Lesson 1X-ray diffraction (XRD): phase identification goals and sample preparation notesThis section covers XRD for BIF, aiming at phase spotting, measuring iron oxides, carbonates, silicates, and seeing non-crystal parts. Focus on taking, grinding, and dodging line-up errors.
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 section checks steady O, Si, C isotopes in BIF stuff, showing what each tells on heat, water sources, rock-water mixes, changes, and joining multi-isotope data with thin slice 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 section reviews date tools for BIF layers, like U-Pb on zircon from mixed volcano rocks, Re-Os on sulfides, chem and rock layer matching, noting strengths, doubts, and joining 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 section lays out BIF sample plans in outcrop and core, with spacings, aiming at sediment repeats, face shifts, and building joined sections that keep layer sense but stay doable.
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 section brings in light petrography for BIF, stressing how see-through and bounce-back thin slices show minerals, textures, tiny builds from laying, changes, bends, and water marks.
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 section brings in iron isotope checks in BIF work, covering take plans, clean methods, mass measures, and how Fe signs pin down redox steps, iron comes from, bugs work, and change marks 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 section names BIF sample kinds and uses, from whole rock and aimed slabs to usual thin slices, smoothed mounts, micro-drill dusts, stressing how each backs thin slice, element, isotope checks and ideas.
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 section explains whole-rock XRF and ICP-MS for BIF, with main and trace targets, usual ranges, redox signs like Fe, Si, Mn, P, REE shapes to guess laying and change states.
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 section details electron probe and SEM-EDS for BIF, on mineral makeup, zones, tiny textures. You'll plan check lines, read maps, link tiny sights to whole-rock element shapes.
Sample polishing and coating requirementsBackscattered and secondary electron imagingPoint analyses and line transectsElemental mapping of mineral zoningLinking microtextures to bulk chemistry
