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Northwest Research Obsidian Studies Laboratory provides analytical services for the trace element characterization ("sourcing") of obsidian and fine-grained volcanic (including basalt) artifacts, the measurement of obsidian hydration rims, and the geoarchaeological and geochemical investigation of obsidian sources. Northwest Research specializes in the geochemical trace element characterization and source identification of obsidian artifacts from locations primarily within the western United States and Canada. In addition, we offer characterization services for fine-grained volcanic (including basalt) artifacts from selected areas of California and a few other western states. Our obsidian hydration laboratory is equipped with an Olympus petrographic microscope and video microscopy system that allows for the efficient and accurate measurement of obsidian artifact hydration rims. Since 1994, the staff of Northwest Research have successfully completed over 2,000 archaeological projects from Alaska, Alberta, Arizona, Belize, British Columbia, California, Colorado, Easter Island, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Italy, Louisiana, Manitoba, Mexico, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Tahiti, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Washington, and Wyoming. For a detailed compendium of all reports that have been produced by the lab. click HERE. For more detailed information about our analytical methods, click on the following links:
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Northwest Research operates Spectrace 5000 and Thermo Electron QuanX EC energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrometers and a complete obsidian hydration analysis laboratory. We hold an extensive collection of geologic source reference samples from the Far Western United States, Canada, and the Western Mediterranean, and maintain a very active source sampling and analysis research program. Our laboratory facilities, located near Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon, are equipped with a 24-hour monitoring system that provides constant security for artifact collections.
 
Right: Typical spectra produced during XRF analysis of a sample.
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 Craig E. Skinner, Program Director, has over 25 years of experience in the geochemical characterization of volcanic glasses (obsidian and volcanic tephra) and has coordinated obsidian-related investigations for many projects of all different sizes. He is past-president of the International Association of Obsidian Studies and has published numerous articles and reports related to characterization studies. He has a strong background in microcomputer and Internet applications and maintains World Wide Web sites for Northwest Research and the International Association for Obsidian Studies. E-mail: cskinner@obsidianlab.com
 Jennifer J. Thatcher, Assistant Program Director, received her initial obsidian hydration training at the University of Oregon and BioSystems Analysis obsidian hydration laboratories. She has extensive laboratory and field experience working on archaeological projects of all scales and completed her Master's Degree at Oregon State University in 2001. Her thesis research was on the geochemistry and GIS analysis of obsidian source material and artifacts from the Silver Lake/Sycan Marsh obsidian source, south-central Oregon. E-mail: jthatcher@obsidianlab.com
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All trace element and hydration analyses are figured at a per sample price rate. Price sheets and sample submission forms can be downloaded HERE.
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Additional information about laboratory facilities, analytical methods, staff, and support services may be accessed at our comprehensive World Wide Web site at www.obsidianlab.com and our U.S. obsidian source description catalog is now available at www.sourcecatalog.com. Additional information about sources in other countries is being developed in conjunction with the International Association for Obsidian Studies and the Archaeometry Laboratory at MURR with the assistance of an international contingent of obsidian researchers.
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