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

Part of : Mediterranean archaeology & archaeometry : international journal ; Vol.6, No.2, 2006, pages 93-98

Issue:
Pages:
93-98
Section Title:
Articles
Author:
Abstract:
The variation of uranium-238 (U) and thorium-232 (Th) in metallurgical slags and ores, withextension in metals, is examined using alpha scintillation counting. Data indicate a great variability:0.1 to 12ppmforUand0to3ppmforTh, while Th/U <1. These isotopic data coupled with the ratioRa-226/ Th-230 in the U-series disequilibrium in ancient metal objects offer a potential means of datingancient metals.
Subject:
Subject (LC):
Keywords:
Metals, Slag, Ores, Ra-226, a-counting, Dating