Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Chemistry => Topic started by: thedoc on 12/08/2014 10:30:02

Title: How do you get something carbon dated?
Post by: thedoc on 12/08/2014 10:30:02

steve kane asked the Naked Scientists:
   
Please advise us on how I can have some Ivory carbon dated and what is the charge for this service.
What do you think?

Title: Re: How do you get something carbon dated?
Post by: evan_au on 12/08/2014 11:00:35

You could try carrying it into another country.

• If it is elephant ivory, you will be arrested, and your ivory confiscated. [:-\]
  
• If it is mammoth ivory, you get to keep it. [:D]

There are some differences in microscopic structure that show up under a microscope.

Title: Re: How do you get something carbon dated?
Post by: alancalverd on 12/08/2014 19:47:46

AFAIK owning and inheriting ivory is not an offence - granny's fish knives and grandpa's billiard balls are safe. But you can't trade or export the stuff. 

Provided you own it legitimately, several universities offer a radiocarbon dating service- just google "carbon dating laboratories".