Jarosite, argon diffusion, and dating aqueous mineralization on Earth and Mars

Jarosite 40Ar/39Ar ages can be used to date surface processes such as weathering and environmental transitions (i.e. aridification) on Earth and Mars. To better interpret jarosite ages from a thermochronological perspective, the diffusion kinetics of argon in jarosite were determined. Incremental fractional loss measurements indicate an activation energy (E) of 37.8 ± 1.5 kcal/mol and a log Do/a2 of 5.68 ± 0.63 s− 1 corresponding to a closure temperature of 143 ± 28 °C, assuming a cooling rate 100 °C/Ma. Downward extrapolation of these parameters to Martian surface temperatures (≤ 22 °C) predicts < 1% fractional loss of Ar over 4.0 Ga. Forward modeling of 40Ar/39Ar age spectra using the least retentive E, Do/a2 pairs predict that if held at 22 °C or less for 4.0 Ga, supergene jarosite would preserve original growth ages manifest as plateau ages consisting of > 95% of the gas release. Because of its susceptibility to mineralogical breakdown, 40Ar/39Ar ages on preserved Martian jarosite will reflect the time since water was present at a location that has since undergone aridification and remained hydrologically inactive and thermally quiescent.

► Kinetics of argon diffusion in jarosite have been determined.
► Jarosite indicates arid conditions prevailed following an aqueous environment.
► Jarosite retains 40Ar at Mars surface conditions over billion year timescales.
► Jarosite ages record the time since water was present.
► Quiescence required for preservation of jarosite is favorable for habitability.