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Updated: Jul 12, 2026

09:16
Reaction Kinetics and Combustion Dynamics of I4O9 and Aluminum Mixtures
Published on: November 7, 2016
Summary
Obsidian hydration rates can be accurately determined using silica content, refractive index, and effective hydration temperature (EHT). This method allows for precise obsidian dating, crucial for archaeological and geological studies.
Area of Science:
- Geochemistry
- Archaeometry
- Material Science
Background:
- Obsidian hydration dating is a geochronological technique relying on the measurement of water diffusion into obsidian surfaces.
- Accurate determination of hydration rates and effective hydration temperatures is critical for reliable age estimations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a method for calculating obsidian hydration rates based on chemical composition and environmental temperature.
- To assess the accuracy of using weather records for approximating effective hydration temperatures.
Main Methods:
- Measuring hydration rates of 12 obsidian samples across a temperature range of 95-245°C.
- Deriving mathematical expressions relating hydration rate to temperature for each sample.
- Correlating hydration rates with SiO(2) content, refractive index, CaO, MgO, and original water content.
Main Results:
- Hydration rate is significantly influenced by SiO(2) content, refractive index, CaO, MgO, and original water.
- A formula was developed to calculate hydration rate using sample properties and effective hydration temperature (EHT).
- Weather records provide a good approximation of EHT, especially in tropical/subtropical regions.
Conclusions:
- Obsidian hydration dating can achieve +/- 10% accuracy over various timescales (years to millions of years).
- The developed method enables absolute dating by combining known hydration rates with calculated EHT.
- This research refines obsidian dating techniques for improved archaeological and geological interpretations.
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