We utilized plasma oxidation and stable isotope mass spectrometry to study organic residues on stone tools.  Corn, a C4 plant, was processed using modern tools.   Two different washing techniques were performed to remove surface contamination from handling prior to placing stone tools in an oxygen glow discharge.  Organic residues trapped in stone tool micro-fracture cracks were oxidized to carbon dioxide for stable isotope mass spectrometry.  This preliminary study demonstrates proof of concept for stable isotope analysis and radiocarbon dating of organic residues on stone tools using plasma oxidation.

Stone tools: Stable isotope analysis of organic residues

245th National Meeting (2013)

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