Publication Name: Australasian Exploration Geoscience Conference 2019
Authors: Adrienne Brotodewo*, Caroline Tiddy, Diana Plavsa, Adrian Fabris
Date Published: September 2019
Number of Pages: 4
Abstract:
Zircon is a refractory mineral that is able to crystallize within hydrothermal, igneous and metamorphic environments, resulting in extreme variability in its external morphology, internal textures and chemistry. The chemistry of zircon is sensitive to its source rock type and crystallisation environment. Zircon has a tendency to incorporate a range of minor and trace elements, largely determined by its crystal structure and changes in temperature, pressure and composition. Internal textures of zircon can be used to indicate the type of crystallisation environment, as well as the environment(s) to which it was subjected following crystallisation. Given the complexity of zircon textures and the uncertainty associated with interpreting isotopic ages, trace element analysis is becoming widely applied as another line of evidence for more confident petrogenic interpretation.