Expert: Ralph Salier - 5/24/2007

Question
Hi Ralph,
I'm doing a project in Chemistry actually, but since I have a passion for history, I've decided to do it on the importance of Chemistry in the the field of Archaeology.
I have 2 questions:
How important is Chemistry in the field of Archeology?
Is Chemistries role in Archeology limited only to Radioactivity or is there more?

Answer
Hi Gerson,

Chemistry is very important to Archaeology.  Yes, of course in C14 dating but also in thermo-lumincesenes dating, magentic dating, evaluation of botanical remains, Stone tool hydration, Copper trace elements for copper tools and ornaments for mine finger printing, limnology studies, volcanic ash dating etc...

Pick your subject and I can provide more indepth details for you to work with.