Luminescence dating is used to estimate the age of sediments by determining how long ago mineral grains were last exposed to daylight. The amount of unstable trapped electrons in the crystal structure of minerals like quartz or feldspar is used to define the age of the sediment.

What can thermoluminescence be used on?

Thermoluminescence Dating. Thermoluminescence can be used to date materials containing crystalline minerals to a specific heating event. This is useful for ceramics, as it determines the date of firing, as well as for lava, or even sediments that were exposed to substantial sunlight.