Preparation and Certification of Re‐Os Dating Reference Materials: Molybdenites HLP and JDC

Abstract

Two Re‐Os dating reference material molybdenites were prepared. Molybdenite JDC and molybdenite HLP are from a carbonate vein‐type molybdenum‐(lead)‐uranium deposit in the Jinduicheng‐Huanglongpu area of Shaanxi province, China. The samples proved to be homogeneous, based on the coefficient of variation of analytical results and an analysis of variance test. The sampling weight was 0.1 g for JDC and 0.025 g for HLP. An isotope dilution method was used for the determination of Re and Os. Sample decomposition and pre‐concentration of Re and Os prior to measurement were accomplished using a variety of methods: acid digestion, alkali fusion, ion exchange and solvent extraction. Negative thermal ionisation mass spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry were used for the determination of Re and 187 Os concentration and isotope ratios. The certified values include the contents of Re and Os and the model ages. For HLP, the Re content was 283.8 ± 6.2 μg g−1, 187 Os was 659 ± 14 ng g−1 and the Re‐Os model age was 221.4 ± 5.6 Ma. For JDC, the Re content was 17.39 ± 0.32 μg g−1, 187 Os was 25.46 ± 0.60 ng g−1 and the Re‐Os model age was 139.6 ± 3.8 Ma. Uncertainties for both certified reference materials are stated at the 95% level of confidence. Three laboratories (from three countries: PR. China, USA, Sweden) joined in the certification programme. These certified reference materials are primarily useful for Re‐Os dating of molybdenite, sulfides, black shale, etc.