Science Learning Hub logo
TopicsConceptsCitizen scienceTeacher PLDGlossary
Sign in
Image

Fission track dating

Fission tracks in the mineral apatite, viewed under a microscope

When uranium decays, subatomic particles split away. The particles leave tiny tracks in the crystal structure of minerals such as zircon and apatite.

Name: Fission track dating

Material used: Volcanic glass, zircon and other crystals

Age range: 10,000 to 500 million years ago

How it works: Measures radioactivity by counting tracks left in crystals by decaying uranium atoms

Rights: Geotrack International Pty Limited, Melbourne
Published: 23 February 2022Size: 262.71 KB
Referencing Hub media

Explore related content

Appears inRelated resources
Asolute dating methods – interactive image map.

Interactive

Absolute dating methods

Scientists often need to know the actual dates of geological events so they can study landscape and environmental change. Absolute ...

Read more
Dating the past – introduction

Article

Dating the past – introduction

“How old is it?” is one of the first questions you’ll probably ask when you see an interesting rock or ...

Read more
A clock in the rocks: Cosmic rays and Earth science

Article

A clock in the rocks: Cosmic rays and Earth science

Rocks act as geological archives and new techniques are helping scientists capture data about past events.

Read more
Fission track and luminescence dating

Article

Fission track and luminescence dating

Most absolute dates for rocks are obtained by radiometric methods methods, which are based on the radioactive decay of certain ...

Read more

See our newsletters here.

NewsEventsAboutContact usPrivacyCopyrightHelp

The Science Learning Hub Pokapū Akoranga Pūtaiao is funded through the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment's Science in Society Initiative.

Science Learning Hub Pokapū Akoranga Pūtaiao © 2007-2026 The University of Waikato Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato