Deutsch

AMS Dating Textiles

[Print this Page] [E-mail this Page]

Most researchers with textile samples want to preserve them and send only as little of the textile as possible. Thus, the most appropriate radiocarbon dating technique for textiles is Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) dating due to the small sample size required by the method.

Can All Textiles be Dated Accurately?

Textile samples that are well preserved, have a good structure, and have not been treated with any conservation materials will provide accurate results. Samples taken from textile applied with additives or preservatives will have a false radiocarbon age.

To make sure that the textile can be dated, please email to the lab a description of the textile or high-resolution photos for preliminary assessment.

Sample Size Requirements

The lab requires 50-100 mg of textile for radiocarbon dating. This is approximately the same size as a postage stamp. This sample can be taken as a very thin strip or collected from a damaged area. If this sample size is not possible, our lab can work with less but may not be aggressive in removing contaminants during pretreatment.

Beta Analytic Policy on AMS Dating Textiles

The lab does not undertake the dating of textiles or other valuable or priceless items unless they are submitted and paid for by a recognized governmental agency, major museum, or other official agency that is investigating the materials as part of a multidisciplinary scholarly process.

You may submit your sample through a professional archaeologist, who will make an assessment if your sample is suitable for radiocarbon dating.

Sending Textile Samples to the Lab

Please fill out our online form or send printed data sheets (pdf) with the samples. There is no need to send printed data sheets if you have sent the data via our online form.

When submitting textile samples directly to the lab in Miami (from outside the USA), please put on your customs declaration the following - "Geological samples for scientific study - NO COMMERCIAL VALUE - Destroyed during analysis." Labeling it as textile is incorrect because the "textile" label is applicable to modern fabric/textile. Customs duties might be assessed if you label your samples as a textile.

If there's a slot on the customs form for a Harmonized Tariff Number (also known as HS code), put the number 280300. The customs and carriage value should be USD 1.00.

Detailed shipping instructions are found in our Send Samples page including our shipping addresses.