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Far Western

Far Western

Far Western Anthropological Research Group, Inc., is a leader in cultural resources management services. Since 1979, Far Western has consulted in archaeological projects for private industry, government agencies, tribal organizations, and non-profit groups, to achieve the broader goals of the environmental review and compliance process.

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You are here: Home / Far Western XRF Lab

Far Western XRF Lab

Non-destructive, collaborative, reproducible…

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Far Western has a fully functional X-ray fluorescence (XRF) laboratory to help you with elemental sourcing needs whether they be in the field or in the lab. Our team has long experience with XRF analysis and interpretation and can assist as desired. This includes non-destructive geochemical sourcing of artifacts on a per item basis, as well as in-field analysis and on-site collections-based studies. We also take pride collaborative efforts with Native American tribes and tribal organizations, university faculty and students, and museums.

  • Collaborative philosophy
  • Scientific transparency
  • Quick turnaround

Our services

  • Obsidian and fine-grained volcanic trace element analysis
  • Portable on-site capability
  • Qualitative analysis of hazardous elements for curation facilities
  • Primary and secondary source distributions
  • Analysis of anthropogenic clay (e.g., pottery)
  • Digital deliverables – Click for Product Example

Our equipment and source library

Far Western’s analytical laboratory relies on Bruker portable X-ray fluorescence instruments. We configure our instruments to characterize obsidian, fine-grained volcanics, and some anthropogenic clays from the western Great Basin (e.g., Owens Valley Brownware pottery). Calibrated elements for these materials include lighter non-metal elements of sodium and phosphorus to heavier alkaline and other earth-metals such as barium and lead. For many non-rock samples, spectral comparative analysis is performed.

Our analytical reference library includes heterogenous materials, such as anthropogenic clays or pressed sediments, local cherts, fine-grained volcanics, and obsidian from the western United States. Our growing library contains almost 200 unique geochemical sources derived from 3,400 individual rock samples from California, Nevada, Utah, Idaho, and areas of Oregon and Washington. We continue to develop our reference sample collection, while investing in first-hand, in-field characterizations of major and minor geologic sources and their toolstone-quality distributions throughout the west.

We compare all samples to our source library by applying standard multivariate statistical methods using base-line bivariate or matrix plots with 95% confidence ellipses, as well as more complex methods applying confidence regions within ternary diagrams, discriminate function checks, and outlier analyses. All statistical analyses are done using SAS JMP 16.1 Pro, augmented in R. In other words, we work diligently to get standardized, reproducible results!

We provide straightforward and concise reports and data tables that include full methodological procedures and protocols.

Pricing

  • $35 per sample
  • $500 minimum charge
  • Contact us for customized in-field or collaborative solutions

Please contact Daron Duke with any questions. Email Daron

Our XRF Team

Daron Duke – Director

Kyle Freund – Analyst

Alexxandria Martinez – Analyst

Kathy Davis – Lead Analyst

Jay King – Analyst

D. Craig Young – Geomorphologist

Our XRF Lab team includes Dr. Daron Duke as Director and Ms, Kathy Davis, as Lead XRF Analyst, with assistance from Dr. Kyle Freund and Mr. Jay King. Ms. Alexxandria Martinez performs artifact scanning and data management. Dr. Duke has extensive experience with obsidian and FGV throughout the western U.S. Ms. Davis began her career in geochemical analysis more than 25 years ago and continues to perform rigorous analysis and quality control. Ms. Martinez specializes in characterizing anthropogenic clays. Dr. D. Craig Young assists with geologic source characterization and mapping.

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CONTACT US TODAY

Main Office - Davis, CA
(530) 756-3941
Bay Area Branch - Sausalito, CA
(415) 413-1450
Desert Branch - Henderson, NV
(702) 982-3691
Great Basin Branch - Carson City, NV
(775) 847-0223

FEATURED

Visualizing Indigenous Persistence during Spanish Colonization of the San Francisco Bay Area

FAR WESTERN NEWS

McGuire Publishes in Terrain

February 15, 2024

Vickie Clay awarded the NAA Silver Trowel Lifetime Achievement

May 17, 2023

Archaeology Reveals Past Lives of Bay Area Native Tribe: Phil Gross and Far Western Produce National PBS Documentary

November 8, 2022

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QUICKLINKS

Statement of Qualifications
GSA Contracting
Current On-Call List
Contact Us
Awards

SPECIAL SERVICES AND EVENTS

XRF Laboratory
Archaeobotanical Analysis
Underwater Archaeology
Public Outreach and Interpretation
Tribal Liaison
Occasional Speaker Series

CONTACT US

Main Office – Davis, CA (530) 756-3941
Bay Area Branch – Sausalito, CA (415) 413-1450
Desert Branch – Henderson, NV (702) 982-3691
Great Basin Branch – Carson City, NV (775) 847-0223

Far Western

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  • Statement of Qualifications
  • GSA Contracting
  • Current On-Call List
  • Contact Us
  • Awards