INFOGRAPHIC 17.2 RADIOACTIVE DECAY IS USED TO DATE SOME ROCK TYPES
Some rock types, like those produced during volcanic eruptions, contain radioactive minerals like zircon that can be used to determine the age of the rock. Because the isotope uranium-238 decays to lead at a constant rate, the age of rock layers containing these minerals can be calculated by measuring the ratio of uranium-238 to lead-206 in the mineral sample.
Some rock types, like those produced during volcanic eruptions, contain radioactive minerals like zircon that can be used to determine the age of the rock. Because the isotope uranium-238 decays to lead at a constant rate, the age of rock layers containing these minerals can be calculated by measuring the ratio of uranium-238 to lead-206 in the mineral sample.
