Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Chemistry => Topic started by: scientificmom on 21/04/2008 18:25:35

Title: Can you identify a tree species from burned ash?
Post by: scientificmom on 21/04/2008 18:25:35

Under the microscope, is there a difference in the burned ash of various tree species? That is, can a scientist tell if the wood was pine, apple, oak, etc?  Thank you!

Title: Can you identify a tree species from burned ash?
Post by: NeilT on 28/04/2008 22:18:41

It would probably be difficult to identify the tree from the fully burnt ash alone although i would think you might stand a chance at differentiating charcoals. These would still have some microscopic structure that might allow you to identify the type of tree from which they originated.