Laboratory for dating
and analysis of archaeomaterials

An essential method, carbon-14 dating (or radiocarbon dating) allows for the dating of all organic materials (wood, bones, teeth, charcoal, mortar, etc.). To do this, our doctors and engineers measure the residual concentration of carbon-14 by AMS (accelerator mass spectrometry).

Because each archaeological artifact is different, our scientific teams use a protocol adapted to each type of material (ABA treatment for charcoal, collagen extraction for bones).

Our results, delivered within 10 working days, include a detailed report and a customized analysis of the archaeological implications.

The thermoluminescence dating (TL) and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) are essential in archaeology for determining the age of materials such as fired clays, bricks, heated minerals, and sediments.

These techniques measure the irradiance accumulated in quartz and feldspar crystals since their last exposure to heat or light.

CIRAM, the only private laboratory in France to offer these services with quality equivalent to university laboratories, uses cutting-edge equipment to provide precise and reliable dating, thus contributing to a better understanding of archaeological and historical contexts.

Carbon-14 dating is not the only technique in archaeometry. The analysis of stable isotopes of carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, and strontium provides many answers to archaeological questions.

Carbon, nitrogen, sulfur and strontium isotopes provide information on diets and population movements. Was the diet meat-based? Were animal proteins of terrestrial or marine origin? Were these individuals indigenous?

These analyses are carried out on bones and teeth, providing an in-depth insight into past lifestyles and cultural exchanges.

Archaeological artifacts (amphorae, terracotta pots, metal containers) often preserve traces of food, drinks, or cosmetic products. The analysis of organic residues makes it possible to identify dietary habits, culinary practices, and raw material exchanges.

CIRAM uses Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR) and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS) to detect and characterize these molecules, thus offering a precise reconstruction of ancient uses.

CIRAM offers non-destructive analyses by X-ray radiography and 3D scanning to examine the condition of artifacts. These techniques reveal internal structure, identify hidden elements, and allow for virtual excavation of funerary urns.

Thanks to our portable X-ray system, we can intervene on site in real time.

Tomography or CT scan allows for three-dimensional visualization of an object's homogeneity, its state of preservation, or the identification of manufacturing techniques, and, if necessary, virtual excavation.

Far from limiting itself to carbon-14 dating, CIRAM offers the study of wood (xylology) and charcoal (anthracology).

Xylology identifies the species used by artisans, allowing hypotheses to be made about the geographical origin of the materials. Anthracology, on the other hand, reconstructs the ancient plant environment and preserves from the "old wood" effect in carbon 14 dating.

Anatomical analysis of charcoal is carried out along three axes (transverse, tangential, radial) to identify the family, genus and sometimes the species of wood studied.