Leather, parchment, and skin samples can undergo AMS radiocarbon analysis. It is advisable to provide approximately 1 square centimeter of sample (or 1 gram) for this testing. Before initiating radiocarbon (14C) dating, all samples undergo a meticulous selection and pre-treatment process tailored to the specific type, quantity, and condition of the material. Subsequently, the samples are subjected to graphitization, a crucial phase in the carbon dating process that demands a high level of expertise to ensure dependable and precise results. At the VILNIUS RADIOCARBON laboratory, we employ top-quality chemicals and consumables available in the market for the pre-treatment of samples. Our procedures strictly adhere to internally approved methodologies as outlined in the provided protocols, ensuring the highest standards in the analysis of these materials.
Preferred sample size: >50 mg
Minimum sample size: 30 mg
Leather and parchment samples are derived from animal hides and skins. Leather and parchment samples firstly undergoes solvent extraction to remove carbon contamination associated with production or handling. The contaminants are extracted in a sequence of hot solvents: hexane, acetone, ethanol, followed by a distilled water wash. After that samples are treated using the standard acid-base-acid (ABA) method, which involves a sequence of 0.5M HCl, 0.1M NaOH, and 0.5M HCl (room temperature). Then bleaching step of 30 min using 2.5% NaClO2 is performed. Samples are dried in pH=3 solution.
Before sending the sample, we recommend to check here, how your sample’s result in the dating certificate will look.
Contact person: Dr Zilvinas Ezerinskis
Phone: local +370 665 01554
UK +44 20 3807 3415
E-mail: ams@vilniusradiocarbon.com
Address: Saulėtekio av. 3,
LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania
Working hours: 8 am to 6 pm.
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