Geochronology

Monazite dating with EPMA

Present in a wide variety of rock types, monazite is a robust geochronometer capable of recording multiple crystallyzation events.

An accurate, non destructive, high resolution dating technique

In-situ dating of monazite by measuring U, Th and Pb allows the linking of microstructure and geochronology data, thus providing a new type of information for geologists.

 Electron Probe Microanalysis outperforms standard mass spectrometry methods by offering high spatial resolution: with spot size less than 1 µm, the lateral resolution is 10 to 100 times better than with isotopic methods.

The CAMECA SXFive microprobe offers unequaled capabilities for trace element detection in small volumes and is the best suited tool for monazite dating.

Learn more by downloading the Geochronology and EPMA application note.