Closing the gap in K‑Ca‑Ar geochronology with TIMS/ZEPTONA

Image: Dan Meyers

This project establishes a nationally unique research capability for high‑precision potassium–calcium (K‑Ca) geochronology by upgrading the Adelaide University’s TIMS/ATONA system with an ultra‑low‑noise ZEPTONA detector.

Overview

Led by A/Prof Juraj Farkas (Adelaide University), the project upgrades existing TIMS instrumentation with the new and ultra-low noise ZEPTONA detector to dramatically improve sensitivity and dynamic range for K‑Ca isotope measurements. The team will prepare and calibrate enriched isotope spikes, develop chromatographic separation methods, generate high‑precision reference datasets for key mineral standards, and validate in‑situ K‑Ca dating techniques across partner laboratories (Curtin, UWA, CSIRO, Geological Surveys, MinEx CRC). The project will also develop new IsoplotR tools for integrated K‑Ca‑Ar data analysis in collaboration with researchers at the University College London, UK.

“This project aims to unlock the full potential of K–Ca geochronology in Australia by leveraging a novel ultra-low-noise ZEPTONA detection system for high-precision isotope analysis of K-rich minerals, delivering better-characterised mineral standards and enabling more robust and accessible dating applications at various scales”
- Project Lead - A/Prof Juraj Farkas

The Challenge

Potassium is one of the most common elements in Earth’s crust, and its radioactive isotope 40K slowly decays into two different elements (calcium and argon) over time. One of these pathways — the one that produces radiogenic calcium - 40Ca - is actually the main branch or pathway through which potassium decays. Despite its importance, scientists rarely use this pathway or K-Ca geochronology to date rocks due to analytical limitations and a lack of well‑characterised mineral standards.

Because of these limitations, this potentially powerful dating tool has remained out of reach, with its research potential not fully realised or applied in geosciences. This means Australia is missing opportunities to better understand the timing of geological events, validate existing dating methods, and/or support critical mineral exploration. The project aims to close this gap by creating the new analytical tools, datasets, and infrastructure needed to make K‑Ca dating practical, accurate, and widely usable at various scales.

Expected Outcomes

  • A fully commissioned TIMS/ATONA + ZEPTONA system enabling ultra‑sensitive, high‑precision isotope ratio measurements.

  • Nationally significant reference datasets for K‑rich mineral standards (feldspar, micas, illite) for both solution and in‑situ dating.

  • Validated in‑situ K‑Ca geochronology protocols for SIMS and LA‑MC‑ICP‑MS instruments at partner institutions.

  • New IsoplotR software tools for integrated K‑Ca‑Ar data visualisation and interpretation.

  • A multi‑institutional research infrastructure supporting advanced geochronology and critical mineral exploration.

What are the benefits?

  • New national capability for high‑precision K‑Ca dating: By leveraging existing research assets, this project will enable new applications in critical mineral exploration, environmental monitoring, and isotope tracing.

  • Robust calibration materials: Delivery of new measurement systems will help unlock widespread adoption of in‑situ K‑Ca geochronology across Australian laboratories.

  • Improved geochronological research: with new K‑Ca methods and data, this will enable earth scientists to independently validate K‑Ar and Ar‑Ar ages used in exploration and geological mapping.

Who will benefit

Several communities will benefit from this project, including:

  • Geoscience researchers require high‑precision geochronology for igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary systems.

  • Geological Surveys, CSIRO, and MinEx CRC, which rely on accurate dating for resource exploration and regional mapping.

  • Industry partners exploring critical minerals, Li‑pegmatites, and potassic alteration systems.

  • Environmental and nuclear science researchers who use Ca isotope tracers for coastal, biogeochemical, and radionuclide studies.

Access

  • The upgraded TIMS/ZEPTONA system will be hosted at the University of Adelaide and accessible to partner institutions through collaborative arrangements.

  • Reference datasets, analytical protocols, and software tools will be openly shared via AuScope platforms, AGN, and EarthBank.

  • In‑situ K‑Ca methods validated through this project will be available at Curtin, UWA, and other national facilities, enabling broad community uptake.

 
 

Project Name
Closing the gap in K‑Ca‑Ar geochronology with TIMS/ZEPTONA

Project Lead

Team
Dr Juraj Farkas
Dr Juraj Farkas

Earth Composition & Evolution (ECE)
Project Lead MIFAS

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Timeframe
Jan 2026 to Jun 2027

Status
Active

Funding
Pilot 5

Host
The University of Adelaide

Other Collaborators
Curtin University
University of Western Australia
CSIRO
State Geological Surveys

AuScope Programs

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Acknowledging AuScope

This project was made possible by support from the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS) through AuScope. Acknowledging AuScope and NCRIS helps us demonstrate the value of shared research infrastructure, ensuring continued support and resources for the research community.

If you helped deliver this project or have benefited from its outputs, please credit AuScope so we can include your work in our impact reporting. For examples of acknowledgement, please visit our ‘Acknowledge AuScope’ page.

We’d love to see your work—please tag us on social media using:

@auscope | #AuScopeImpact | #NCRISimpact

NVCLAuScopePilot 5, NCRIS, Active, K‑Ca geochronology Australia, TIMS ZEPTONA upgrade, Potassium‑calcium dating, Geochronology reference materials, Critical minerals geoscience