Origer’s Obsidian Laboratory

Origer’s Obsidian Laboratory (OOL) provides obsidian hydration band measurement services and has since 2002. In the 1970s, Tom (along with others) was instrumental in establishing the hydration laboratory at Sonoma State University. Tom served as director of the hydration Lab at SSU until it closed in 2002, when the University chose to pursue other research priorities.

Our prices as of July 1, 2022, are as follows.

1 – 5 specimens at $30.00 per thin section
6 – 50 specimens at $26.00 per thin section
51 – 100 specimens at $23.00 per thin section
101+ specimens at $20.00 per thin section

For an expedited service fee of $45 per thin section, we offer rapid turnaround (two-day processing from the time we receive them) for small (<10 specimens) batches, if circumstances allow. Call us in advance to arrange for this service.

We have had an increasing number of requests for obsidian hydration analysis where the client prefers that a flake be taken from the artifact, rather than a sample cut with a saw. This entire process including thin section preparation is significantly more time-consuming.

As of January 1, 2023, the fee for flaking a specimen to obtain material for thin section preparation will be $41.00 per sample.

Expedited service for flaking specimens will be charged at $56.00 per specimen, with a maximum of 10 specimens and a five-day turn-around. Other arrangements may be possible, and we are open to discussing your needs and our availability. As with any expedited service request, please contact us in advance to confirm that your schedule can be met.

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