10407
Editor
Cook, G.T.; Harkness, D.D.; Miller, B.F.; Scott, E.M.
Title Of Article Chaper
Is Tooth Enamel Carbonate a Suitable Material for Radiocarbon Dating?
Title Of Journal Book
Radiocarbon
Volume
37
Issue
2
Pages
285-290
Collation
6 p. : ills.
Reference Bibliography
Includes bibliographic references
ISSN
0033-8222
Language Of Text
English
Literature Type
Serial
Literature Level
Analytic
Meeting City
Glasgow
Meeting Country
Scotland
Abstract
We present the results of 18 radiocarbon determinations on the carbonate fraction of tooth enamel prepared from nine separate teeth. The known ages of the teeth vary from 11 to >200 ka BP, and are from three sites. The sample preparation procedures varied somewhat, but were broadly based on procedures found to give satisfactory results on carbon stable isotope measurements. All the 14C dates obtained are too young, by an equivalent contamination of ca. 6% Modern (pMC). This value is fairly consistent despite variations in sample preparation. We discuss the implications for using enamel as a possible alternative to bone when insufficient collagen is available.
Keywords
tooth; enamel; carbonate; material; radiocarbon; dating
pub_id
10407