CIRAM,
leader in dating and analysis since 2005

CIRAM laboratories carry out the dating of your works of art and archaeological artifacts, as well as the analysis of your industrial products worldwide.

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Companies around the world place their trust in us

National Geographic logo
National Museum of Natural History logo
L'Oréal logo
Institut Pasteur logo
Michelin logo
Louvre Museum logo
World map showing CIRAM's radiocarbon dating and C14 analysis services across multiple countries

CIRAM laboratories,
the benchmark for analysis and dating

In 2005, CIRAM revolutionized science for art by defining a new approach based on high scientific standards and constructive dialogue with the markets.

Since then, numerous players in the art and heritage markets on every continent have placed their trust in us every day.

CIRAM 's expertise also extends to the industrial sector. Among other things, our certified analyses enable us to quantify biosourced carbon, guarantee compliance with standards and promote eco-responsible approaches.

With over 20 years' experience and international recognition, CIRAM is a trusted scientific partner for our three sectors: archaeology, art and industry.

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Leader in dating and analysis

+ 38,500 analyses
+ 1 000 partners
worldwide
22 years of experience

Our techniques

Graphitization line at the CIRAM laboratory
Dating techniques

CIRAM uses methods such as carbon-14 dating and thermoluminescence to accurately date artifacts, works of art and industrial materials.

Close-up of a scientist examining an art object under a microscope for analysis
Characterization techniques

Using micro-analysis, metallography, spectrometry and isotope analysis, CIRAM identifies the composition and origin of materials for reliable authentication.

Close-up of UV-cured paint
Imaging techniques

X-ray, infrared and UV fluorescence reveal the invisible details of works of art, revealing preparatory drawings, restorations and hidden signatures.

Fields of application

CIRAM analyzes, tests, and certifies your industrial products in accordance with the NF EN 16640, ASTM D6866, NF EN ISO 21644, NF EN ISO 13833, and ISO 16620-2 standards. Every day, our laboratories:

  • Measure the bio-based and petro-based content of solids, liquids and gases;
  • Check raw materials and validate compliance with regulations and standards;
  • Certify products to obtain an ecolabel or certification.

CIRAM laboratories offer analysis of industrial products in the following fields:

  • Biofuels, food processing, biogas and smoke, polymers, cosmetics, paints, pigments, paper, packaging, CSR.

CIRAM guarantees reliable analyses to ensure the traceability and conformity of your products.

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For over 20 years, CIRAM has supported museums, antique dealers, auction houses and institutions in dating and authenticating works of art through rigorous scientific analysis.

Dating all materials

All works can be dated and analyzed. Our laboratories analyze a wide range of materials using state-of-the-art analytical techniques:

  • Carbon 14: wood, ivory, paper, textiles ;
  • Thermoluminescence: terracotta, porcelain, ceramics ;
  • Scanning electron microscopy: stone, bronze, iron, silver, gold, glass, pigments ;
  • X-ray fluorescence: stone, bronze, iron, silver, gold, glass, enamel, pigments ;
  • Infrared spectrometry and GC-MS: all organic materials (binders, resins, glues, etc.).

These methods can be combined for more precise dating.

Analysis of the tables

The authentication and study of pictorial works requires advanced imaging techniques:

  • Grazing light and ultraviolet imaging: varnish conservation, observation of restorations and repaints;
  • X-ray radiography: identification of areas of restoration and general state of conservation of the painting;
  • Infrared reflectography: revealing preparatory drawings, repentirs and hidden signatures.

CIRAM combines expertise and innovation to guarantee reliable analyses tailored to the art market.

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CIRAM supports archaeologists by carrying out laboratory and on-site analyses.

To meet all your archaeological needs and constraints, our laboratory scientists offer a range of dating and analysis techniques:

  • Carbon-14 dating: measurement of 12, 13 and 14 isotopes to date all types of organic material.
  • Isotope analysis: study of stable isotopes of carbon, nitrogen, strontium and sulfur to reconstruct diets and population movements.
  • Organic residue analysis: identifying traces of food and drink on artifacts.
  • Scientific imaging: X-rays and 3D tomography for virtual excavations.
  • Anthracology and xylology: identification of wood species on wood and charcoal.

By combining these methods, CIRAM guarantees precise analyses tailored to archaeological problems.

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Are you asking yourself these questions?

What is carbon-14 dating and how does it work?

Carbon-14 dating is a scientific method used to determine the age of organic materials by measuring the amount of carbon-14 they contain.

What types of materials can I have analyzed by CIRAM?

CIRAM analyzes a wide range of materials, including wood, paper, ceramics, glass, precious metals (silver, gold), as well as stones and paints.

How does CIRAM ensure the accuracy of its analyses?

CIRAM uses proven methods and state-of-the-art equipment to guarantee accurate results. Our scientists combine several dating and analysis techniques to increase the reliability of results, taking into account the specificities of each material.

How long does a CIRAM laboratory analysis take?

Timescales vary according to the complexity of the analysis and the type of material to be analyzed. We strive to deliver accurate results as quickly as possible, while maintaining the necessary scientific rigor.

How can I contact CIRAM for a project?

You can easily contact our teams by clicking on the "Contact our teams" button on our website. We are available to answer all your questions and discuss your specific dating, analysis or certification requirements.

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Explore our dating and analysis resources

Archaeology
Fossil wood samples dated by the CIRAM laboratory

Fossil wood samples dated by the CIRAM laboratory

Reading time: Written by: Article outline CIRAM recently dated two pieces of fossilized wood: a “morta” oak and a marsh yew. Both were found buried in the same place…

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Carbon 14
The Many Uses of Carbon-14 Dating

The Many Uses of Carbon-14 Dating

An essential dating method, carbon 14 or radiocarbon is used to date archeological artifacts, authenticate works of art, and more...

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Industry
What is a biobased product?

What is a biobased product?

Find out what biobased products are, what their advantages are, and how manufacturers are integrating them to transform their practices.

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Art market
How do you scientifically analyze a painting?

How do you scientifically analyze a painting?

L'analyse scientifique d'un tableau combine plusieurs méthodes complémentaires permettant d'étudier son support, ses matériaux, sa technique de fabrication, son état de conservation et son a…

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Archaeology
Carbon-14, Thermoluminescence (TL), and Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL): Which Dating Method Should You Choose?

Carbon-14, Thermoluminescence (TL), and Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL): Which Dating Method Should You Choose?

Choosing the right dating method in archaeology is not just a technical issue: it is a key decision that guides the entire interpretation of a site. Which technique to choose...

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Carbon 14
How does carbon-14 dating work?

How does carbon-14 dating work?

How can you authenticate a work of art or an archaeological relic with scientific rigor? Carbon-14 dating offers a reliable and precise method for analyzing organic materials...

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