Highly precise Re-Os dating for molybdenite using alkaline fusion and NTIMS

The technique described in this paper represents the modification and combination of two previously existing methods, alkaline fusion and negative thermal ion mass spectrometry (NTIMS). We have used this technique to analyze repeatedly a homogeneous molybdenite powder used as a reference standard in our laboratory. Analyses were made over a period of 18 months, using four different calibrations of two different spike solutions. The age of this standard reproduces at a level of +/- 0.13%. Each individual age analysis carries an uncertainty of about 0.4% that includes the uncertainty in the decay constant for Re-187. This new level of resolution has allowed us to recognize real differences in ages for two grain-size populations of molybdenite from some Archean samples. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.