LAUSR

Abstract The widespread use of monazite (LREEPO4) in U-Pb geochronology is underpinned by the assumption that it incorporates negligible amounts of Pb during initial growth, and that radiogenic Pb remains immobile after formation. We have investigated the nanoscale distribution of Pb in monazite from granulite facies rocks of the Sandmata Metamorphic Complex (Rajasthan, India) by atom probe microscopy to further understand the utility of monazite as a geochronometer. The studied monazite contains distinct 10 nm clusters, enriched in Ca and with a bulk composition consistent with them being apatite (Ca5(PO4)3(OH)), that are also enriched in Si and Pb relative to the monazite host. The 208Pb/232Th ratios of the clusters ranged from 1.1 ± 0.1 to 1.4 ± 0.2 (2σ), indicating that the clusters hold unsupported Pb. The 208Pb/232Th ratios of the whole specimen (including clusters) and the matrix alone are similar (