrupole ICP-MS. Materials are typically analyzed as solids via laser ablation, either in thin section or on polished mineral separates mounted in one-inch-diameter epoxy rounds. Solution analyses are also possible.

The lab routinely analyzes:

•  zircon (15-25 μm spot; U-Pb, trace elements)

• monazite (8-15 μm spot; U-Pb, trace elements)

• titanite (20-35 μm spot; U-Pb, trace elements)

• rutile (20-35 μm spot; U-Pb, trace elements)

• apatite (20-35 μm spot; U-Pb, trace elements)

• calcite (50-80 μm spot; U-Pb, trace elements)

• other minerals (20-50 μm spot; trace elements)

The lab continually works to expand its analytical capabilities (e.g., Lu-Hf, Pb-Pb, Sm-Nd isotopes with MC-ICP-MS; novel U-Pb chronometers such as epidote, cassiterite, etc.). Get in touch if you would like to discuss other types of analyses.