Applications of U-Th-Pb Geochronology of Accessory Minerals

Dear Colleagues,

Accurate age determination is pivotal for studying several geodynamic processes, including magmatism, metamorphism, hydrothermal alteration and mineralization. With the advance of in situ analytical technology (including SIMS, SHRIMP, LA-ICP-MS), high-precision dating has been successfully applied to various uranium-thorium (U-Th)-bearing minerals, in particular zircon, monazite, xenotime, apatite, sphene, and garnet, as well as to different growth zones of individual mineral grains. However, many other minerals may also have age dating potential, and the development of better standards and analytical protocols is critically needed to improve the quality and accuracy of age data. Therefore, in this Special Issue, we invite the submission of papers dedicated to topics including (but not limited to) the geological/tectonic/metallogenic applications and case studies of U-Th-Pb dating, development of U-Th-Pb dating technology/technique and reference materials, and unconventional accessory minerals that are potentially useful in U-Th-Pb dating.

Prof. Dr. Xiaoping Xia
Dr. Chunkit Lai
Guest Editors

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