Luminescence dating is a geochronological technique used to determine the age of materials such as sediment, ceramics, and rocks. It measures the amount of trapped electrons accumulated in the crystal lattice of minerals (commonly quartz or feldspar) over time, particularly since the last time the material was exposed to sunlight or intense heat. When sediments or materials are buried, they are shielded from light, allowing electrons to accumulate in imperfections within the mineral grains.
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