# Ceramic authentication via magnetic analysis > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/ceramic-authentication-via-magnetic-analysis > Updated: 2026-09-14T12:00:00.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 2. Researchers have developed a method using archaeomagnetometry to authenticate ancient ceramics and detect modern forgeries. The technique relies on analyzing magnetic properties within minerals that align with the Earth’s magnetic field during the firing process. While initial thermoremanent magnetization occurs during production, scientists led by Yoav Vaknin at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography have identified a secondary signature known as viscous remanent magnetization (VRM). This signature accumulates slowly over centuries as the ceramic interacts with the Earth’s magnetic field. Testing indicates that in ceramics older than 1,000 years, this magnetization remains stable until temperatures exceed approximately 112 degrees Celsius. In contrast, modern forgeries typically lose this magnetism at much lower temperatures, between 50 and 70 degrees Celsius. By comparing these magnetic signals to historical geomagnetic variations, researchers can more accurately determine the age of archaeological finds, providing utility for museums and legal proceedings regarding the illicit antiquities trade. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-14: Archaeomagnetometry uses Earth's magnetic field to date ceramics Scientists are using archaeomagnetometry to date ancient ceramics by analyzing magnetic signatures left by the Earth's field, a method that can also help detect modern forgeries. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/archaeomagnetometry-uses-earths-magnetic-field-to-date-ceramics ### 2026-09-04: New magnetic analysis method detects ancient ceramic forgeries Scientists have developed a method to detect ceramic forgeries by measuring how heat affects their magnetic signatures, using a 112-degree Celsius threshold to identify ancient artifacts. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-magnetic-analysis-method-detects-ancient-ceramic-forgeries --- Cite as: Ceramic authentication via magnetic analysis. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/ceramic-authentication-via-magnetic-analysis