Carbon dating service

Scientific Dating

Radiocarbon dating is one of the most widely used scientific dating methods in archaeology and environmental science. It can be applied to most organic materials and spans dates from a few hundred years ago right back to about 50, years ago - about when modern humans were first entering Europe. For radiocarbon dating to be possible, the material must once have been part of a living organism. This means that things like stone, metal and pottery cannot usually be directly dated by this means unless there is some organic material embedded or left as a residue. As explained below, the radiocarbon date tells us when the organism was alive not when the material was used. This fact should always be remembered when using radiocarbon dates. The dating process is always designed to try to extract the carbon from a sample which is most representative of the original organism.

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Carbon 14 dating of a work of art is involved in its authentication. Radiocarbon dating is used for wood, ivory, bone, paper, textiles… and all organic materials. The analytical approach of a work of art is global. In addition to carbon dating, our teams of scientists can determine the nature of the materials through chemical analysis, observe the internal structure of an object through X-ray or 3D scanning, and identify areas of restoration or reassembly through scientific imaging. Analysis and dating of a work of art will vary according to the materials used. We will encounter datable materials: wood, ivory, textile, terracotta, ceramics, porcelain… Carbon dating will be used for organic materials wood, ivory… and thermoluminescence will be used for heated minerals terracotta, ceramics….

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From human remains to the clothing of a Coptic mummy: radiocarbon dating allows us to discover the age of many objects. The lab has over sixty years of experience and is unique in Belgium. We conduct dating for archaeologists, geologists, art historians, and museums in Belgium and abroad. We can also provide added value for climate research.

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International Chemical Analysis

International Chemical Analysis, Inc. ICA opened its doors in to service the growing need for affordable radiocarbon dating analysis with a fast turn-around. We are a US based company, and serve customers worldwide. Since opening, ICA has dated thousands of carbon samples for hundreds of clients from all over the world.

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