We have cut open the first of the samples and begun polishing them using a Jean Wirtz TG 250 grinding and polishing machine. The increasing grit grades removes cut lines and creates a smooth finish that brings out the internal structure and lamination of the samples. Some of the samples have now also undergone drilling by a hand-held dentist drill for the first round of stable isotope analysis. We now have the first results. Aside from that, 20 samples will soon be sent to the lab in Xi’an, China, for U/Th pilot dating.
