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Obsidian hydration dating occurs as geochemical method of determining age in either absolute or even proportional terms of an artefact manufactured of obsidian.

Obsidian is the volcanic glass that wwhen sometimes utilized as raw poop for the manufacture of stone tools. Once an archeologist has identified a source of the obsidian from either which an artefact is manufactured, it can be suspire up to now the artefact using the obsidian hydration system. This measures a microscopic amount of water absorbed on freshly broken shells. A principle behind obsidian hydration dating is very simple–a yearner a artefact surface has been studied, a thicker a hydration band is. Obsidian hydration could imply an artefact's age in case a dateable shells tested come lone victims studied by flintknapping. Obsidian hydratiin is non effectual on shells that come uneven referable gradual weathering from either natural forces.

Sequentially to utilise obsidian hydration for even even absolute dating, the conditions that a sample has been contaminated to & its origin must become understood or or in comparison samples of a known age (e.g. following of radiocarbon dating of associated materials.

History
Obsidian hydration dating was introduced within 1960 by Irving Friedman and Robert Smith of the U.S. Geological Survey.

Obsidian Hydration Analysis (OHA)
This exhibit contains information on a technique used to determine the age of antiquities.

Obsidian Hydration Laboratory
A description of the facility located at Sonoma State University.

Obsidian Hydration Results for Pleasanton Sites
Two charts displaying profiles and results by source.

Obsidian Hydration Analysis Service (OHAS)
Archaeological laboratory investigating prehistory using: transmitted light microscopy, reflected light microscopy, macroscopic analysis, satellite navigation, geographic information systems, and laser technology.

Diffusion Laboratory
Provides obsidian hydration dating through the use of infrared spectroscopy.

What is Obsidian Hydration Analysis?
A brief overview of the methodology of Obsidian Hydration by Jeff Hamilton.

International Association for Obsidian Studies (IAOS)
Organization with the goal of providing access to resources that will be of use to the international community of researchers working with obsidian glass. Features articles, news, membership details, bibliography, and links to related sites.

ODDSIMS, A New Method of Dating Hydrated Obsidian Artifacts
Article briefly describes the potential of Obsidian Diffusion Dating by Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ODDSIMS).

The Obsidian Clock
A press release from the Oak Ridge National Laboratory reporting that by using secondary ionization mass spectrometry, experimental calibration, and sophisticated modeling methods; is developing a technique to accurately determine when an obsidian tool was crafted.






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