The Re-Os Isotopic System: Geochemistry and Methodology at the Geochronological Research Center (CPGeo) of the University of S o Paulo, Brazil

The Re-Os isotopic system is an important tool for the study of mantle-crust processes, geochronology and the tracingof source reservoirs for metal deposition. Rhenium and osmium differ fundamentally from other lithophile isotopic systemswith regards to their behavior during partial melting processes, coupled with the chalcophile/siderophile nature of bothelements. These differences make the system extremely useful for a number of novel applications not traditionally addressedby lithophile isotopic systems. A low-blank technique for the analysis of Re-Os isotopes in geological materials has beenestablished at the Geochronological Research Center (CPGeo) of the Geosciences Institute of the University of S o Paulo,Brazil, with the aim of furthering knowledge of regional geology, tectonic evolution, petrology and ore deposition in SouthAmerica. The techniques described here use isotope dilution to simultaneously determine the concentration of Os and Re aswell the Os isotopic composition of geologic materials. Sample digestion and sample-isotopic spike equilibration are achievedin sealed borosilicate glass tubes at high temperature. Osmium is separated and purified by carbon tetrachloride solventextraction and micro-distillation techniques. Rhenium is separated and purified by anion exchange chromatography. Accuracyof the concentration and isotopic determinations is monitored by the analysis of a certified reference material (WPR-1) andthe use of the Department of Terrestrial Magnetism (DTM) Os isotopic standard. Measured values and precision of thesestandards is within error and comparable to established Re-Os laboratories.