Neutron activation analysis (NAA)
Standard rates per specimen for NAA. Pottery, basalt, and other powdered samples are measured using both short & long irradiation procedures to determine 32–33 elements. All chert samples and obsidian source samples are measured using both procedures to determine 25–30 elements. Obsidian artifacts are measured with our short-irradiation procedure to determine 5–6 elements. If additional information is needed to definitively source the artifact, a long-irradiation procedure will also be conducted. Please contact the lab directly to discuss analysis of any other archaeological or geological material by NAA.
| Sample Matrix | Charge per Specimen |
|---|---|
| Pottery and fired-clay briquettes | $125 |
| Clays and soils subject to USDA APHIS | $150 |
| Artifacts and source materials of lithological nature (i.e., chert, basalt, etc.) | $150 |
| Hematite, Ochre, and Similar Matrices | $130 |
| Obsidian Artifacts & Source Specimens | $50 (Short) $150 (Short & Long) |
X-ray fluorescence (XRF)
Pottery, basalt and other geological materials are usually ground to a powder, homogenized and pressed into a pellet. Determinations of the concentrations of about 10–12 elements are possible. Obsidian artifacts and certain other samples can be analyzed non-destructively.
| Sample Matrix | Charge per Specimen |
|---|---|
| Pottery to be powdered and analyzed as pressed pellets | $75 |
| Basalt and other rocks to be powdered and analyzed as pressed pellets | $80 |
| Non-destructive analysis of matrices other than obsidian | $40-60 |
| Non-destructive analysis of obsidian | $50 |
Laser ablation inductively coupled mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS)
Standard rates per sample for laser ablation ICP-MS. Charges are based on a daily rate. Depending on the sample matrix, the number of elements, and the amount of effort for sample preparation and cleanup of the system after the analysis is completed, the number of samples possible by laser ablation ICP-MS in a single day will range from 20 to 40 samples.
| Sample Matrix | Charge per Specimen |
|---|---|
| Characterization of sample surfaces by laser-ablation ICP-MS | $2000/day ~$45-50/sample** |
Analysis by LA-ICP-MS may require substantial sample preparation and customized procedures. As such, the rate for analyses by LA-ICP-MS are determined on a project-by-project basis. If you are interested in conducting a project using LA-ICP-MS, please contact the laboratory directly to discuss pricing options.
** CONTACT US FOR A PROJECT QUOTE
Multi-collector-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS)
Standard service rates per sample for multi-collector ICP-MS. Collaboratative rates are established for each specific project.
| Isotope | Charge per Specimen |
|---|---|
| Strontium | $300 |
| Lead | $300 |
| Neodymium | $400 |
Analysis by MC-ICP-MS may require customized procedures. As such, the rate for analyses by MC-ICP-MS are determined on a project-by-project basis. If you are interested in conducting a project using MC-ICP-MS, please contact the laboratory directly to discuss pricing options.
Raman Spectroscopy (RS)
Suitable Matrices for Raman Spectroscopy using the instrumentation available through the Archaeometry Laboratory include: mineral and organic pigments/paintings, lakes, dyes and binders, ceramics and glazes, minerals, gemstones, and some biological and forensic applications. The costs for analysis range from $40-$60** per sample depending on the matrix and sample preparation requirements. Additional costs may be required if the project involves in situ analyses that require travel to the site of study. Please contact laboratory staff for consultation on your project.
** CONTACT US FOR A PROJECT QUOTE