Sample Types and Quantities
The table summarizes recommended ideal and minimum weights for various types of samples. For solid materials,the values are based on the weight of the dry sample. If you did not find your material in the table or you are unsure, please contact the laboratory. Dating samples with weight lower than the minimum carry an increased risk of failure. With the consent of the client, it is possible to attempt dating such sample.
| Sample type | Weight (mg) | Notes |
|
| ideal | minimal |
||
| wood | 50 | 15 | For rotted or water-soaked wood, the minimum weight must be increased. |
| charred sample | 20 | 5 | For example, charcoals, charred macro-residues. |
| carbonates | 150 | 50 | For example, mollusk shells, mortar, sinter. |
| bones | 1000 | 60 | Depending on bone condition (see text bellow ). |
| ivory | 200 | 20 | |
| plant macro-residues | 200 | 20 | For example, peat, seeds, pollen, concentrates, plant parts |
| paper | 25 | 15 | |
| leather, horn, silk, hair, woolen fabrics | 30 | 15 | |
| biofuels | Contact us | ||
| art objects | Contact us | ||
| lipids in pottery | Contact us | ||
In the case of radiocarbon dating of bones through collagen isolation and purification, achieving sufficient decontamination from interfering humic acids, which are tightly bound, is challenging for significantly degraded samples. For this reason, the laboratory has implemented a bone quality assessment procedure. This assessment utilizes certain parameters determined during the processing of these samples. Results from dating low-quality samples are more indicative, and the laboratory therefore recommends increased caution when interpreting such results. Bone samples with collagen concentrations lower than 1% are classified by the CRL laboratory as undatable, similar to practices in other radiocarbon laboratories.
