Once a rock has been collected, zircons are extracted using a series of techniques such as using a [[sieve]], [[heavy liquid]], shaking table, and [[magnetic separation]] to separate minerals based on differing densities and properties. Zircon crystals are then mounted to an epoxy or metal disc-shaped slide,<ref name="Microprobe prep"> "[http://shrimprg.stanford.edu/ Sample Preparation]". SHRIMP RG Sample Preparation. USGS. Retrieved 8 Oct 2014.</ref> where they can be shaved to about half thickness to reveal their internal structure. From here, they can be imaged using [[cathodoluminescence]] to make any zonations in the mineral visible. If zonation is apparent, multiple measurements of Ti abundance can be taken from the center to the rim to give the temperature evolution of the crystal. | Once a rock has been collected, zircons are extracted using a series of techniques such as using a [[sieve]], [[heavy liquid]], shaking table, and [[magnetic separation]] to separate minerals based on differing densities and properties. Zircon crystals are then mounted to an epoxy or metal disc-shaped slide,<ref name="Microprobe prep"> "[http://shrimprg.stanford.edu/ Sample Preparation]". SHRIMP RG Sample Preparation. USGS. Retrieved 8 Oct 2014.</ref> where they can be shaved to about half thickness to reveal their internal structure. From here, they can be imaged using [[cathodoluminescence]] to make any zonations in the mineral visible. If zonation is apparent, multiple measurements of Ti abundance can be taken from the center to the rim to give the temperature evolution of the crystal. |