Oxygen isotope analyses of biogenic opal and quartz using a novel microfluorination technique.

Rationale: Measuring δ(18)O values in silicates is difficult and hazardous in comparison with measurements of carbonate minerals due to the difficulty in breaking Si-O-Si bonds. A novel method for measurement of δ(18)O values from quartz and biogenic silica utilizing high-temperature pyrolysis with continuous-flow isotope ratio mass spectrometry (CF-IRMS) is presented.

Methods: Samples were prepared by offline dehydroxylation/dehydration under vacuum at 1060°C.