Search for Hadean Zircon: Decreasing the Time Required for Pre-analyzing Processes and Age Analyses

Abstract

 Zircon is the only candidate of Hadean terrestrial material that can be collected because it can survive physically and chemically, as well as maintain its U–Pb age system during omnigenous geological events. However, Hadean zircons are rare, so many age analyses of zircons are required to isolate Hadean zircon grains. There are two ways to improve the analyses; decrease the time required for pre-analyzing processes and decrease the time required for age analysis. New equipment, high-voltage pulse power fragmentation device and automatic zircon pick-up system are effective for crushing rock sample and separating zircon grains, respectively, in a short time. Another potential age analysis, the ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb age screening analysis, shows good performance in selecting old zircons quickly. Integrative operation of equipment and methods will result in successfully finding numerous Hadean zircons.