Zircon U-Pb dating and trace elements in situ microanalysis is one of the most widely used methods of geological dating. The zircon morphology, internal structure and geochemistry significance in-depth study are the key to properly understanding and interpreting the meaning of in situ microanalysis zircon dating. By zircon cathodoluminescence, backscattered electron images, combined with zircon Th/U ratios and the characteristic of REE distribution patterns, we can determine different types of zircon. Zircon trace elements can reflect genetic types and environment of host rocks. Zircon Ti thermometer may limit the depth of the magma source rock range. Combining zircon host rock types and the study of deep source inclusion in host rocks may further reflect the parent magma origin. Combination of zircon UPb dating and trace elements is an important method that has been successfully applied to determining maximum depositional age, provenance analysis, closure time of the paleo-ocean and so on. There is a strong development prospect for it.

zircon  /  U-Pb dating  /  trace elements  /  Th/U ratios  /  REE distribution patterns