This post is sponsored by Beta Analytic.
SGS Beta has been a global leader in radiocarbon dating since 1979, providing archaeologists with an indispensable tool for determining the age of a wide range of sample types. SGS Isobar expands these capabilities through Uranium-Thorium (U-Th) and Strontium (Sr) dating, as well as a comprehensive suite of isotopic analyses including Sr, Pb and other geochemical tracers. A variety of services enables archaeologists to move beyond chronology and uncover deeper understandings of humanity’s origins, mobility, trade networks, and history.
Contact us to learn more!
I want to…
Date archaeological samples.
Use Radiocarbon (Carbon-14) to date materials up to 50,000 years BP.
Samples Sizes
Bones: 20-100 mg
Teeth: 1-2 teeth
Charcoal: 5-100 mg
Sediment: 1-10 g
Shell, Coral, Carbonate: 7-100 mg
Wood: 3-100 mg
Uranium-Thorium (U-Th) – up to 500,000 years ago:
Samples Sizes
Carbonates (e.g. corals, shells, foraminifera): 100-150 mg
Cave Deposits: 100-150 mg
Bones, Teeth: 100-150 mg
Identify Human Origin, Migration Patterns & Diet
Use Strontium (Sr).
Samples Sizes
Bone: 500 mg
Teeth: 100 mg
Estimate Origin of Organic Artifacts
Use Strontium (Sr).
Samples Sizes
Bone: 500 mg
Silk: 100-150 mg
Wool: 75 mg
Create Chronologies from Marine Samples
Use Sr Chronology.
Samples Sizes
Marine Carbonates: 100-150 mg
(e.g. shells, corals, limestone)
Foraminifera: Minimum 5-10 mg
Discover the Source of Metal Artifacts
Use Lead (Pb).
Samples Sizes
Metal: 20 mg (e.g. coins, tools, etc.)
Glazed Ceramic: 100-150 mg
Bone: 500 mg
Teeth: 100 mg
Reconstruct Lead Pollution and Exposure
Use Lead (Pb).
Samples Sizes
Bone: 500 mg
Teeth: 100 mg
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ISO 17025-accredited SGS Beta is a dedicated radiocarbon dating laboratory with a turnaround time of 14 business days or less for its AMS carbon-14 dating service. All analyses are performed in-house by dedicated professional scientists. Take advantage of our free resources including excellent customer service in 10 languages and on-demand educational webinars. Sending samples is easy and convenient through our global forwarding facilities. Results are accessible 24/7 via web access. Trusted by archaeologists worldwide since 1979!