The dating of ancient metals : review and a possible application of the 226Ra/230Th method (a tutorial)
Part of : Mediterranean archaeology & archaeometry : international journal ; Vol.6, No.2, 2006, pages 77-91
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Pages:
77-91
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Articles
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Abstract:
Based on the known U-disequilibrium decay law whereof several dating methods have beendevised (e.g. in dating speleothems, paintings, shells) a novel idea of dating ancient metals is presentedbased on the Radium-226 separation from metal during the smelting process. 226Ra is gonewith slag and its products, while in metal it grows from remaining traces of238U. Within about 8,000years the growth reaches equilibrium which sets the upper limit to the method. A review of indirectdating methods of metallurgical remains is outlined, while the advantages and limitations of the novelmethod is discussed in connection to these metallurgical activities based on preliminary isotopic data.
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Keywords:
Uranium, Isotopes, Dating, Metals, Alpha counting, Radioactive, Radium-226, Ores, Bronzes
