Is Tooth Enamel Carbonate a Suitable Material for Radiocarbon Dating?

Abstract

We present the results of 18 radiocarbon determinations on the carbonate fraction of tooth enamel prepared from nine separate teeth. The known ages of the teeth vary from 11 to >200 ka BP, and are from three sites. The sample preparation procedures varied somewhat, but were broadly based on procedures found to give satisfactory results on carbon stable isotope measurements. All the 14C dates obtained are too young, by an equivalent contamination of ca. 6% Modern (pMC). This value is fairly consistent despite variations in sample preparation. We discuss the implications for using enamel as a possible alternative to bone when insufficient collagen is available.