Lesson 1X-ray diffraction (XRD): phase identification goals and sample preparation notesThis part covers XRD for BIF, focusing on spotting phases, measuring iron oxides, carbonates, silicates, and seeing non-crystal parts. It stresses sampling, grinding, and avoiding alignment issues.
Choosing representative XRD samplesPowder preparation and grain-size controlInstrument settings and scan parametersIdentifying iron oxides, carbonates, silicatesSemi-quantitative phase estimation limitsLesson 2Stable isotopes (O, Si, C): what each proxy reveals about temperature, fluid sources, and diagenesisThis part looks at stable O, Si, C isotopes in BIF materials, showing what each tells about heat, fluid sources, rock-water mix, diagenesis, and combining isotope data with rock views.
Sampling carbonates, cherts, and silicatesO isotope constraints on fluid temperatureSi isotopes and silica source signalsC isotopes in associated carbonatesCombining isotopes with petrographyLesson 3Dating approaches relevant to BIF studies: U-Pb on intercalated volcanics or zircons, Re-Os on sulfides, and stratigraphic correlation methodsThis part reviews dating for BIF layers, like U-Pb on zircons from mixed volcanics, Re-Os on sulfides, chemical and rock matching, noting strengths, doubts, and combining ways.
Selecting datable interlayered unitsU-Pb zircon sampling and interpretationRe-Os sulfide sampling and limitationsChemostratigraphic correlation in BIFsIntegrating ages with regional stratigraphyLesson 4Designing a sampling plan: sample spacing in outcrop and core, targeting cycles, and strategies for composite sectionsThis part shows how to plan BIF sampling in outcrop and core, spacing, aiming at cycles, catching facies changes, and making joined sections that keep layer order but are practical.
Defining scientific questions and scalesSampling spacing in outcrop and coreTargeting facies and cycle boundariesBuilding composite stratigraphic sectionsDocumenting locations and metadataLesson 5Optical petrography: objectives, thin-section techniques (transmitted and reflected light), and key textures to documentThis part starts optical rock study for BIF, stressing how light through and bounced off thin slices show minerals, textures, tiny structures from deposition, changes, deformation, fluid effects.
Objectives of BIF petrographic studiesPreparing transmitted light thin sectionsPreparing reflected light polished sectionsRecognizing primary banding and laminationIdentifying diagenetic and metamorphic texturesLesson 6Iron isotope analyses and their interpretive use for redox and source studiesThis part starts iron isotope work in BIF research, covering sampling, cleaning, mass measures, and how δ56Fe values limit redox, iron sources, microbe work, diagenetic changes in old basins.
Sampling strategies for Fe isotopesChemical purification of iron fractionsMC-ICP-MS measurement considerationsInterpreting δ56Fe in depositional settingsRecognizing diagenetic isotope overprintsLesson 7Types of samples: bulk rock, oriented slabs, thin sections, polished mounts, and targeted micro-drilled powdersThis part lists BIF sample types and uses, from whole rock and aimed slabs to thin slices, polished blocks, micro-drills, stressing how each helps rock, chemistry, isotope work and readings.
Bulk rock samples for whole-rock chemistryOriented slabs for structural contextStandard and doubly polished thin sectionsPolished mounts for reflected light and EMPAMicro-drilled powders for isotope analysesLesson 8Whole-rock major and trace element geochemistry (XRF/ICP-MS): elements to measure, expected ranges, and redox-sensitive proxies (Fe, Si, Mn, P, rare earth elements)This part explains whole-rock XRF and ICP-MS for BIF, main and trace targets, usual ranges, redox signs like Fe, Si, Mn, P, REE shapes for deposition and change conditions.
Sampling and contamination avoidanceFusion and dissolution preparation methodsKey major elements and Fe/Si ratiosTrace elements and REE pattern metricsRedox-sensitive elemental proxy selectionLesson 9Electron microprobe and SEM-EDS: mineral chemistry, zoning, and micro-texture documentationThis part details electron probe and SEM-EDS for BIF, on mineral chemistry, zoning, tiny textures. You'll plan lines, read maps, link tiny views to whole-rock chemistry.
Sample polishing and coating requirementsBackscattered and secondary electron imagingPoint analyses and line transectsElemental mapping of mineral zoningLinking microtextures to bulk chemistry
