VILNIUS - Horn, antler, ivory

Horn, antler, ivory

AMS radiocarbon dating of horn, antler, ivory

AMS radiocarbon dating is widely used method to determine the age of organic materials, including antler, horn, ivory samples. For this procedure, collagen from the antler being extracted, and analyzed C and N atomic ratio, if it matches needed range, and sample is propriate for dating. Antler sample recommended quantity is at least 1 gram. Sample should be dry, clean and to look well preserved, because poor quality antler often fails to demonstrate needed parameters of collagen, and reliable C14 information cannot be obtained. Together with C14 result we delivering quantities of C, N, C/N atomic ratio and yield. On demand we can measure and d13C and d15N stable isotopes values, using Isoprime VISION isotope ratio mass spectrometer from Elementar GmbH (Germany) results. Prior to radiocarbon (14C) dating all samples are being selected and pre-treated according to the type, quantity and condition of material, and then graphitized. This is one of the most important phases in the carbon dating process, which requires highest expertise to achieve reliable and accurate result. Antler and horn samples in VILNIUS RADIOCARBON laboratory are being pre-treated using exceptionally best-on-the-market chemicals and consumables and strictly following internally and internationally approved methodology according to the protocol. On demand we can measure and d13C stable isotopes values, using Isoprime VISION isotope ratio mass spectrometer from Elementar GmbH (Germany) results.

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Preferred sample size: >2 g

Minimum sample size: 600 mg

Horn, antler, ivory is composed of three primary components: mineral, organic, and water. Approximately 30% of the dry sample weight comprises organic matter, while the remaining 70% consists of non-organic material. Within the organic fraction of horn, proteins and minimal lipid content are present. Collagen, the most significant protein, constitutes 90-95% of the total organic material and it is one of the most reliable fractions for dating.

The preservation quality of horn collagen is mainly influenced by environmental factors. Collagen tends to be well-preserved in cooler climates and under moderate pH conditions. However, in highly acidic soils, the mineral part of the bone undergoes gradual dissolution, leading to the degradation of collagen. Additionally, collagen is remarkably sensitive to chemical breakdown in highly alkaline soil environments.

The preparation of horn samples involves standard acid-base-acid (ABA) procedure and collagen extraction. Firstly, horn samples are ultrasonicated in ultrapure water, dried, grinded and sieved to get the appropriately sized sample fraction (0.5–1 mm). Then samples are treated with 0.5M hydrochloric acid (~18 hr), 0.1-0.2M sodium hydroxide (30 min-1h), and 0.5M hydrochloric acid (1 hr). Horn collagen gelatinization is performed in pH 3 solution at 70°C for 20 hr. Gelatine solution is filtered using a cleaned Ezee-filter and freeze-dried. The quality of collagen is a critical factor in radiocarbon dating. It is monitored by carbon and nitrogen content in collagen, atomic C/N ratio determination and collagen yield. Samples are dated if the collagen yield is above 1% and the C:N ratio of the collagen is between 2.9 and 3.5. The samples that deviate from these ratios are deemed unsuitable for dating.

Before sending the sample, we recommend to check here, how your sample’s result in the dating certificate will look.