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Detailed File Information
Hand Picking Samples for 40Ar/39Ar Geochronology
File Name m00008.img.800.hand.picking.jpg
Data Type photograph
Computer Program Adobe Illustrator CS2
File Size 524.00 KB - 2 files [ jpg,pdf ]
Expert Level High School (Grade 9-12)
Contributor ERESE Database Team
Source Scripps Institution of Oceanography
Resource Matrix The Formation of Seamounts
Description
Sample preparation is about as important in 40Ar/39Ar geochronology as the actual measurements. Hand picking is the final stage in the sample preparation, whereby the best possible grains devote of any sign of alteration and weathering are removed under a binocular microscope. Only the best quality grains are selected. Hand picking 50-100 mg of basaltic groundmass, 5-10 mg of feldspar, 2-5 mg of hornblende or 2 mg of biotite can take between 4 and 12 hours.
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