In the world of geochemistry, isotope fingerprinting has emerged as a powerful tool for tracing the origins and movements of materials through time and space. By analyzing a substances’ particular isotopic signature for elements like lead (Pb) and/or strontium (Sr), researchers can unlock valuable insights into geological, environmental, and archaeological processes.
Boron’s stable isotopes, as represented by δ¹¹B, have emerged as a powerful tool
in paleoceanography and climate science.
Water’s continuous movement and flow of water across landscapes contribute
to and provide important clues into the intricacies of biogeochemical cycles
at various spatial and temporal scales.
Limestone is a granular sedimentary rock predominantly composed of
calcium carbonate (CaCO3), which commonly forms along shallow ocean
water beds from fossilized shells and exoskeletons of marine organisms.
Gypsum is a relatively soft and common mineral made up of hydrous
calcium sulfate (CaSO4-2H2O). Whilst pure gypsum crystals are transparent
(often with a pearly or vitreous luster), they can appear opaque and colored
due to the inclusion of other materials (e.g. sand).
Strontium dating (as enabled by the 87Sr/86Sr ratio of marine carbonates) can be used to date various marine samples based on the premise that the mixing of oceanic strontium occurs relatively rapidly through time compared to the residence time of oceanic strontium.
Ice core records are an important foundational archive for paleoclimatology. Through them scientists have reconstructed high resolution atmospheric CO2 and temperature records covering hundreds of thousands of years.
Bones and teeth are relatively common within the archaeological and paleontological record due to the tendency for high preservation after burial.
Isobar Science is now offering a Strontium Chronology Service for dating marine carbonate samples. Strontium Isotope Ratios (87Sr/86Sr) within the ocean have varied through time, creating a predictable seawater curve that can be used for dating calibration.
Bones and teeth can be used for a variety of different isotopic analyses, including Oxygen, Strontium, Lead, Neodymium, Carbon, Nitrogen and dating (radiocarbon and in some cases Uranium-Thorium). There are important requirements for bone samples to ensure they produce accurate results.