For radiocarbon dating to be possible, the material must once have been part of a living organism. This means that things like stone, metal and pottery cannot usually be directly dated by this means unless there is some organic material embedded or left as a residue.

How much does it cost to carbon date metal?

Prices start at just $126 for radiocarbon analysis of previously prepared graphite, and increase to $460 for a standard analysis including a common extraction protocol (used for sub-fossil charcoal, peat, seeds and others).

Why is carbon dating not accurate?

But scientists have long recognized that carbon dating is subject to error because of a variety of factors, including contamination by outside sources of carbon. Therefore they have sought ways to calibrate and correct the carbon dating method.