Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 12, 2026

High-resolution Thermal Micro-imaging Using Europium Chelate Luminescent Coatings
Published on: April 16, 2017
Thermoluminescent determination of prehistoric heat treatment of chert artifacts
Abstract:
In recent years archeologists have become interested in the extent to which prehistoric peoples heat-treated chert prior to shaping it into tools. Thermoluminescent determination of the radiation dose accumulated by an artifact since it was formed or last heated provides a simple, reliable test for such heat treatment. This test can be applied to single artifacts without the need for raw source material for comparison. Results on 25 artifacts from four sites indicate that, for many chert sources, color and luster are not useful indicators of heat treatment by prehistoric peoples.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Photoluminescence: Applications
Radioactive Decay and Radiometric Dating
Constant Volume Calorimetry
Diversity of Archaea IV
Flame Photometry: Overview

