Abstract
In this article, an overview is presented of the status of the radiocarbon dating of iron-based materials. Recent advances include simplification in sample preparation and reduction in sample size for accelerator mass spectrometry measurements, and the potential use of rust as a viable source of material for radiocarbon dating. Additionally, a summary is presented of all 63 previously published results for iron-based materials and 29 new results that have not been published previously. These materials range from low-carbon wrought irons to medium to very high-carbon steels and cast irons. Artifact dates range from several hundred years ago to several thousand years ago. Brief descriptions are given of some of these examined samples to illustrate issues and complexities that can arise in determining the age of iron-based carbon materials using radiocarbon dating.
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For more information, contact A.C. Cook, High Tech High, 2861 Womble Road, San Diego, California; (619) 243-5033; fax (619) 243-5050; e-mail accok@hightechhigh.org.
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Cook, A.C., Southon, J.R. & Wadsworth, J. Using radiocarbon dating to establish the age of iron-based artifacts. JOM 55, 15–22 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11837-003-0239-z
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11837-003-0239-z