Potassium-argon dating Fossils and other objects that accumulate between these eruptions lie between two different layers of volcanic ash and rock. An object can be given an approximate date by dating the volcanic layers occurring above and below the object.

Can Uranium 235 be used to date dinosaur bones?

To determine the ages of these specimens, scientists need an isotope with a very long half-life. Some of the isotopes used for this purpose are uranium-238, uranium-235 and potassium-40, each of which has a half-life of more than a million years. Unfortunately, these elements dont exist in dinosaur fossils themselves.

What element is used to date fossils?

carbon dating Scientists use carbon dating when determining the age of fossils that are less than 60,000 years old, and that are composed of organic materials such as wood or leather.