Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 16, 2026

Scanning Skeletal Remains for Bone Mineral Density in Forensic Contexts
Published on: January 29, 2018
The effects of dry ashing on the composition of human and animal bone
J B Edward1, R A Benfer, J S Morris
1Department of Chemistry, Royal Military College of Canada, Kingston, Ontario.
Abstract:
Elemental analysis of archaeological bones, particularly for elements such as fluorine, strontium, and zinc, has been carried out for many years, with the aim of determining their age or relating their composition to diet. Bone samples are commonly dry ashed before analysis to remove organic material and render them more readily soluble. In this study, the recoveries of strontium, zinc, and nine other elements are reported for a range of ashing times and temperatures. Recoveries of sodium, potassium, fluorine, chlorine, bromine, and zinc are significantly affected by ashing under some conditions, but recoveries of strontium, calcium, magnesium, and manganese are not.
More Related Videos
07:10A Sectioning, Coring, and Image Processing Guide for High-Throughput Cortical Bone Sample Procurement and Analysis for Synchrotron Micro-CT
Published on: June 12, 2020
06:18Optimized Bone Sampling Protocols for the Retrieval of Ancient DNA from Archaeological Remains
Published on: November 30, 2021
Related Concept Videos
Bone Structure
Bone Remodeling
The Bone Matrix
Bone Disorders
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
Sample Preparation for Analysis: Advanced Techniques
Acid digestion with strong acids is commonly used to dissolve inorganic materials that are insoluble (do not dissolve) in water. This method can be useful for...