Biogenic Apatite (CaPO4) Isotope Analysis – Sample Types and Selection

The following recommendations are general guidelines. Individual sample size requirements largely vary based on the preservation of the material and concentration of phosphate therein. Contact us for advice if you are concerned that your samples are too small.

Reminders

DO NOT wrap samples in aluminum or any metal foil. Use weighing paper if you need to wrap them.

Submit samples in a ziplock bag or teflon container with PRINTED SAMPLE ID attached outside the bag.

Always choose the best samples for your research objectives

Our recommended sample sizes assume the material is dry and free of adhering matrix.

Bone (non-ashed)

SAMPLE SIZE

30 mg

RECOMMENDED CONTAINER

Ziplock bags

SAMPLE PREPARATION

For the best results, make sure your samples are clean and free from soil, clay particles, calcite, and other detritus. While we accept pulverized samples we recommend that they are submitted intact. If you are submitting a pulverized sample do not use a high-speed drill for subsampling.

ALSO AVAILABLE:

Bone (ashed)

SAMPLE SIZE

50 mg

RECOMMENDED CONTAINER

Vials

(preferably with screw tops)

Microcentrifuge tubes,
or counting slides

Put them inside a labeled Ziplock bag

*Disclaimer:
ashed bone may not represent an original environmental signal.

SAMPLE PREPARATION

Please contact us to discuss

ALSO AVAILABLE:

Tooth

SAMPLE SIZE

30 mg

RECOMMENDED CONTAINER

Vials

(preferably with screw tops)

Microcentrifuge tubes,
or counting slides

Put them inside a labeled Ziplock bag

SAMPLE PREPARATION

Please contact us to discuss

ALSO AVAILABLE:

Page last updated: June 2022