Preservation of old (prograde metamorphic) U-Th-Pb ages in unshielded monazite from the high-pressure paragneisses of the Variscan Ulten Zone (Italy)

► Monazite from HP metapelitic gneiss shows variable grain size and occurs in different textural positions. ► Large unshielded monazite preserves geochronological information better than shielded (included) monazite. ► Old ages predating the HT metamorphic peak are preserved in domains of large matrix-forming monazite.