Paramagnetic lattice defects in quartz for applications to ESR dating

Quartz is one of the minerals useful for ESR dating with many applications. Although the study has quite a long history since 1980's, ESR dating of quartz is still in a developing stage. After the basis in physics for the ESR signals in quartz is described, the current status of ESR dating of quartz is summarized for applications to fault gouge, tephra and sediment. Both basic studies for mechanisms and practical applications with independent age controls are still necessary to establish the protocols.