Diffusion is vital for interpreting geochronometric data, however, there are still gaps in our knowledge about this process for key minerals such as zircon. Zircon crystals are some of the oldest mineral grains on Earth and have strong chemical retention properties. Thus, zircons act as a window into the environment of the early Earth. Using nuclear analysis techniques on zircon crystals to measure the diffusion properties of tracer elements, and those relevant to radioactive decay, can improve estimations of mineral ages and provenance, thus aiding in a greater understanding of Earth and the early Solar System. This study utilized Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry (RBS) to measure the diffusion of tantalum (Ta) into synthesized zircon (ZrSiO4). RBS profiles yielded element concentration at various crystal depths on the nanometer scale. From these spectra, preliminary diffusivity coefficients were calculated. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images were taken for qualitative and compositional analysis of the analyzed crystal faces. This study further employed Particle-Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) to determine elemental composition of natural zircons sourced from Brazil and Australia. The identified elements provide insight into zircon's ability to be utilized as a reference standard for isotopic dating purposes. The preliminary diffusivities and natural zircon compositional analysis will be presented.
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