Temporal and spatial variations in the Nd isotopic compositions of Tertiary caldera-forming rhyolite tuffs, and Cretaceous and Tertiary granites of the western U.S.A. are used as a basis for a model that accounts for the observed proportions of crustal versus mantle contributions to silicic magmas in terms of two parameters: the ambient crustal temperature and the rate of supply of basaltic magma from the mantle. The crustal contribution to silicic igneous rocks is measured in terms of the Neodymium Crustal Index (NCI). The relationships between crustal temperature, basalt supply and NCI are quantified using a model of a magma chamber undergoing continuous recharge, wall-rock assimilation and fractional crystallisation. From the model, a critical value of the ratio of basalt recharge-to-assimilation, (r/a)c, is deduced, which increases with decreasing crustal temperature. The r/a value must exceed (r/a)c to allow the volume of differentiated magma to increase, a prerequisite for developing large volumes of silicic magma. Strongly peraluminous (or S-type) magmas (NCI = 0·8–1), form under conditions of high crustal temperature and low basalt supply. Metaluminous or I-type granites form over a wide range of conditions (NCI = 0·1–1), generally where basalt supply is substantial. In individual long-lived volcanic centres, the large-volume high-silica ignimbrites are associated with the highest r/a and lowest NCI values, indicating that these magmas are typically differentiates of mantle-derived basaltic parents.

In situ, microscale, U-Pb isotopic analyses of zircon using the SHRIMP ion microprobe demonstrate both the potential and the limitations of zircon U-Pb geochronology. Most zircons, whether from igneous or metamorphic rocks, need to be considered as mixed isotopic systems. In simple, young igneous rocks the mixing is principally between isotopically disturbed and undisturbed zircon. In polymetamorphic rocks, several generations of zircon growth can coexist, each with a different pattern of discordance. A similar situation exists for igneous rocks rich in inherited zircon, as these contain both melt-precipitated zircon and inherited components of several different ages. Microscale analysis by ion probe makes it possible to sample the record of provenance, age and metamorphic history commonly preserved within a single zircon population. It also indicates how the interpretation of conventionallymeasured bulk zircon isotopic compositions might be improved.

Using zircons taken from two granite plutons, Strontian (Caledonian, northwestern Scotland) and Kameruka (Bega Batholith, southeastern Australia), this study presents observations that have a bearing on refractory zircons as provenance indicators. Two broad textural types of refractory zircon were identified: (1) those which show simple two-stage growth histories; and (2) those which have apparently undergone repeated periods of growth, resorption, mechanical abrasion, fracturing and fracture-healing. SHRIMP U-Pb ages obtained from the Kameruka zircons indicate that the cores are the textural manifestation of inheritance. The shapes of refractory cores are not unambiguously indicative of their ultimate origin, since they may also be modified by processes that occur before and after incorporation into the magma. The cores within the two populations show a great diversity in types and styles of zoning, and in composition, implying that they have not chemically equilibrated internally, or externally with their host melt.

Using the ion microprobe SHRIMP we have analysed zircons from the Ben Vuirich, Glen Kyllachy, Inchbae and Vagastie Bridge granites from the Scottish Caledonides, in an attempt to resolve the ages of inherited zircons shown to be present in these granites by previous conventional multigrain analyses. Middle Proterozoic age components were found in inherited zircons from all four granites. Late Proterozoic (900–1,100 Ma) components have been identified in zircons from the Glen Kyllachy and Ben Vuirich granites in the Grampian Highlands. A Late Archaean age has only been detected in one zircon from the Glen Kyllachy granite. The distribution of inherited components in the granite zircon populations could reflect fundamental divisions in the age composition of granite source rocks; however, detailed assessment of this possibility must await further ion microprobe analyses on zircons from many more granites.

SHRIMP isotopic and U, Th and Pb analyses were made on successive shells of zoned zircon surrounding inherited cores from the Glen Kyllachy granite to monitor chemical changes during magmatic zircon growth. Results show that zircon shells have characteristic but significantly different Th, U and Pb concentrations. Magmatic zircon from the Vagastie Bridge granite also forms as clearly defined oscillatory zoned shells around unzoned nuclei of inherited zircon. However, the distinction between magmatic and inherited zircon in zircons from the Inchbae granite is less clear. Zircons from the Ben Vuirich granite occur as euhedral, magmatic zircons, or as rounded, subhedral, inherited zircon grains. A SHRIMP age of 597 ± 11 (2σ) Ma for euhedral magmatic zircon from this granite is identical, within the uncertainty, to the conventional multigrain zircon age of 590 ± 2 (2σ) Ma reported by Rogers et al. (1989) and confirms the conclusions of those authors that sedimentation of the Dalradian sequence took place in the Precambrian.