Quaternary Scientific (QUEST) Archaeological Services
We currently offer the following technical services for Archaeological research
Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry
Elemental analysis of metals in solution (mg/l concentrations). Suitable for a wide range of sample types – sediments, organics, liquids.
Building Stone Analysis
Sample preparation, description and characterisation of building and decorative stone samples.
Chipped Stone Analysis
Identification, assessment and processing of chipped stone, through to publication reports.
Environmental Magnetism
Magnetic measurements to characterise the magnetic mineralogy of sediments for environmental and paleoenvironmental studies.
Geophysics
Study of solid and drift geology by quantitative physical methods to remotely sense underground anomalies.
GIS
Data presentation and compilation, computer generated mapping, visualisations.
High Performance Ion Chromatography
Analysis of common anions in aqueous solution to ppm / ppb
Human Skeletal Remains
Analysis / interpretation of articulated and disarticulated material.
ICP-OES
Measurement of a range of over 40 elements in solution at µg/l concentrations. Suitable for a wide range of sample types – sediments, organics, liquids.
Archaeological Illustration
Archaeological reconstructions and finds drawings
Infrared Microscopy
Preparation and analysis of samples
Isotopic Analysis
Analysis of a range of isotopes (commonly 2H, 13C, 18O, 37Cl, 15N)
Loss on Ignition
Measures organic or carbonate content of soils or sediments.
Metallurgic Residue and Ore Analysis
Identification, interpretation and analysis of metal working residues.
Particle Size Analysis
Characterisation of sediments or other types of unconsolidated material by analysis of particle size / distribution relationships.
Sample preparation, identification, counts, preliminary assessments or full reports.
Pollen Analysis
Sample preparation, identification, counts, preliminary assessments or full reports.
Rock Thin Section
Allows study and characterisation of mineralogy and fabric of rocks.
Soil Phosphate Analysis
Measures concentrations of inorganic / total phosphate in soil samples for spatial identification of land use (agriculture, animal stalling, middens).
Soil Thin Section
Allows study and characterisation of microstratigraphic components in natural and anthropogenically created sediments and soils.
X-Ray Diffraction
Mineral identification and quantification of the internal mass percentages of the x-ray crystalline phases for clays or whole rock mineralogy.
X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry
Measures the elemental composition of sediments, in terms of major (oxides) and trace elements from pressed powders and fusion beads.