Lutetium and Hafnium Isotopes in Zircons

Lu–Hf isotope is an informative geochemical tool. Comprehensive in situ study of U–Pb and Lu–Hf isotope systems in zirconium minerals (zircon, baddeleyite) by LA-ICP-MS allows obtaining characteristics of the initial substance and evolution of the earth’s crust. The data bear the crucial important information about the parent rocks and ore source in the Norilsk-Taymyr district. This chapter presents data obtained in VSEGEI isotope laboratory and in Australia. In Norilsk ores, significant variations in Hf isotopic composition have been revealed. Zircons of commercially ore-bearing intrusions have an increased value of eHf (to +10, weighted average eHf(T) = 8.2 ± 1.8). Compared with them, the Lower Talnakh low ore-bearing intrusion has practically zero eHf values. Thus, according to the results of the studied zircon sample, we can say that high eHf values are a necessary isotope criterion of ore content.