Shells, corals and carbonates are also suitable materials for AMS radiocarbon dating. 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. Shells, corals 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.
Preferred sample size: 40 mg
Minimum sample size: 20 mg
Pure carbonate samples for radiocarbon dating are substances containing carbonates, which are compounds that contain the carbonate ion (CO32-). In the context of radiocarbon dating, carbonate samples typically refer to substances such as carbonates found in geological and archaeological materials. These can include materials like shells, corals, limestone, and speleothems (cave formations like stalagmites and stalactites) that contain carbonates. Chemical preparation of samples involves surface abrasion using a rotary tool, then samples are coarsely cut or crushed before cleaning in MilliQ water with ultrasonication. The organic materials, if needed, are removed with H2O2 solution. Samples are then etched using 0.1-0.2M HCl to remove the outer layer of potentially recrystallized carbonates.
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