Identification and elimination of a matrix-induced systematic error in LA-ICP-MS 206Pb/238U dating of zircon

► More alpha particle damage to zircon causes more Pb per U atom to be detected. ► Damage difference between unknown and standard makes LA-ICP-MS zircon dating error. ► The effect is generally subtle but can be substantial for young zircons at 5% or more. ► Annealing unknown zircons and standards, similarly eliminates the problem. ► Removal of the effect improves ICP-MS dating external precision from 3% to < 1%.