Method for dissolving single-particle titanite and method for determining age of single-particle titanite by (uranium-thorium) / helium dating

Abstract

Disclosed are a method for dissolving a single-particle titanite and a method for determining an age of a single-particle titanite by (uranium-thorium) / helium dating, relating to the technical field of mineral isotope chronometry. A dissolution method exclusive to the single-particle titanite is provided. Compared with a zircon dissolution procedure, the method allows for a low dissolution temperature, greatly shortened dissolution time, and improved dissolution efficiency. The method for determining the age of the single-particle titanite by (uranium-thorium) / helium dating fills the gap of (uranium-thorium) / helium dating for the single-particle titanite. Compared with primitive (uranium-thorium) / helium dating method(s), in which contents of uranium, thorium, and helium are determined with aliquots, the method according to the present disclosure could realize that contents of uranium, thorium, and helium are obtained by measuring a same sample, which are then substituted into a (uranium-thorium) / helium age equation to directly obtain an age value. Therefore, the method avoids investigation and weighing during preparation of a sample, makes a measurement convenient, and also effectively saves a precious titanite sample.

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