The basics of radiometric dating This is known as radioactive decay. Many radioactive elements can be used as geologic clocks (see below). Radiodating of Moon rocks and meteorites suggests that our solar system is around 4.6 billion years old. This is known as radioactive decay. Many radioactive elements

How do we date rocks on the Earth Moon and meteorites?

The ages of Earth and Moon rocks and of meteorites are measured by the decay of long-lived radioactive isotopes of elements that occur naturally in rocks and minerals and that decay with half lives of 700 million to more than 100 billion years to stable isotopes of other elements.

Which element do we use to date meteorites?

Scientists typically determine the age of a rock or meteorite by using the isochron method. For purposes of illustration, consider the rubidium-strontium decay system. In this system, the radioactive parent rubidium-87 (87Rb) decays to the stable daughter isotope strontium-87 (87Sr).

What dating method is used for rocks?

radiometric dating methods To establish the age of a rock or a fossil, researchers use some type of clock to determine the date it was formed. Geologists commonly use radiometric dating methods, based on the natural radioactive decay of certain elements such as potassium and carbon, as reliable clocks to date ancient events.

What type of meteorite is the rarest?

stony-iron meteorites The rarest kind of meteorite are the stony-iron meteorites, containing about equal parts of stone and iron.

What is a moon rock worth?

The samples were recovered, and NASA estimated their value during the ensuing court case at about $1 million for 10 oz (280 g) of material. Naturally transported Moon rocks in the form of lunar meteorites are sold and traded among private collectors.