Application of U-Th-Pb-He double dating techniques to diamond exploration

Summary

This study has shown that helium thermochronology or (U-Th)/He dating is a technique that can be utilised to detect “hot” zircon originating from deep crustal regions.

Case studies have contributed to a better understanding of the thermal histories of Australian diamond deposits, and have demonstrated that zircon can be geochemically linked to the process of kimberlite/lamproite eruption, making it useful as a new diamond indicator mineral.

Keywords: diamond exploration, zircon indicator, helium thermochronology