Zircon zoning and implications for ore fertility indices

Speaker: Dr John Caulfield

Abstract: Zircon is the most analysed mineral via Laser Ablation ICP-MS as it is resistant, datable and its trace element systematics inform on petrogenetic processes. The seminar will highlight the nature and extent of compositional heterogeneity in three widely distributed reference zircons, offering recommendations for analytical best practice. This work demonstrates the necessity of texturally constrained in-situ analyses of zircon ‘unknowns’ for reconstructing magmatic evolution and successfully identifying processes related to mineralisation.

Bio: John is a geochemist who completed his PhD in volcanic isotope geochemistry at Macquarie University. Subsequently he has worked on understanding weathering reactions in poorly productive hard rock aquifers and technique development for measuring halogens in apatite, scapolite and silicate glass via LA-ICP-MS. John's most recent work investigates textural and chemical zoning in zircon and implications for the development of mineralisation vectors.