Thermochemical remanent magnetization in Precambrian rocks: Are we sure the geomagnetic field was weak?

Thellier paleointensity determinations from two dikes of the Early Proterozoic (∼2.46 Ga) Matachewan dike swarm (Canada) yield field values of 2.14 ± 0.18 and 9.81 ± 1.65 μT. Corresponding values of virtual axial dipole moment are very low (0.54 ± 0.05 × 1022 and 2.49 ± 0.42 × 1022 Am2, respectively) when compared with the modern field. The characteristic remanent magnetization (ChRM) was isolated over a narrow range of high unblocking temperatures (∼520–580°C). Detailed rock magnetic analyses indicate that the ChRM is carried by nearly stoichiometric pseudo single domain magnetite. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) reveals that the magnetite is in the form of fine intergrowths with ilmenite, formed by oxyexsolution during cooling. The high‐temperature oxidation defined in the SEM images could have continued at temperatures below the Curie point of magnetite. In this case, the ChRM would be a thermochemical remanent magnetization (TCRM) rather than a thermal remanent magnetization (TRM). Estimates of the TCRM/TRM ratio show that the Thellier data could underestimate the true field value by a factor of 4 without violating experimental selection criteria. This uncertainty in TRM fidelity translates into a potential range of field values that spans that defined by the modern field (∼8 × 1022 Am2) and proposed low Precambrian levels (∼2 × 1022 Am2). Therefore understanding further how TCRM is acquired and records the field represents a major challenge if these and many other similar rocks are to be used in Thellier studies aimed at defining the strength of the Precambrian field.