Ceramics & porcelain

Sample composition

Luminescence dating

Sample composition:

For luminescence dating, ceramic samples must be salvaged in a moist state. In addition, a sample of the sediment surrounding the sherd, also moist, must be included. Ceramic samples that have been washed or dried, or where the surrounding sediment is missing, cannot be dated. The pottery can see light as the exposed part is abraded in the laboratory (hence the minimum thickness of 1cm)

Sample size:

For TL dating of ceramics, you need a piece at least 5 x 5 cm long and wide and at least 1 cm thick. The surrounding sediment should be enough to fill a normal coffee cup. Both must be moist and packed airtight. Information on longitude and latitude (please in normal decimal degrees, not UTM etc.), as well as the height above sea level of the place of discovery are important. Equally important is the depth of the sample below ground level, which should be at least 20 cm.