In situ U–Pb, Sr and Nd isotopic analysis of loparite by LA-(MC)-ICP-MS

This work describes the in situ analysis of loparite [(Na,REE)Ti2O6], a perovskite group mineral with extremely low Rb/Sr ratios and high rare earth contents, by LA-(MC)-ICP-MS for the determination of U–Pb ages together with Sr and Nd isotopic composition. The reliability of these data were validated by analysis of a loparite standard by TIMS solution methods. Data are given for loparite from the Lovozero and Khibiny peralkaline complexes of the Kola Alkaline Province (Russia). For Lovozero loparite the Tera–Wasserburg intercept age for 15 loparites analysed is 373 ± 11 Ma, and the weighted 207Pb corrected 206Pb/238U age is 373 ± 2 Ma. For Khibiny loparite, the intercept age for 5 loparites analysed is 375 ± 10 Ma, and the weighted 207Pb corrected 206Pb/238U age is 374 ± 3 Ma. The common Pb compositions for Lovozero and Khibiny loparites are identical i.e.207Pb/206Pb = 0.898 ± 0.009 and 0.898 ± 0.007, respectively. The 87Sr/86Sr initial ratios of Lovozero loparite range from 0.703552 to 0.703682 (av. 0.703611), and εNd (t370) from + 3.8 to + 4.4 (av. + 4.0). The 87Sr/86Sr initial ratios of Khibiny loparite range from 0.703560 to 0.703871, and εNd (t730) from + 4.0 to + 4.8. Our data indicate that in situ LA-(MC)-ICP-MS analysis of loparite provides accurate and precise estimates of the intrusion ages and isotopic composition of peralkaline rocks.

Research Highlights
► This work describes the first in-situ analyses of loparite by LA–(MC)–ICP–MS methods.
► Data obtained by in-situ analysis were confirmed by standard TIMS methods.
► In-situ analysis of loparite gives accurate U–Pb ages and Sr and Nd isotopic compositions.