Geo- and cosmochemistry of the twin elements yttrium and holmium

We have analyzed the Y/Ho-ratios in bulk chondrites, chondrules and four Ca- and Al-rich inclusions (CAIs) from carbonaceous and unequilibrated ordinary and enstatite chondrites (EC) by laser ablation inductively coupled mass spectrometry (LA-ICPMS). We demonstrate that bulk rock sample preparation...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta
Main Authors: Pack, Andreas, Russell, Sara S, Shelley, Michael, van Zuilen, Mark
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:unknown
Published: Pergamon-Elsevier Ltd
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Online Access:http://hdl.handle.net/1885/58592
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gca.2007.07.010
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https://openresearch-repository.anu.edu.au/bitstream/1885/58592/7/01_Pack_Geo-_and_cosmochemistry_of_the_2007.pdf.jpg
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Summary:We have analyzed the Y/Ho-ratios in bulk chondrites, chondrules and four Ca- and Al-rich inclusions (CAIs) from carbonaceous and unequilibrated ordinary and enstatite chondrites (EC) by laser ablation inductively coupled mass spectrometry (LA-ICPMS). We demonstrate that bulk rock sample preparation by containerless melting is a suitable method for preparation of bulk rock samples for high-precision LA-ICPMS. Bulk chondrites have variable Y/Ho-ratios. Carbonaceous chondrites (CI1, CM2, CV3, and CK4) have a common Y/Ho-ratio (25.94 ± 0.08, 2σ) that is regarded as the solar system Y/Ho-ratio. The Y/Ho-ratio increases from carbonaceous, through ordinary (LL, L, H) to enstatite chondrites (EL6), which show the highest Y/Ho-ratio of 27.25. We discuss the result with respect to the origin of fractionation of Re and Os between chondrite groups. Within analytical error, Y and Ho show a good correlation in OC and CV3 chondrules and define an Y/Ho-ratio of 26.22 ± 0.40 (2σ). Y/Ho-fractionation in Ca- and Al-rich inclusions is related to differences in volatility. The bulk silicate Earth is suggested to have a solar Y/Ho-ratio and links the Earth with carbonaceous chondrites. Y/Ho variations in primitive and differentiated terrestrial igneous rocks are discussed in framework of incompatibility of Y and Ho during partial melting. Applicability of Y/Ho as tracer for or against a sedimentary origin of the putative host rock of the Earth's oldest traces of life from the island of Akilia is briefly discussed.