U and Th variation in ancient slags, metals and metal ores: Contribution to dating of metals

Authors

  • loannis Liritzis Laboratory of Archaeometry, Dept. of Mediterranean Studies, University of the Aegean, 1 Demokratias Ave., Rhodes 85100, Greece
  • loanna Arfaral Laboratory of Archaeometry, Dept. of Mediterranean Studies, University of the Aegean, 1 Demokratias Ave., Rhodes 85100, Greece
  • Costas Sideris Dept of Geology, University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zogreafos, Athens

Keywords:

Metals, Slag, Ores, Ra-226, A-counting, Dating

Abstract

The variation of uranium-238 (U) and thorium-232 (Th) in metallurgical slags and ores, with extension in metals, is examined using alpha scintillation counting. Data indicate a great variability: 0.1 to 12 ppm for U and 0 to 3 ppm for Th, while Th/U<1. These isotopic data coupled with the ratio Ra-226/Th-230 in the U-series disequilibrium in ancient metal objects offer a potential means of dating ancient metals.

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Published

2023-07-24

Issue

Vol. 6 No. 2 (2006)

Section

Articles